Living off campus - Advice on renting privately
What help does UEL give in finding off campus accommodation? UEL maintains accommodation lists to help students who are starting their search for private accommodation. The accommodation is not inspected by UEL staff and UEL cannot be held responsible for any agreement a student enters into with any individual or company listed.
What advice can you give me? If you are thinking about renting off campus accommodation we recommend you look at the websites below. Please ensure that you ask to see a upto date Gas Safety Certificate for the property you will be renting before you sign any agreements.
How much does off campus accommodation cost? This varies depending on the type of accommodation, its standard and location. You may be able to find accommodation from as little as a £90 a week. Average rents are £90 to £150 a week, but rents can easily be as high as £250 a week.
As a rough guide the costs are:
- Private Halls of Residence - If you are in private halls of residence expect to pay between £125 - 250 a week. This may include or exclude utility bills.
- Shared House or Flat - If you rent a room in a shared house, the likely cost ranges from £90 - 130 a week.
This is for the accommodation only - gas, electricity and telephone charges will be in addition to this. It is usual for the water rates to be paid by the landlord. - Lodging in a family home - If you take a room in the landlord’s house, between £80 - 125 a week, if meals are provided the weekly cost will be about £100- 130 a week. These prices should include all utility bills except (if provided) telephone costs.
How do I make an appointment to view accommodation? Contact the landlord / estate agent directly using the contact information given on the Off Campus List.
Can UEL book a room for me? For off campus accommodation you will need to make all arrangements yourself. We recommend that you do not book a room without having viewed it first. If you require short term accommodation when you first arrive at UEL, we recommend you book in to a hotel while you look for longer term accommodation.
Can you suggest somewhere to stay while I look for my own place? There are a number of hotels in the areas surrounding each campus please contact Private Lettings at privatelettings@uel.ac.uk for a list.
Will Residential Services at UEL provide with me a VISA support letter if I am staying off campus? No, if you live off campus then UEL cannot provide any supporting documentation regarding your living arrangements. To assist your VISA application you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have the financial means to afford to rent accommodation.
Will a landlord be able to pursue me through UEL if I fail to pay the rent? When you a rent a property off campus the agreement you enter is between yourself and the landlord. UEL has no part in the agreement and so cannot intervene on behalf of either party.
If you have problems while renting accommodation we recommend you seek advice either through the Advice Centre at the Students’ Union or through one of the advisory organizations listed above.
Useful Documents
- Accommodation Agreement
- Handbook for Residents
- Conference & Events
- Download Brochure
For disabled access information for the halls of resisdence see DisabledGo
