Nottingham is an amazing city to explore and study in, as the city is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful scenery, iconic historic landmarks, and prestigious universities that attract students from across the globe. To put the city’s popularity among international students into perspective, the University of Nottingham alone has a reported student population of 33,520, of which 27% are international students.
But before getting involved with lectures, it is important to find your perfect student accommodation in Nottingham so you can study in peace. To find your perfect student accommodation Nottingham, you must first understand the Nottingham housing market and useful tips and tricks for finding your ideal accommodation. We have compiled all the information you need in this helpful guide so you can easily find your Nottingham accommodation.
Understanding the Nottingham Student Housing Types
Before getting started with the search, it is essential to understand the different housing types available in the city, and these are the following:
University Accommodation
University accommodation options are university-managed halls close to the campus and only cater to students from a specific university; these often have an allotment policy based on factors such as (year of study, financial requirements, disabilities, or specific programmes). They are an ideal option as they are close to campus and are often affordable; some may even offer catered stays (meals included). Their availability is limited, and depending on allotment priorities, they are also extremely high in demand and not available at all universities.
PBSAs (Purposely Built Student Accommodation)
PBSAs are ideal for students as they offer more flexibility than university accommodation options. They accept all full-time students at most registered educational institutions; students must also be over the age of eighteen, with some having the exception of allowing students under eighteen to stay as long as they turn eighteen within their first semester.
Both PBSAs and University accommodation options include all bills, which means that you will not be liable for any utility fees, except, in some cases, a TV license fee if you wish to watch TV or a one-time internet connection fee.
PBSAs and university halls offer a wide range of options, including shared rooms (shared among tenants), en-suite and non-en-suite rooms, studios, and, in some cases, entire flats.
Private Lets (Private Options)
These are the most widespread options available and offer the most flexibility regarding location, start dates for your contract, length of stay, and accommodation types. On the downside, they often do not have the university halls’ and PBSAs’ bills included policy. But they do offer the most flexibility, but at a cost. If you want the most privacy, you may consider a private studio or a private flat, or you can share a flat with a friend.
Sharing is not always possible at PBSAs and university halls. Private lets may also be called Private Rented Accommodation (PRA), which are private accommodation options managed by landlords or letting agencies.
When to Look for a Student Flat
Even though finding a Private Let is much easier than PBSAs or university halls, it is still subject to high demand as Nottingham is a popular destination, especially for students; this is why you should also be mindful of the best times to book your student flat. The best times to book are as follows:
- November-December: This is the best time to look for accommodation. There, you’ll find the most accommodation options but also be met with strict competition from other prospective students.
- January-March: This is the peak season; by then, availability starts decreasing, and prices may increase.
- April-August: Flats become more limited, and many students resort to last-minute options.
Note that accommodations may still be available but at high prices or limited quantities beyond those time frames.
Getting Ready for Flat Hunting
Now that we know the time frames and understand the Nottingham housing market, we must craft our hunting strategy. Below are essential flat-hunting steps.
Outline Your Housing Needs and Budget
Carefully budgeting your expenses is essential so that you have a stress-free study experience. Housing, in particular, is a major expense when travelling abroad, which is why you will need to carefully consider your budget. In addition, it is important to outline your needs in terms of room types, room features, length of stay, and location. Your needs should be prioritised, as you may have to be flexible.
Do Your Research
Start researching the different types of accommodation platforms, such as Casita.com, which will assist free of charge! You can also start exploring different neighbourhoods and options online.
Check Out Online Reviews
If available, online reviews can give you a reflection of what to expect and act as a deciding factor on whether or not to book. Note that everyone’s experience is different, so contact Casita’s expert staff with any questions you may have.
Prepare Your Application Documents
Preparing your documents is a crucial step in your job hunt as it can speed up the process of securing your room. Any delay in paperwork may result in the expiry of your offer. Some of the commonly requested documents include proof of ID (passport or valid photo ID), a guarantor, who may be a UK-based guarantor or an international guarantor, and financial documents (proof of income or student loans).
Note that guarantors may be required if you wish to pay in instalments; if unavailable, you may opt for a guarantor service like Housing Hand.
Have Your Viewings
If you would like to see the property for yourself, you can do so both virtually and in person, depending on the provider’s viewing policy or your ability to view the property due to your location constraints. For effective viewings, you should schedule your viewings as soon as possible, prepare a list of things you’d like to check out and ask questions, and inspect thoroughly.
Securing Your Flat and Signing the Tenancy Agreement
After completing all previous steps, you should start securing your flat and signing your tenancy agreement. Before doing so, understand your rights and responsibilities and read your tenancy agreement carefully. If you share a flat, ensure all tenants co-sign the tenancy agreement.
So there you have it. These tips and tricks ensure you find your perfect Nottingham flat. For more information, you can contact free service providers such as Casita.com, who will assist you free of charge. Casita has experience dealing with the UK student housing market and always has an expanding stock of options and partnerships, so make sure you call their staff for expert support.
