Yahoo News Clearing 2018: how to find last-minute accommodation
As with most big steps in life, research is crucial. Starting university is no exception, and neither is A-level results day.
For most would-be students, university accommodation will have been booked months ago, but what about those sixth formers who suddenly face a change in direction?
After the initial flurry of research, phone calls and deliberating involved in finding a university place through Ucas Clearing, it might be tempting to sit back and relax.
But there’s still one more hurdle to cross before you can completely chill out: securing somewhere to live. There are a myriad of ways in which you can solve the accommodation problem, none of which involve entering crisis mode.
I’ve got a Clearing place, I have nowhere to live, I’m panicking, what should I do first?
First of all (and we realise it is a cliché), stay calm. A few hours ago you didn’t even know if you would be going to university this year, and if your biggest worry now is finding a place to live for first year, you’re doing just fine.
Next, get yourself organised, draw up a list of basic (and reasonable) requirements, set yourself a budget and try to discuss it with your parents before launching headlong into a search, or committing to that luxury studio flat you really can’t afford.
Reasonable expectations are key; every student makes compromises with accommodation, and you might have to be that bit more flexible when looking at the last minute. Doors, smoke alarms, a functioning shower: all reasonable expectations. A wet room, tumble drier, and 100m walk to university, not so much.
Above all else, never hand over any money before you have seen a property – unless it’s a university hall run by your university – and always ensure you read every word of a contract before signing (no matter how tedious that may be).
Tash Burden, housing advisor at the University of Bristol, says: "You should find out what sort of accommodation is available in your area and the average costs and be clear about your budget. Use a checklist to help you ask all the essential questions at viewings. If a landlord or agent promises to carry out work, get it confirmed in writing.
"Where possible, make sure you get on with your potential housemates and be sure you can talk to them about any issues that could arise.
"Once you've found somewhere ensure to read your tenancy agreement and check your deposit is being protected in one of the three government approved schemes. When you move in make sure you take detailed photos of the property and complete an inventory."
Will my newly adopted university be able to help me out?
All universities should be able to help you out in some way, but the degree of assistance will vary massively by institution.
Get in touch with your university’s housing service, who should be able to help you with anything ranging from finding accommodation to helping make sense of a contract.
You don’t have to struggle through the process by yourself. These services exist because they want to help and you should be taking full advantage of them.
Some universities guarantee a spot for Clearing students in university-owned accommodation, or accommodation with a partner/nominated supplier, so do check if either is an option for you.
This year, the University of Sheffield guarantees you a roof over your head as long as you accept a place and apply for accommodation by August 31.
The University of Aberystwyth has the same guarantee as long as you apply before September 1.
Some universities - including the University of Bristol - hold a 'house search event', where students can stay in halls of residents for three nights and meet others in the same position. Bristol does not guarantee a place in halls, however they do normally find rooms for all students.
Will my social life be over if I don’t get a place in halls?
Before going to university, it might seem like your social life will be over if you don’t get a place in halls, which is not the case. You have your course, sports teams and a whole world of societies to make friends, and you can avoid the drama, sticky carpets and passive aggressive post-it notes that living in halls entails.
It's likely you'll make many friends on your course regardless of whether or not you live in the university halls, and if you go to university in a city relatively near where you live you will be inundated with invitations. You can always stay over at friend's after a night out if need be.
It is also worth noting that you will get woken up in halls quite often by various alarms, safety drills and rowdy peers. It is no fun standing outside in the rain at 4am waiting for the all-clear to head back inside from the fire marshall, so if worst comes to worst and you don't secure a place in halls, at least you avoid this.
This year Kingston University is guaranteeing an offer of accommodation to all applicants who accept a place during the first two days of Clearing on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August.
Director of admissions at Kingston University, Dr Andy Homer, says: “The team additionally produces a vacancy list of properties in the private sector which is updated each day and maintains a list of local letting agents who can help students find accommodation in the area." He added: “there is also a student to student notice board for students to contact others also looking for a property to rent between June and September.”
You have a number of options to explore beyond the realms of the university hall:
• Flat/house share: You’re not the only one who has got in through Clearing, so take to social media to join groups relevant to your course and forum websites like the Student Room and track down anyone out there in a similar position who might be willing to team up. Alternatively, you might find an existing group of non-freshers who need to fill a spot. You were prepared to live with strangers in halls, so it’s not too big a step, and you’ll actually be able to meet people before deciding to live with them for a year.
• Become a lodger: Choosing to take up a spare room in someone’s house as a lodger has some major benefits. You’re likely to get better value for money, a sense of normality to come home to, somewhere peaceful when you want it, and some even offer hot meals with the rental price which is going to be a major help whilst you're studying at university. Though bear in mind this means you’re living in someone’s house, so you won't be hosting any parties (you won't be cleaning up after them either) and if you crave the halls experience this may not be for you.
• Private halls: Private halls are usually very expensive but offer many of the advantages of university run halls, but with nicer surroundings and less craziness. If money is not a problem then these should probably be your first port of call, but for those on a tighter budget they may be a last resort.
Where are the best places to research online?
Of course you should get in touch with your university's housing service to start with, but here are some other websites and links to help you out if they can't get things sorted. There are also plenty of groups you an join on social media with people from your university course who will also be searching for accommodation, and will be looking to team up with people to house/flat share if need be.
Lettings websites:
• SpareRoom: A website dedicated to matching people in need of a place to live with those in need of someone to fill a room.
• StuRents: Lets you browse thousands of student houses and halls, house hunt as a group and even manage bills/expenses with housemates, perfect if you’ve just teamed up with an unknown group.
• Rightmove Students: The student dedicated branch of the property search website Rightmove. Useful for finding student housing close to campus, with the pricing all listed as per person, per week.
• Zoopla: A website listing properties for rent, one of the places to turn to if you manage to get a group of people together to rent somewhere.
• Gumtree: Classified ads site Gumtree lists many rental options, but as with all websites where anyone can post an advert, it’s best to be cautious.
• Accommodation for students: A student dedicated site listing available accommodation with prices per person, per week.
Private halls:
For those in London there are a number of other private companies such as Urbanest and Pure.
What if I don’t like any of the choices available to me?
To be brutally honest, you’re going to have to get over it. Unless you have a practically unlimited budget, student living is always an exercise in compromise. You have to balance practicality, quality and the potential to have fun, all while staying within your financial means. You’re not going to have it all, but as long as you tick a couple of your most important boxes, you will have an amazing time.
Remember that it’s only your first year. By the end of freshers you will meet people that you can share with in second or third year, which is the norm anyway and you will regret getting hung up on accommodation more than just getting on with it and enjoying your university experience in whatever form it comes.
