Everything You Need to Know About the Student Accommodation Application Process

So, you’re moving to university. It’s a big step, perhaps your first time moving out, and to a whole new place where everything is new. At Urban Student, we understand how daunting looking for and applying to student housing can be.

We aim to make your student accommodation application process as seamless as possible and are here to answer any questions you may have regarding the process. Let’s break it down and walk you through the entire process step by step.

Step One: Secure Your Place

The first step is to secure your university place. Many university accommodation providers will need proof that you are or are going to be, a student in the city before offering you accommodation, so this is an essential first step.

Step Two: Narrow Down Your Search and Set Priorities

There are plenty of different options for student accommodation providers out there, so we recommend picking a list of your top five and making pros and cons lists of each to narrow down which ones suit you and your needs best. For example, if location to university is important to you, you may want to factor that in as one of your top priorities.

Step Three: Virtual Tours

Once you’ve selected a few of your favourite student accommodation listings, take online virtual tours or look at photos of the accommodation to get a feel for the space and the amenities.

Step Four: Research the Companies

Make sure to thoroughly research the accommodation providers you are considering. It’s important that they are supportive, understanding, and available when you need them. Don’t forget to read reviews, as there is nothing more valuable than another student’s previous experience with an accommodation or provider.

Step Five: Book a Tour

The fun part—go and see the accommodation in person! Most accommodation providers offer in-person tours, either as part of a group or one-on-one. To book a viewing, get in contact with the provider of the student accommodation you are interested in. If you can’t travel to view it, ask if they have any video footage of the apartment. You can book an apartment without a viewing, so it won’t be an issue if you can’t make an in-person visit.

Step Six: Prepare Required Information

Most accommodation providers will expect the following from you, so make sure you have it on hand ahead of time:

• Personal Details: Have your personal details ready, including your name, date of birth, and contact information.
• Academic Information: Provide information about your course and year of study (this can be a date in the future).
• Financial Information: Be prepared to provide financial details or guarantor information if required.

Step Seven: Put Down a Deposit

Assuming you are happy with the accommodation you have viewed; you can put down a holding deposit and let the provider know the dates you would like to live in the property. A holding deposit means you are provisionally securing your space and your selected dates. Every provider will have different policies on when and how to pay your deposit, so it’s worth contacting them directly.

At Urban Student, to secure your apartment you will need to fill out a reservation form and pay a £300 holding deposit. Once we receive this deposit, you will be sent an electronic tenancy agreement that needs to be signed within seven days. Once you have signed the agreement, you are liable for the rent for your tenancy. You will then be required to pay your tenancy deposit, which equates to four weeks’ worth of rent (minus the £300 holding deposit) within seven working days of signing the agreement.

Step Eight: Move-In Time!

Once all your paperwork is complete and all deposits are paid, you will be given your move-in date and handed your keys, let the university experience begin!

Time to book that moving van!

Frequently Asked Questions We Receive at Urban Student:

What if I want to cancel my booking? All accommodation providers are different. At Urban Student, we can hold the room for seven days after you have paid the holding deposit, which can be used as part of the tenancy deposit. If the tenancy agreement has not been signed after seven days, the booking will be automatically cancelled, and the holding deposit is non-refundable. If you have signed the agreement and paid the deposit, an extra £250 admin fee will be charged for changing or ending the tenancy.

What happens to my deposit? Deposits are protected by schemes like the Deposit Protection Service or Letting Protection Scotland. You’ll need to authorize the refund and provide your bank details to the scheme using the deposit repayment ID sent via email upon deposit registration. Your deposit will be returned after your tenancy ends and your room is inspected, minus any charges or damages.

How do I pay my rent? Your rent can be paid:

• Online via our website
• Bank transfer to a company account

Can I pay my rent from overseas? You can pay your rent online via our website (in GBP or your home currency), by bank transfer, or by credit or debit card over the phone.

Can I pay my rent in instalments? If you have a valid UK Guarantor, you can choose to pay your rent in four instalments, which are due in September, January, March, and June. If you don’t have a valid UK Guarantor, you are required to pay the full amount upfront before the tenancy start date.

Can I book if I am under 18? If you turn 18 in the first semester of university, we can accept your booking with the condition that an adult over the age of 18 is a co-signatory on your tenancy agreement and accepts its terms.

Can I choose my room and who I live with? With Urban Student, you can choose your exact room number at the booking stage and select who you live with.

Should you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. If you would like to speak to us about one of our properties or have an inquiry about a current property you reside in, please contact us using the form below.

Alternatively, you can email us at: studentproperties@urban-creation.com, call us on: 0117 934 9508, WhatsApp us on 07944667873, or WeChat: UrbanCreation

Most importantly, enjoy every moment – University days go by in a flash!

Published: 15.07.24 by Phoebe Clutton