Student housing

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

Most students have to live on very little money and aren't entitled to housing benefit. Finding a suitable place you can afford can be difficult but will ensure that your studies aren't disrupted by housing problems.

If you're having major problems, get help as soon as possible. Use our directory to find a local agency that can advise you. You may also find the Communities and Local Government helpful.

Finding out what's available

It's essential to check out your options. Most colleges and universities have an accommodation office or student welfare officer who can help you find a place to live. You could also check student noticeboards for vacancies in shared houses, or place an advert yourself saying what you are looking for. You could also check out websites that specialise in student accommodation. Not all options are available in all areas, so you'll need to be realistic about what you are prepared to accept. The type of tenancy or licence you have will affect your rights and what happens if you are threatened with eviction. You may be able to get a place in:

Halls of residence

Many colleges and universities have halls of residence. You usually get your own room and share cooking, bathroom and toilet facilities with other students. Some halls provide meals and bed-linen but most are self-catering. Many first year students are offered a place in halls before they start their course. If this happens, make sure you read any paperwork you receive and complete and return any forms on time. There aren't usually enough places for you to stay in halls throughout your course, so you may have to look at other options later on.

You should be given an agreement explaining the rights and responsibilities you have before you move in. In most cases it will say that you are an occupier with basic protection. This means that you can be evicted fairly easily but the college or university has to give you at least four weeks' written notice and get a court order before you have to leave. Take time to read your hall agreement to make sure you understand what it says before you sign it. If there is anything that is unclear or unfair, get advice. It may not be legally correct.

Most halls of residence are owned by the college or university but in some cases they are owned and managed by private companies. If this is the case, the college or university still decides who gets a place but the company is your landlord. It is responsible for collecting the rent and managing services such as cleaning and repairs.

College or university houses and flats

Some colleges and universities have flats and/or houses that they rent to students. They are usually very popular so it can be difficult to get a place. In most cases, mature students and people with children get priority.

In some cases, the college or university leases these properties from private landlords, housing associations or, less commonly, from the local council. If you are in this situation, it is important to check whether your landlord is the college/university or the owner of the property. Your landlord is responsible for carrying out any repairs needed and for dealing with any problems related to your tenancy or licence agreement.

In most cases you will be an occupier with basic protection if the university or college is your landlord. You will probably be an assured shorthold tenant if your landlord is a housing association or a private company or individual.

Other specialist housing

Depending on your circumstances other options could include nurses homes, housing co-operatives and shared ownership schemes. For details about the options in your area, check with a local advice centre. They can also tell you whether councils, housing associations and other organisations in your area have housing specifically for students.

Privately rented accommodation

In many areas there is a lot of privately rented accommodation available. Some places are rented directly from the landlord and some are rented through a letting agency. You may be able to find a place to live:

• in a bedsit or flat of your own
• in a shared flat or house
• as a lodger in your landlord's home

As a student, you have the same rights as any other private tenant.

The quality and price of privately rented accommodation is very variable and private landlords can provide lots of different types of tenancies. You should always go and see the accommodation and read any paperwork involved before you agree to move in or sign any written agreements. Don't hand over any money until you're sure.

If you want to live alone, bedsits and lodgings are usually cheaper than flats. But if you share any accommodation with your landlord you will be an excluded occupier. This means that you have few rights and can be evicted very easily.

Many students prefer to share flats or houses with friends. You usually get more for your money if you are sharing and will be able to split the cost of the bills. If all of your flatmates are students, you don't have to pay council tax but you may need to get a certificate from your college or university to show to the council.