How to look for other types of accommodation

If you aren't living on campus, there are 2 main types of alternative accommodation:

Private rentals 

Housing owned by a private landlord or letting agency that students rent on a fixed contract, 

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSAs)

Housing specifically designed for students, usually offering private rooms with shared or ensuite facilities. (Often a more expensive option because it includes modern amenities, onsite services, and premium locations close to campus)/  

Looking for Private Accommodation

Local Lettings Agents 

Students can use agencies to help find them available properties that match students with suitable housing, and help simplify the process by organising viewings, paperwork, and communication with landlords. 

We know there’s usually a big rush to get housing sorted early in the academic year. When looking for a private property, we advise looking at more than one option so you can be sure you are getting a good deal. Some landlords/agents may want to take the opportunity to get you to sign early, but at a more expensive rate.  

You can view this helpful guide on How to Rent here for further information.  

Some trusted local Lettings Agents include: 

  • Hood’s Residential (Student Lettings): 01483 913916 / tom@hoodsresidential.com – our number one, student-friendly agency! Tom and his team have their offices right here in the Student Union and are on hand to help you with your housing search.  

Online Platforms and Housing Websites: 

Find a wide range of available properties, with options to filter by budget, location, compare options, and contact landlords or agents directly. 

  • Roome - the University of Surrey's official app for finding private accommodation and flatmates.  

Looking for PBSA’s: 

Use the following websites to find dedicated student properties with availability, room types, and pricing: 

Tips on how to rent

When to start looking: 

  • The big question! Whilst lots of student rush to organise housing for the next academic year, our advice would be to simply start when you are ready. If you have found friends you want to live with, great you can start looking. If you are still working things out, take your time, and come and speak to us! 

Budgeting: 

  • Unfortunately, housing is expensive! It’s important to set a realistic budget so you don’t find yourself in trouble later. Remember, choosing areas slightly further from campus can reduce your monthly costs. If you are looking to rent a room in a shared house, you can expect to pay anywhere between £650 and £900 per month. The more people you are sharing with, the likelier this is cheaper to be.  

Arrange Viewings: 

  • Where possible, arrange viewings so you can check the property’s condition, safety, and suitability before committing to a contract. If you aren't local or are abroad, consider if there is someone who can view a property for you, or think about requesting a video tour from the landlord or agent.  

  • Ask the current tenants how their own experience has been – what is the landlord/agents like, and are they good at communication and getting issues sorted? Are there any major disrepair issues, such as mould?  

Tenancy Agreements and Contracts: 

  • Take time to read your tenancy agreement carefully so you understand your rights, responsibilities, contract length, and any fees or clauses before signing. If you are unsure of anything, we’re happy to read through contracts with you. 

  • Check the rules about overnight guests, smoking and pets. 

  • Landlords must have a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence for properties rented out to 3 or more tenants – if this is you, check this is in place. 

  • IMPORTANT: from 1st May 2026 the UK Government are rolling out Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act, which includes the introduction of periodic tenancies and a ban on rental bidding. This is great news for students, but will affect everyone. Read more details here: Renters Rights Act: private tenants - Shelter England 

Upfront costs  

  • You should only expect to pay a holding fee upfront to secure a property, and no other payments should be requested at the initial stage. If you have any concerns about what you are being asked to pay for, get in contact with us. 

Top Tips!

  • Online ads are not properly regulated and can have fraudulent users and scams. 

  • Avoid going to a viewing alone. If you don’t have a good feeling, don’t go and get advice instead. 

  • When your group attends a viewing, let someone know where you’ll be. 

  • Never pay for anything in cash or under pressure. 

Speak to an Advisor

Emergency Accommodation

I need to find somewhere to live

New Renters Right Act