Whether you are looking for a group to join, a housemate to complete your group, or a replacement housemate, we've put some top tips together for you.
We've been hit by a sudden surge of visits from students looking for housemates at the Advice Centre. Whether you're looking for a group to join, on the hunt for a housemate to complete your group, or seeking a replacement housemate, it can be hard to find the right person.
We've compiled some key pointers, which should make things a little easier for you.
Top Tips
- Decide what kind out housemate you want (consider budget, gender, age etc.)
- After looking at other ads, create a post of your own advertising what you are looking for/offering.
- Include as many photos as possible if you’re advertising a room/house.
- Include important information about yourself if you’re looking to join a group, e.g. party animal, vegan, smoker, postgrad, etc.
- Advertise and read posts on as many platforms as possible, share your post with everyone you know and ask them to share it for you. Repost your ad after a few days if it has been pushed too far down to be seen, but don’t overdo it and go back and delete your old posts if possible!
Housing Platforms
Here are some platforms connected to the university and SU that you could post on:
You can also use external websites such as www.spareroom.co.uk and www.gumtree.com. However, please be aware that these sites are not owned or regulated by us and are more likely to have fraudulent users.
Be safe, never meet anyone alone, and always meet in a public place.
- If you are meeting potential housemates you have found online, prepare some questions you want to ask them in the first meeting and try to have all of the group present.
- Plan activities (e.g. lunch or pub) where you can hang out and chat for a while.
- You don’t have to decide in the first meeting, but don’t lead people along for ages either!
Finally, remember that it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by this process at times. You can always book an appointment with the Housing Advisor, who can give you more personalised guidance.