Renting privately at university will probably be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. So, we want to support you in doing it the right way. Being a first-time renter may sound daunting especially when you don’t know where to start but if you follow our tips, you’ll be on track to successfully securing your first home.
Renting privately at university will probably be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. So, we want to support you in doing it the right way. Being a first-time renter may sound daunting especially when you don’t know where to start but if you follow our tips below you’ll be on track to successfully securing your first home.
When to start
We recommend starting your search in December/January. Don’t worry if you don’t find your perfect home right away. Sometimes this might take one, two, or three viewings. You don’t want to rush into something you may regret later.
Where to look
Start by having a look at the information on our website about looking for accommodation.
Many students opt for private housing through estate agents as they are a more affordable option. We cannot recommend any particular estate agent, but we have listed a range below. Bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive.
Alternatively, you can look at private halls in the area which are similar to university halls; they provide an all-inclusive package for students, so you don’t have to worry about things like bills. You can find a range of the ones in Egham below. Bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive.
Our Facebook group, RHSU Housemating is a platform to see posts from other students looking for housemates or post yourself. To join the group all you need to do is submit a request and answer a few questions including your student ID number just so one of our team can verify you are a student at Royal Holloway.
What to expect at a viewing
- The estate agent should meet you at the property and the current tenants should be expecting you as they are required to have 24 hours’ notice. You will have a chance to look around the property and ask any questions you have. To make the most of the viewing and avoid being misled, use our essential Viewing Checklist.
- We suggest going to your viewing with one if not all of your housemates.
- You may also find it helpful to take videos and pictures yourself on your viewing appointments to look back on and show your housemates who may not be able to view the property. But we advise you to always ask permission before you do!
- You may also want to leave your shoes at the door to avoid dragging dirt around the property. It is very likely that the property would be occupied by other students so be courteous and please avoid making a mess when you visit.
- Keep your options open and look at different properties to find the one that is best for you.
Things to consider
Budget
If you receive a student loan, you should divide the total amount by 12 months as this is usually the length of most tenancy agreements. The amount you get after the calculation is how much you will have to spend each month. Having an idea of how much you spend on essentials, travel and your wants in a month is also important because this allows you to gauge how much you can afford to pay for rent. If you work part-time or receive income from other sources, include this cost at the beginning before you make deductions.
A useful rule of thumb is that the fewer the number of tenants the more expensive your rent is likely to be. You may find that living with three or four or sometimes more students reduces the cost of rent.
Once you find your home, it is recommended that you set up a standing order of the rent amount which will leave your account on or before your rent is due. This is to ensure that you don’t fall behind on your rent payments.
For more advice on budgeting, the Financial Wellbeing team provide excellent advice and guidance on budgeting, saving and handling your finances in general.
Location
Where you live can sometimes make or break your university experience. Living within a reasonable distance from uni, essential shops and your job is best because you save time, energy and money.
When you're thinking about location, consider that Englefield Green is usually cheaper than Egham and definitely cheaper than London.
Costs
Before your tenancy begins you will be required to cover three main costs - the holding deposit, security deposit and first month’s rent with a UK guarantor or 3-6 months rent in advance for students without a UK guarantor.
The holding deposit is a fee paid to stop advertising the property you choose. It cannot be any more than 1 week’s rent. It is usually refundable unless you cancel. It may also be added to your security deposit instead of refunded.
The security deposit is a maximum of 5 week’s rent, and this is held in a deposit scheme and refunded at the end of your tenancy less any costs of repairs caused by the tenants or rent arrears.
Guarantor
If you don’t have a guarantor, please look at the following companies and make an enquiry/application.
The above companies will act as your guarantor if you proceed with them. They do charge a fee for this service.
If you are unable to afford the fee that these companies require, you can apply for the University’s Study Support Grant to reimburse these costs to you.
When you receive your contract
Referencing checks are carried out after you have paid the holding deposit. If you are approved, you will be sent your tenancy agreement. At the Advice Centre, we advise that you send your contract to us to get it checked before you sign. In contract law, legally unfair clauses are unenforceable, and we can point them out to you and provide you with further guidance on living in your new home.
Council tax
All full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. However, if you are a final-year student you become liable for council tax the day you stop being a student (this is usually the last day of the summer term). You could be eligible for a council tax reduction if you are on low income or fit other eligibility criteria as listed on the government website.
P.S. Finding the right student house doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right people, following these tips and a bit of research, you’ll find a place that feels like a home away from home. Happy house hunting!
For more housing information, check out our webpage to find the best looking, living and leaving advice for private renting.
The Advice Centre is a free, independent and confidential service for all students here at Royal Holloway. Our friendly, experienced and professional staff will provide a listening ear and offer general and specialist housing advice. Book an appointment with us via email or join one of our drop-in sessions - you can find this in the Events Calendar under the Advice tab.