In different areas and in different circumstances you will need to start looking at different times. Get in touch with your students’ union or Accommodation Office to find out about the options in your area.
Lots of students, like plenty of other people renting, live in HMOs. These are rented properties of three people or more, where at least two people are not related.
Students are also likely to be living in licensable HMOs. These are rented properties of five people or more, in a property of three or more floors, forming two or more households. Landlords need to obtain licenses for these properties, and meet certain physical and management standards.
Remember, in many areas there is a surplus of housing you can chose from. So don’t feel pressured or panicked into signing up for the first house you see. Even if you are in an area with a housing shortage, it’s vital you take time at the beginning of the house hunting process to get organised and think about what your priorities are.
Your students’ union may run housing fairs, events or one to one advice on housing issues so do speak with them as they will have lots of experience and knowledge of local housing.