Private accommodations

For a first year student, private accommodation is not an encouraged option.

This is because most accommodations available the coming academic year will have been taken by current students as early as December of the previous academic year. It is also difficult to deal with finding a property to rent when you are not in the country.

Things to expect when renting a private accommodation:

1. You are advised to view the accommodation in person before agreeing to rent the place.
2. Most Bristol letting agencies require you to have a UK based guarantor. Usually, if you do not have a guarantor, the agency/landlord would ask for 6 months/a whole year's rent in advance.
3. Even with a guarantor, the agency/landlord may ask for the rent to be paid in instalments instead of the rent being paid monthly.
4. If you are using an agent, there will be an agency fee.
5. You would need to pay a deposit when signing the contract. This is usually about a month's rent. The landlord will deduct any damages done to the property from this deposit at the end of the tenancy period. University Residences

Guide for your First Trip to the UK

Living Standards

Choosing your accommodation

Private Accommodations

University Accommodations