The Ultimate Guide to Renting for Students: Everything You Need to Know
Renting for the first time as a student can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re studying at the University of Bristol (UoB) or University of the West of England (UWE), understanding the rental process is the key to finding a great home without unnecessary stress. There’s lots to think about moving out of halls and into a house for the first time. This guide will take you step-by-step through the rental process, explain key terms, and help you navigate everything from finding a property to setting up bills.
1. How Does the Rental Process Work?
Renting involves finding a property, signing a tenancy agreement, paying a deposit, and moving in. For students, most rentals are either shared houses or individual rooms in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
Key Steps in the Rental Process:
- Search for Properties: Start by researching properties early (January or February for the next academic year). Use platforms like Rightmove, Spare Room, or local letting agents like Front Door Lettings.
- Arrange Viewings: Book viewings quickly once you find a property you like – student rentals can go fast!
- Submit Your Application: Provide necessary documents like ID, proof of student status, and guarantor details.
- Sign the Tenancy Agreement: Carefully review the agreement to understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Pay Your Deposit: This is typically equivalent to 5 weeks’ rent and will be protected in a government-approved scheme.
- Move In and Set Up Utilities: If bills aren’t included, set up accounts for gas, electricity, water, and broadband.
- After your tenancy ends: Move out, close your utility accounts and pay for any damages caused from your rental deposit.
That’s a simple breakdown of how the lettings process works, if you’re working with a good agent they’ll be able to help advise and guide you on what each step looks like. Some things need to happen quickly, like saying ‘yes’ to viewings and securing your house for the next year, but other things can take a few days to process. Like referencing and some of the paperwork.
2. Key Rental Terms Explained
Understanding the jargon used in the rental process will make things much clearer. Here are some essential terms you’ll come across:
- Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST): This is the most common type of rental agreement in the UK. It legally protects both the landlord and the tenant and outlines the length of the tenancy, rent, and responsibilities. These will be a fixed term somewhere between 48weeks and 1 year. Typically students are on a 51 week contract to allow for any cleaning and repairs before the next group move in.
- Deposit Protection Scheme: Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (like DPS or TDS). This must be done by the landlord or agent within 30 days of you sending the deposit to them. This ensures it’s returned to you at the end of your tenancy if there’s no damage or unpaid rent.
- Guarantor: A guarantor is someone (usually a parent or guardian) who agrees to pay your rent if you’re unable to. Most student landlords require this as an extra layer of security.
- HMO (House in Multiple Occupation): A property shared by 3 or more unrelated tenants who share facilities like the kitchen and bathroom.
- Bills Included/Excluded: Some rentals include utilities (like gas, electricity, and water) in the rent, while others don’t. Always check this to avoid surprises. Student houses are exempt from Council tax, so you can cross that off your list of bills to think about.
3. Single Room AST vs. Whole House Rental
When renting as a student, you’ll typically have two main options:
- Single Room AST (Individual Room in a Shared House): You sign an agreement for your room only, and other tenants have their own agreements. This offers more flexibility but less control over who you live with.
- Whole House AST (Joint Tenancy): You and your housemates sign one joint agreement for the whole property. You’re all responsible for the rent and property care, which means if one tenant doesn’t pay, the others may need to cover it.
Which is Better?
- Single Room AST is ideal if you don’t have a group to rent with or want flexibility.
- Whole House AST works well for groups of friends who plan to share responsibility.
There is no right or wrong as to which is best. If you have a group of you then a whole house is best, but if you’re late to finding a house – maybe you’ve come through clearing or moved in during the year, then a room will be the easiest to find.
Rooms will give you more flexibility, if you don’t like the housemates or location, you’ll be able to leave after your initial rental period has ended. With a house, you’ll be there for the full duration of the contract – so if you fall out with the rest of the house, then you’ll have to find someone to cover your portion of the rent.
4. Finding Properties
The first step to renting is finding the right property. In Bristol, there are several ways to search for student accommodation:
Where to Look:
- Letting Agents: Working with trusted agents like gives you access to pre-vetted properties that meet safety and licensing standards. Register your interest with Front Door Lettings here.
- Rightmove and Zoopla: These platforms let you search for properties by area, budget, and size.
- Spare Room or Facebook Groups: These are great for finding individual rooms in shared houses.
- Hybr: Student lettings in Bristol
- University Accommodation Services: Some universities provide listings for private rentals or recommend approved landlords.
Tips for Success:
- Start your search early—good properties are often snapped up quickly.
- Be clear about your budget and priorities (location, bills included, etc.).
- Attend viewings in person whenever possible to check the property’s condition.
What areas of Bristol should you look at?
UWE – You’re North Bristol and into South Gloucestershire, depending on which campus you’re studying in you’ll want to be looking around Filton, Patchway, Lockleaze and across to Stapleton and Fishponds.
Bristol University – You’re city centre based, so need to be looking at Clifton, Redland, Cotham, Horfield and Montpelier areas of the city. These have the majority of student houses.
5. Bills: Included or Excluded?
Understanding whether bills are included in your rent is crucial for budgeting. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bills Included: Some properties offer “all-inclusive” rent, covering gas, electricity, water, and sometimes broadband. This simplifies budgeting but may come with usage caps – check your tenancy agreement for details.
- Bills Excluded: If bills aren’t included, you’ll need to set up accounts with utility providers as a group. Budget approximately £40-£70 per month for utilities, depending on the property’s size and energy efficiency. We suggest putting one person in charge of the bills and collecting money from the rest of the house.
6. Moving In: Setting Up Utilities and Providers
If bills aren’t included, you’ll need to arrange utilities yourself when you move in. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Steps for Setting Up Utilities:
Gas and Electricity:
- Contact the current energy supplier (their details will be on a recent bill, or the landlord/ agent will know the previous supplier).
- Provide your move-in date and meter readings to avoid being charged for the previous tenant’s usage. This is important.
- Compare prices and look for student suppliers if you’re after a better rate.
Water:
- In Bristol, your water supplier will likely be Bristol Water. Contact them to set up your account.
- Most student houses have fixed water rates, but some use meters – ask your landlord/anget.
Broadband and Wi-Fi:
- Research providers for the fastest speeds and best deals in your area (Virgin Media, BT, or Sky are popular choices).
- Plan for installation times – this can take a few weeks, so set it up early. Let them know your move in date in advance.
Council Tax:
- Full-time students are exempt, but you may need to provide proof of student status to the council.
7. Timeline: Renting Step-by-Step
Here’s a general timeline to help you stay on track:
- 8-10 Months Before Move-In: Start searching for properties and attending viewings.
- 5-6 Months Before Move-In: Submit applications, provide documents, and sign your tenancy agreement.
- 1 Month Before Move-In: Pay your deposit, confirm your move-in date, and plan utility setups (if needed).
- Move-In Day: Take photos of the property, note any existing damages, and provide meter readings.
Final Thoughts
Renting your first student home in Bristol doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the process, being prepared, and working with trusted letting agents like Front Door Lettings to help you with your student rental in Bristol, you can find a home that suits your needs and makes student life comfortable.
Ready to start your search? Sign up with Front Door Lettings today to access the best student properties in Bristol and get expert guidance every step of the way.
This article combines practical advice with clear steps and explanations to help students navigate the rental process. Let me know if there are any areas you’d like to refine or expand!
