Student accommodation guide | When and how to apply for student accommodation

It is recommended that you start to apply for student accommodation as soon as you finalise your university choice and have viewed appropriate properties. The booking period typically ranges between January and March, when you start to receive university offers back.

Find out more about when to start searching for student accommodation here.

When choosing student accommodation, consider what facilities the property offers and what is included in the cost. You should also regard the surrounding area of the student accommodation, its distance from the university and other relevant amenities and places of interest.

Mansion Student has a series of private accommodations across the UK in some of the most popular student cities. This includes Leeds, Newcastle, and Nottingham.

To arrange a viewing at one of our locations, click here.

Once you have decided on the city, student accommodation, and room type, it is time to apply for accommodation. Ensure that you have your university offer, and that the window is open for new applicants at your chosen student accommodation.

At Mansion Student, there are three ways you can book one of our student accommodations:

Book direct online

After selecting an accommodation in one of our locations, go to the student accommodation page and click the “Book now” option. Ensure you understand and are completely satisfied with the details, including the number of weeks, the amount of rent, the address and the start and end date of the tenancy.

Next, fill in your contact details, and choose a rent instalment plan; 3 months and 10 months will both require a guarantor. The guarantor will take joint financial responsibility when signing the tenancy agreement; they will need to be a permanent UK resident, over 25, and financially independent. If you do not require a guarantor, you can either pay a single payment in August, or 2 payments in August and December for the term year.

Further information will be required when applying for student accommodation. This includes the university course, and emergency contact information. Afterwards, you can sign the tenancy agreement with an online signature.

Find out more about how to book a room with Mansion Student here.

Book by phone

If you would prefer to book your student accommodation on the phone, we have a dedicated booking line where one of our staff can talk you through each step. The process is the same as booking online.

Call us at 0800 652 7844 and speak to our team of experts, who will take you through the process and deal with any queries.

Book in person

After arranging a viewing at the student accommodation of your choice, you should speak to a staff member. They will be able to walk you through the booking process and help you apply for the room of your choice.

Arrange a viewing at our of the Mansion Student locations here.

You must provide the necessary information and certain documents during the student accommodation booking process. You must be a registered student, or provide a university offer. Other documentation includes a valid proof of identification, such as a passport or driver’s licence, and your guarantor’s contact details if you choose the 3 or 10 months rent instalment plans.

Other student accommodation companies may also require a deposit or booking fee at this stage as well.

At Mansion Student, we typically release our student accommodation application period from November each academic year, with the amount of rent and tenancy lengths available on each accommodation location page. Before this date, students can also register their interest in advance with the Hospitality Team at each location, for example, after viewing the property.

We also require no deposit to secure a room with us, and no booking fee when reserving your room. Find out more about the different offers Mansion Student provides here.

What should I consider before signing a tenancy agreement?

Before signing a tenancy agreement for student accommodation, make sure you check the following items:

• The type of tenancy contract – if this is an individual or joint contract.

• The small print – such as the start and end date, your obligations, and who is liable to pay the rent.

• The inventory – both tenant and landlord should sign this off.

• If there is a deposit protection scheme

If you are looking for guidance when applying for student accommodation, speak to one of our experts at Mansion Student today.

How do I find accommodation if I apply for university through clearing?

If you do not get your targeted A-levels and need to apply for university through clearing, please do not panic. Check the university’s website for Clearing-specific pages, where they will provide information on the halls of residence they offer. Most universities will keep places available for students going through clearing, and will guarantee first-year students a room in student housing and halls.

Find out more about what undergraduates should know about student accommodation here.