Locating an affordable apartment as a student in the UK is like finding a needle in a haystack. Accommodation is often one of the largest expenses that students have every month. Where does this leave you? Do you need to fork over hundreds of pounds? Is there a way to rent a good apartment without going broke? Here are 11 tips to find a budget-friendly apartment without losing your mind.

1. Start Your Search Early

If it’s student apartments you’re after, the early bird gets the worm. As soon as you know where you are studying, start looking for accommodation. The longer you put it off, the fewer options will be available, and the more expensive everything will be. By starting early, you’ll be able to lock in a better deal and have more time to think about your options.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Knowing how much you can spend on rent each month is good. It is, therefore, advisable to sit down and work out your monthly income. Once you have worked out your budget, stick to it. Remember, renting is not the only expense you will have; you will need to pay for food, transport, utilities, and occasional academic aid. That’s right, few first-years think about it, but eventually, you will find yourself thinking, “Can someone help me with my literature review?”. If you want to be able to get help when needed, you must factor this expense into your budget.

3. Check for Hidden Costs

A rental listing that appears to be good value can quickly turn out to be anything but affordable. It is important to remember that utilities, council tax, and internet are often not included in the advertised rent price. Always ask the landlord or the letting agent about all the costs before you sign a lease. 

4. Consider Sharing with Roommates

The easiest way to reduce your rent is to live with a roommate. Sharing the costs of rent and bills can save you money and make your experience more social. You also get to split the tasks of cleaning the house with your roommates.

5. Use Online Platforms to Find Deals

There are many websites that specialise in student housing. Many sites provide detailed listings of student houses, including budget-friendly options, allowing you to filter your search by price, location, and facility. 

Here are the most popular websites where students can find affordable apartments for rent in the UK:

• Rightmove – rightmove.co.uk
• Zoopla – zoopla.co.uk
• SpareRoom – spareroom.co.uk
• Gumtree – gumtree.com
• OpenRent – openrent.co.uk
• Student.com – student.com
• Unilodgers – unilodgers.com
• Nestpick – nestpick.com
• Accommodation for Students (AFS) – accommodationforstudents.com
• Mystudenthalls.com – mystudenthalls.com

6. Look Outside the City Centre

Having an apartment in the city’s centre may sound good, but such apartments are much more expensive than those in the suburbs or further away from the city. You can get a cheaper offer by searching for your accommodation slightly further away from the city. However, ensure some good public transport is available so you can get to campus without too much hassle.

7. Negotiate with Landlords

Rent prices are often negotiable, especially if the place has been on the market for a long time, so you should be willing to barter with your landlord. If you can convince a landlord to lower the monthly price, and the rent is still within your budget, it might be worth more to him to get a reliable tenant than the 50 bucks more per month from another renter. If you have an irregular income, don’t be afraid to ask if the landlord will welcome a slow payer or accept a cheque for rent once a month instead of the standard weekly or biweekly payments.

8. Go for Student-Specific Accommodations

Most universities have partnerships with private housing providers or run their own halls of residence – these can be more affordable, as most include bills, and contracts tend to be flexible and tailored to student timetables.

9. Be Flexible with Your Preferences

Everyone would like a swanky flat, but be flexible, especially if your budget is tight. Key criteria should be safety, access to campus and affordability. You can always make it feel like home, even if the place isn’t perfect to begin with. 

10. Visit the Property Before Signing Anything

Never trust pictures – they often make everything look better than it is. If possible, always visit the property in person. When there, look for damp, broken appliances or any other potential problems, and make sure you check every nook and cranny. If you can’t visit in person, ask for a virtual walk-through or photographs that show all the angles.

11. Don’t Forget About Deposit Protection Schemes

In the UK, if you’re not renting from your local council or housing association, your landlord must legally protect your deposit with a Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS). In most cases, your deposit will be held by the DPS. Your money is safe with them, and you’ll get it back at the end of your tenancy as long as the terms of your lease are met. Ask your landlord to confirm that they’ve registered your deposit with a DPS when you move in so you don’t get into trouble at the end of your tenancy.

Finding Your Student Home Without the Stress

Evidently, it’s possible to rent a budget-friendly apartment in the UK. With early preparation, a clear budget, and some flexibility in your preferences, you will find a home that you can live in comfortably without draining your bank account. Many resources are available to help students search for accommodation, so take advantage of them. Good luck with your apartment hunt!