Nottingham is an exciting place to study as it is full of mystery, history, and legendary landmarks and figures such as Robin Hood and Nottingham Castle. Not only that, but the city’s historic streets and landmarks take you back in time, and its scientific output and modernity complement that rich history, making it a bridge between the present and the past.
The city’s beauty, coupled with its high-quality institutions, which include the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent, has made student accommodation Nottingham in high demand. Keep reading so you can know exactly what to expect regarding booking your Nottingham student accommodation and when to start searching and booking.
The Nottingham Housing Market
Before jumping into the best timing, we should first explore the different student accommodation options available.
On-campus University Halls
These are directly offered by the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University and have limited availability compared to off-campus University of Nottingham accommodation and off-campus Nottingham Trent University accommodation options. These on-campus halls have applications, which generally fall between the months of November and March.
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PBSAs (Purposely-built-student accommodation)
These are similar to on-campus university halls but have more flexibility in room options and locations. Both university halls and PBSAs have on-site facilities; however, university halls are specific for their university students, while PBSAs are set up for full-time students over the age of 18.
PBSAs are the most common option, as on-campus halls typically fill up once applications open. These offer the same, if not more, on-site facilities and room types. PBSAs also have a wider variety of tenancy lengths in comparison to on-campus university halls. In most cases, PBSAs have all bills included, so you do not have to worry about paying any additional utility fees.
Houseshares
For students looking for a home away from home and a family setting, in addition to a faster introduction to the local culture. Your host family will not only provide you with a place to stay but also provide you with great local tips, tricks, and guidance. Depending on the agreement, your hosts may also provide delicious home-cooked meals.
Private Nottingham Accommodation
If none of these options are available, or if you require more specific room options, then you could always consider private Nottingham accommodation options. Private lets offer more variety in room types, locations, and tenancy durations. On the downside, utility bills are not always included in the rent, and they may lack on-site facilities such as the ones in PBSAs.
When and How to Start Your Search for Accommodation in Nottingham
Finding your perfect Nottingham student accommodation can be extremely easy if done right and with the right help and guidance. It will also require planning so that you do not miss your application deadlines. In this section, we’ll tell you when and how to find your Nottingham student accommodation.
Pre-Arrival (6 Months Before Arriving)
It is highly recommended that you start familiarising yourself with the Nottingham housing market at least six months before your arrival. In these six months, we recommend that you check the available accommodation options on various websites, such as studentaccommodations.com, which offers free support and guidance. You should also budget your expenses and check deadlines (November and March).
Housing costs can really add up to your living expenses if not carefully budgeted, so check out if your accommodation has all bills included and if you are expected to pay any council taxes (not applicable for full-time students in the UK).
Early Bird Stage (4 Months Before Arriving)
By this time, you should have already obtained a rough understanding of the Nottingham housing market and should start shortlisting your favourite locations and accommodation options. Keep in mind that housing in the UK, especially student housing, has peak booking seasons, so you should always be ahead so that you can later book easily and find what you are looking for.
The first peak season for university halls is November – March, while the second is June—August for PBSA and private rentals. During this period, you can also start reaching out to properties, especially through expert platforms like studentaccommodations.com, which are already knowledgeable in the UK housing market and have partnerships throughout the country.
Active Search Stage (2 Months Before Arriving)
Your active search stage is crucial and will determine your stay in the upcoming months. This is why choosing carefully, making your calls, and starting by viewing the properties are important. You can always request a virtual viewing link if you cannot visit the property in person. It is also crucial that you organise your questions about the property so that you can get all the answers you’re looking for. Once that’s done, you’ll move on to the last and equally important stage, which will entail securing your option and signing your contract.
Final Steps & Securing Accommodation (1-2 Months Before Arriving)
This step, as previously mentioned, is very important and will entail reading your offers, choosing which property suits you best, reading your contract carefully, signing your contract, and later paying. Note that in the UK, some properties may require a guarantor to pay for instalments, but do not worry, as you can always rely on Housing Hand to fill in your guarantor’s spot. Once you have made your required payments, your housing option is yours throughout the duration of your contract.
Considerations Before Booking:
Before you arrive, there are a few things to keep in check. These are:
Visas and Documentation
You’ll need a valid passport and an enrollment letter to qualify to stay at a student housing. That said, some of student accommodations’s options have “no-visa-no-pay” policies, so you can proceed with your booking steps and be refunded if your visa has been rejected.
Finding a Guarantor
As previously mentioned, finding a guarantor is essential if you wish to pay your rent in instalments. Some properties require a UK-based guarantor, while others accept an international guarantor. If none of these are available, you can always rely on Housing Hand.
Setting up Essentials
Check what needs to be set up or brought to your new Nottingham property, whether setting up your internet or bringing kitchen appliances or linens. Make sure you know what needs to be brought to the property before arriving.
Upon arrival, you could also inspect your room with your landlord to ensure that it is not damaged and that the furniture matches the property description.
So, there you have it. These were all the timings and considerations you should have before and while booking your accommodation in Nottingham. For more information, you can contact student accommodations’s expert staff.
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