Student accommodation guide
Halls, house shares, deposits and bills, and your rights as a student tenant.
Finding accommodation
Best accommodation websites
Compare the 6 best student housing platforms and aFS, SpareRoom, Rightmove, UniHomes and more reviewed.
House viewing checklist
The essential questions you must ask and things to check before you sign any contract.
University halls guide
Understanding what to expect when living in university managed halls of residence.
Private accommodation guide
Everything you need to know about renting from a private landlord or letting agent.
Purpose built student housing
Exploring the pros and cons of staying in modern, private student complexes.
Short term & summer lets
Finding temporary accommodation for summer courses or work placements.
Renting & tenant rights
Understanding tenancy agreements
Learn how to read your rental contract and understand your legal obligations.
Deposits & protection
How to ensure your deposit is protected by law and how to get it back at the end.
Student tenant rights
A clear guide to your legal rights and what you can expect from your landlord.
Repairs & maintenance rules
Find out who is responsible for fixing things and how to request repairs properly.
Avoiding bad landlords
Spot the red flags early and learn how to deal with difficult rental situations.
Housemate agreements
How to set ground rules with your housemates to ensure a happy home life.
Bills & utilities
Setting up bills
A step by step guide to setting up electricity, gas, and water in a student house.
Splitting bills with housemates
The best methods and apps for sharing utility costs fairly with your friends.
Broadband comparison
How to find the best value high speed internet for your student home.
Energy saving tips
Practical ways to keep your home warm and your utility bills as low as possible.
Council tax rules
Make sure you understand the rules around student exemptions for council tax.
Avoiding bill disputes
Advice on how to handle disagreements over utility payments with housemates.
Living skills & safety
Basic household skills
Master the essentials of laundry, small repairs, and keeping a home running.
Cleaning checklist
A simple schedule to keep your student house clean and hygienic for everyone.
Food safety & storage
Learn how to store food correctly and safely in a shared student kitchen.
Home safety & security
Keep yourself and your belongings safe with our student security tips.
First aid basics
The essential first aid knowledge every student should have for their home.
Best budget recipes
Quick and healthy meals that you can cook on a tight student budget.
Before you sign anything
In England, a holding deposit can't be more than one week's rent. The main deposit has to go into one of three government-backed schemes within 30 days of the landlord getting it (gov.uk, checked September 2026).
Private renting in England changed on 1 May 2026. Tenancies no longer have a fixed end date, you can leave with two months' notice, and section 21 "no fault" evictions are gone. University halls, and private halls whose landlord has signed up to the national code of practice, sit outside these rules.
Related sections
Related sections.
Student money and finance
Rent is usually your biggest bill. Learn to budget, split costs and claim refunds.
Preparing for university
New to uni? We cover packing lists, kitchen essentials and first-year housing picks.
Student tools and calculators
Use the rent affordability calculator, bills splitter and house-viewing checklist.
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