Moving into private/shared/rented accommodation

Living in a shared house can be a big change after living in halls. We have lots of information and tips to ensure you have a positive time living off-campus. See the University's private accommodation guide here. 

Finding your new home

If you need help to find private accommodation, RUSU has a lot of advice. RUSU also runs its own lettings agency which advertises properties on behalf of local private landlords.

Moving in

Know your rights and responsibilities as a student tenant. RUSU has advice on deposits, repairs, bills, and what you can expect from your landlord.

Insurance
Student houses are often targeted by thieves so don’t forget to insure your belongings. Ensure all your belongings are covered, including clothing, jewellery, electrical and computer equipment, and check what you are covered against, for example fire, flood and/or theft.
There are many companies offering insurance, including Endsleigh Insurance which has a branch on campus.

Field trip insurance

The University's insurance office provides information on coverage for field trips, medical insurance placement and overseas travel.

International students

If you are an international student, you should make arrangements in your own country to cover yourself and your belongings while travelling to and from the University. Students staying for six months or less should be sure they are covered either by the European Union (EU) reciprocal arrangements (for EU students), by their home University or by private insurance arrangements made before they arrive in Britain.

International students may need to provide additional information when renting a property – speak to the Student Financial Support Team for advice.

More financial information is available in Essentials.

Right to rent checks

From 1 February 2016, all private landlords in England will have to make ‘right to rent’ checks. This means checking that tenants have the right to be in the UK.  Students with tenancy agreements for privately rented accommodation after 1 February 2016 will be checked by a landlord or letting agent to make sure they have the right to rent. Landlords will need to see certain documents, which prove that the tenant has the right to be in the UK.

Right to rent document checks 

A right to rent check cannot be carried out more than 28 days before you enter into a tenancy agreement with your landlord.  A right to rent request can be made by the Landlord by completing this online form.

Tenants who sub-let their room will also need to make right to rent checks.  If you have an ongoing in-country visa application with the Home Office, or your documents are with the Home Office, an email from the Landlords Checking Service providing a "yes" response to a right to rent request is acceptable.