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How do I find student accomodation... fast?

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
edited March 27 in Work & Study
I'm doing a first year degree at The University of Central Lancashire, but I'm living at home still and travelling to uni every day. I've had enough of home and need my independance...

I've decided I need to move out, possibly to shared accomodation in Preston for students. I just wanted to know how to go about finding somewhere? How much should I expect to pay for rent? Are there any decent websites for finding student accomodation?

And when I move out, can I get a bigger loan or a grant to help with rent, etc? I want to move out really soon so any advise is appreciated.

Cheers.
Post edited by JustV on

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I went to uni in Lancaster and I can tell you that it is one of the cheapest places in England to live, especially for students. I, and most of the people I knew didn't pay more than £35 a week for pretty decent accomatation. Usually there are adverts up around campus or at the Student Union. At Lancaster uni, every year around January the Student Union published a list of all the available accomodation and basically it was first come first served,(and as I was one of the first, I got a lovely place!!).

    So I would advise you to ask for advice at your uni - I'm sure they'll have info. But make sure you look at quite a few places, and look closely (there can be well disguised dodginess where student accomodation is concerned)

    Good luck!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Forgot to mention - yes you should be able to get a bigger loan. If you explain that your outgoings will be greater as you now have to pay rent, I am sure they will take that into consideration. Students generally don't have a problem getting loans.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    As the duck says, it's probably best to go through your university accommodation office or student union. Not only will they know the local landlords, but will be able to advise you on the cheapest/safest areas to live.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Moderators, do you know any good websites?

    Pretty please. <IMG SRC="tongue.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> <IMG SRC="biggrin.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Kirk
    You've already been given good advice which is why I didn't bother replying earlier, get in touch with your uni accomodation office, they will have a list of houseshares available, and as you are already studying there, it shouldn't be too hard for you to just walk in.
    Also, look on notice boards on corridors, when I was at uni there were signs everywhere desperately advertising for flatmates.
    The accomodation office is best because they check that the houses are up to scratch, or at least have the right fire safety precautions and so on. (They may even have a website, probably linked from your uni's one).
    As for money, you should have absolutely no problem borrowing money...go talk to your student support office, the union often has a debt clinic too where you can drop in for advice. Failing that go see your bank who can often extend your overdraft.
    Some uni's offer money to help with rent that you can apply for if your rent is above their deemed average, and there are also hardship funds and loans...as these vary from one uni to another I'd suggest you speak to student support.
    Housing articles: http://www.thesite.org/magazine/specials_students/housing/finding_a_flat.html http://www.thesite.org/magazine/specials_students/housing/renting_your_rights.html

    Money and debt: http://www.thesite.org/info/money/student_finance/basic_funding_options_for_students.html

    Hope that helps
    Susie <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    The UCE accomodation office will have a list of available tenancies, possibly on the web, and you should go through them as they check residencies to ensure tehy comply with health and safety regulations, and that the landlors dont rip you off. The AO at Durham will even check the contracts for you.

    If you dont have anyone to live with as of yet then therell be plenty of adverts up and about; our AO even ran a fair to match unfilled houses with unsigned students.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    My sister is at Central Lancs Uni, their accommodation was very full not too long ago. They had to put her and mates up in a hotel for a week or so and now they are in a Student house, the house is quite far away from the Uni and town centre which isn't too appreciated. Email their admissions department as they will making way for September students soon and hopefully, you can get in Halls or anywhere near the campus.

    I may be there in September, quality.

    [ 21-02-2002: Message edited by: Puertarica ]
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I was quite lucky, my mom and dad baught a flat in the town as an investment and me and 3 pals stay there. We do pay rent, all be it small. Anyway I find that the uni are quite good when it comes to help with finding accommodation.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I found some sites...
    try these:

    site 1

    site 2
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Cheers Susie, there's nothing available in my area on those sites so I just looked on that fish4 thing, got a number and visited the place. It all looked a bit rough to me, but I'm a man of high standards.

    I spoke with my mates landlord about a room downstairs that needs a wall plastering, when he's sorted it... I'm in. <IMG SRC="biggrin.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">
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