Renting student accommodation in the UK is a big milestone. For many students, it’s their first taste of independence and responsibility. While the process can be exciting, it can also be confusing—especially if you’re renting for the first time. From hidden fees to dodgy landlords, mistakes happen far too often, and they can be expensive.
To help you navigate the process smoothly, here are 5 of the most common mistakes students make when renting in the UK—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Researching the Location Properly
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option you see online, but location matters just as much as rent. A flat that looks like a bargain could end up costing more if it’s far from campus, has poor transport links, or is in an unsafe area.
For example, if you’re looking for student accommodation in York, you’ll want to balance living close to the University of York or York St John University with being near local hotspots like Fossgate or Bishopthorpe Road. Similarly, students in Cambridge should consider how easy it is to get to their college while also having access to the city centre.
Why this is a problem:
- Longer commutes eat into study and social time.
- You’ll spend more money on buses, trains, or taxis.
- Living in a dull or unsafe neighbourhood can make your student experience stressful.
How to avoid it:
- Use Google Maps to calculate walking, cycling, and public transport routes to your university.
- Check if there are grocery stores (Tesco, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s), cafes, pharmacies, and medical centres nearby.
- Look up local crime rates or ask current students about the area. University Facebook groups and Reddit threads are great for honest reviews.
- Remember: central city areas are often pricier, but may save you money on transport.
2. Overlooking the Tenancy Agreement
The tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord or letting agent. Many students skim-read it—or worse, don’t read it at all—before signing. This can lead to nasty surprises like unexpected charges, strict rules, or issues when trying to leave early.
This is a common issue across cities like Cambridge and Brighton, where rental demand is high. Students often feel pressured to sign quickly, without fully understanding what they’re committing to.
Why this is a problem:
- You could end up responsible for repairs or cleaning costs you weren’t aware of.
- Breaking the agreement (e.g., moving out early) may result in losing your deposit.
- You may face penalties for late rent or subletting.
How to avoid it:
- Read the agreement line by line, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Confirm whether bills are included. “All bills included” often covers gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi—but double-check.
- Make sure your deposit will be protected under a government-approved scheme: Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
- Ask about renewal terms if you plan to stay for more than one academic year.
3. Not Inspecting the Property Before Moving In
Online photos can be misleading, and students often sign contracts without viewing the property in person. This can lead to moving into a home with damp walls, mould, faulty heating, or furniture that looks far older than advertised.
This is particularly important in older cities like Chester and York, where many rental houses are historic properties. While they have plenty of charm, they can sometimes come with outdated plumbing or heating systems that aren’t obvious in photos.
Why this is a problem:
- You might end up paying for repairs that should be the landlord’s responsibility.
- Poor housing conditions can affect your health (e.g., damp and mould can cause respiratory problems).
- Furniture, appliances, and locks may not meet safety standards.
How to avoid it:
- If you’re in the UK, attend a viewing before signing. If you’re abroad, ask for a live video tour instead.
- During the viewing, check:
- Heating and hot water systems
- Kitchen appliances (oven, fridge, washing machine)
- Windows, locks, and fire alarms
- Signs of damp or mould
- Heating and hot water systems
- Take photos/videos of any existing damage before moving in and share them with your landlord or agent. This way, you won’t be blamed later.
4. Underestimating the True Cost of Living
Rent isn’t the only expense you’ll face. Many students sign for accommodation they think they can afford, only to realise later that bills, transport, and food add up quickly.
For instance, if you’re in student accommodation in Brighton, transport costs may be minimal since the city is walkable and well-connected by bus, but food and leisure expenses can be higher. On the other hand, student accommodation in Chester may come with lower living costs overall, but you’ll still need to budget for essentials and unexpected fees.
Why this is a problem:
- Overspending can cause financial stress, leading to difficulty paying rent.
- You may end up cutting corners on essentials like food or study materials.
How to avoid it:
- Create a realistic budget that includes:
- Rent + bills (gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi)
- Food and groceries
- Transport (bus passes, train tickets, or fuel)
- Study costs (books, printing, software)
- Leisure (nights out, streaming subscriptions, societies)
- Rent + bills (gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi)
- Don’t forget hidden costs:
- TV licence (£169.50 per year if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer)
- Laundry (can be £3–£5 per wash in student halls)
- Council tax (full-time students are exempt, but part-time students may need to pay).
- TV licence (£169.50 per year if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer)
- Consider all-inclusive accommodation if you prefer predictable monthly payments.
5. Failing to Communicate with Housemates and Landlords
Even if the property is perfect, poor communication can make your student housing experience miserable. Many students don’t establish ground rules with housemates, leading to conflicts about cleaning, noise, or bills. Similarly, not keeping a paper trail with landlords can make it harder to resolve disputes.
Whether you’re in a shared flat in Cambridge or a private studio in York, clear communication can make or break your student living experience.
Why this is a problem:
- Unpaid bills can damage your credit score if they’re under your name.
- Tensions with housemates can make living conditions stressful.
- Landlords may ignore repair requests unless you keep records of your communication.
How to avoid it:
- Set up a rota for cleaning and discuss house rules (quiet hours, guests, smoking, etc.) early on.
- Use apps like Splitwise or Monzo to manage shared expenses fairly.
- Always communicate with landlords via email or text, not just phone calls, so you have written proof.
- Know your rights: landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your property, except in emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Renting in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time away from home. But with careful research, financial planning, and clear communication, you can avoid the common pitfalls that many students face.
By choosing the right location, understanding your tenancy agreement, inspecting your property, budgeting wisely, and maintaining good communication, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and more enjoyable student living experience. Always take your time, ask questions, and never sign a contract you don’t fully understand.
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure ideal student accommodation on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
About author
Bhavna.S is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure – only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.
