Private accommodation is not as scary as it sounds
If you are a returning student or were not successful in obtaining campus accommodation, we recommend looking for private accommodation. Here you’ll find guidance for finding the right place to stay, plus contact details for external accommodation services.
Click and download the relevant campus’ Private Accommodation Guide below. Here you will find useful information regarding local private landlords, Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), local transport links and social media groups to connect with other students also looking for a place to stay.
Please note: You may need to look further afield whilst looking for private accommodation. Don’t worry, the Private Accommodation Guides provide you with further information to support you in your search.
Unlike halls accommodation, renting privately means you’ll have differing costs and commitments, which might be a bit daunting. Download the Government ‘how to rent’ guide full of essential information, which will help you navigate your search.
We also recommend Studentpad as a great place to begin your house hunt and get a feel for what’s available. This interactive site lets you:
- Register and create a profile with Surrey Studentpad or Canterbury Studentpad.
- Browse the website using the latest search tools e.g. the search by map function allows you to see how far away a property is from campus or the train station.
- Set up an account immediately so you can receive automated updates when new properties go live.
- Contact landlords directly.
In addition, you can also register with an alternative student housing online platform called StudentTenant where you can:
- Register and create a profile of property and housemate preferences.
- Search for properties, save your favourites and create alerts.
- Set up viewings with landlords.
Most landlords and agents will insist on a UK-based guarantor to cover rent and any damages or liabilities before they will rent to you. If you do not have a suitable guarantor, they may ask you to pay your rent 6-12 months in advance.
The UCA Rent Guarantor Service in association with Housing Hand will help UK, EU and Overseas students, provide a qualifying UK Guarantor when renting in the private sector.
Who the service is for
Housing Hand will stand as a guarantor if you are unable to provide one. All UCA students are welcome to apply, whether from the UK, Europe or Overseas and regardless of nationality.
It is open to new students who haven’t yet enrolled at UCA.
Guarantor fee
Housing Hand will charge a Guarantor Fee, discounted for UCA students:
- 5% of annual rent if paid upfront.
- 5.5% of annual rent if paid in monthly instalments.
- Minimum fee of £295.
Applying
Apply for Housing Hand guarantor service.
If you have difficulty accessing the service, please contact Housing Hand directly. It is important to let them know that you are a UCA student.
If you have a property or a room that you’d like to offer to our students, please contact Student Tenant or Studentpad for more information about how to register.
As part of your registration, you’ll need you to sign up to our Landlords’ Code of Standards and provide relevant documents, such as gas and electrical safety certificates.
You can register your property on the links below:
Contact the Accommodation Team
The Accommodation Team are available 9am-5pm Monday-Friday to answer any questions you have about living at UCA.