All of the information in this section is relevant to most students, but some groups of students may have specific needs or barriers to finding accomodation - this may be not having a guarantor, needing very specific accommodation, or difficulties viewing before signing.

Postgraduate Students

Many postgraduate students may be older and may wish to share with other postgraduates, and may also have different term dates, the biggest issue being that many postgraduates will not finish until September.  

Many landlords like to keep to the July to June letting year, though some may arrange a 12 months contract from September. Alternatively looking outside the student market may allow a different letting cycle, often 6 months fixed at a time. 

It is difficult to find accomodation for anything less than 6 months due to how legal notice periods work.

Families

It can be more difficult to find accomodation for you and your family.

The University and Unipol have family accommodation available. You can apply for University accommodation here and apply for Unipol family accommodation here.Sometimes a waiting list, so best to apply as early as you can.

There is plenty of private accommodation available for families, but this is likely to be advertised elsewhere than the usual student landlords. Rightmove is a good place to look for family accommodation. This can be expensive - Properties in areas close to the University and rented via the student landlords could be in excess of £2000 per month for a 4 bedroom house.  Looking further away from the University may be cheaper. 

If you are bringing your family from outside the UK it may be best to travel alone first and your family travel over when you have found a house.

International Students

International Students may face specific difficulties as it is harder to view properties before renting, and because many landlords ask for a UK guarantor. 

If you cannot provide a UK guarantor you may be asked to pay for the whole year.  If you are seeking individual rooms, Unipol can offer accomodation without the need of a guarantor.  

We would always suggest viewing a property before signing, but if you cannot do so consider a large development which is a member of the National Code of Standards, and look at their procedures for dealing with complaints if you are not happy.

You may also wish to come to Leeds and budget some money for a hotel for a short period to enable you to look for housing when you get there.

Disabled Students

Students who have specific accommodation needs may naturally find that it is harder to find what they need.

Depending on what your needs are, you may be able to find something suitable in the private market. You can do an initial property search online here. Put in your details and then click the ‘advanced’ search icon to make it more specific to you. If you have any difficulties finding something suitable from an online search - then you can chat with Unipol on their online chat or by giving them a call.

There are also designated rooms in University accommodation whether you have any special requirements or need adapted accommodation. You can have a look for adapted accommodation here. When contacting the accommodation office, you will need to complete the additional requirements form and provide supporting medical evidence. We advise contacting the accommodation office as soon as possible so that they can discuss with you the accommodation available.

If you have difficulties finding something suitable come and have a chat with LUU Advice.

If you find house-hunting stressful you can also access the Big White Wall, an online wellbeing support service.