Nottingham is one of the most popular places for students to call home. Aside from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham, the city also offers plenty of activities.
It’s also one of the more affordable places for students to live, with plenty of accommodation options available. If you’re preparing for your first year of university or need to find new housing, you’re probably wondering when to start looking.
Well, we’re about to reveal everything you need to know in this guide. Let’s get to it.
Is it hard to find Nottingham student accommodation?
Despite the city’s popularity among students, finding appropriate student accommodation can be challenging. AsCBRE reports, numerous cities, including London, Manchester, and Nottingham, are facing student housing crises, leading to many people paying more than they should.
Beginning your search early gives you ample time to explore your options and find accommodation that suits your needs.
Available housing options in Nottingham
Before revealing when to start your search for accommodation, we need to explore the types of student housing available. Whether you’d prefer your own living space or love the idea of student halls, numerous options are available—when you give yourself enough time.
- University Accommodation: If you want to be close to the university campus and immerse yourself in student life, Nottingham has residence halls available. Student halls are popular with first-year undergraduates as they offer a more supportive environment.
- Private Halls: Many students choose private halls, as they’re similar to university accommodation but usually offer more amenities.
- Shared Houses: As the most accessible option for Nottingham students, shared housing offers more independence and gives you the opportunity to choose who you live with. You can also pay more for ensuite rooms, which give you more privacy.
- Private Flats: Renting a private flat could be ideal for living alone. The downside of this accommodation option is that apartments cost more than student rooms.
Remember to weigh thepros and cons of different student accommodation types when deciding.
Does the University of Nottingham guarantee accommodation?
As clarified by the University of Nottingham’sterms and conditions, student accommodation is guaranteed for first-year students who accept their course offer and apply for accommodation by a set date—it was the 23rd of August in 2024.
These terms also apply to EU and international students, so first-year students can ease into campus life.
Is Nottingham accommodation first come, first served?
Remember, just because you apply by the deadline doesn’t mean you’ll get to choose your accommodation. Applying for university halls late means you’ll have limited choices, but registering as soon as possible gives you the chance to choose between a range of room types at your chosen campus.
When to start looking for Nottingham student housing
Student houses in Nottingham offer more flexibility than residence halls, but the city’s sheer popularity means you might not secure the location or room you want. Let’s explore the best times to contact student letting agents and begin your property search.
October
You’re probably thinking it’s crazy to start looking for accommodation when you’ve just started your course, but planning ahead can make sense when you’re a first-year student.
Instead of waiting to explore student accommodation options in Nottingham, you can speak to other students and plan future house shares. Some agents even advertise months in advance, offering discounts if you secure a property early.
January
January is a time to consider your options and begin to make plans. Other students will be thinking about their future and deciding which housing solution best suits their needs.
If you’re planning to live in private halls, viewing some accommodation options early can help you make a decision. It’s also the perfect time to make plans with friends and think about who you’d like to share a house with.
March
Looking for student accommodation in March can limit your choices. Student letting agencies will have a lot of people on their waiting list, and private halls will usually be fully booked by spring.
If you haven’t started your search, it’s best to use a dedicatedstudent letting agent comparison tool to find available agencies.
Things to consider when deciding to look for student accommodation in Nottingham
Are you looking for student apartments or shared houses? Do you want to live close to the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University campuses, or are you willing to commute?
Knowing what to consider can make the process easier, so here are the most important things.
Where do you want to live in Nottingham?
Students love living in Nottingham’s city centre, and the city’sPurple Flag Award shows that it’s safe for people at night. Accommodation is more expensive, so securing a property in advance can save money.
The Arboretum area is ideal if you’re studying at Nottingham Trent University. It’s close to the campus and has a variety of shared houses available. Lenton is another popular location, as it has pubs everywhere and is only 15 minutes away from the University Park Campus.
Which type of accommodation do you want?
Most first-year students prefer living in university or private halls, as these residences are more social and allow them to settle into university life.
If you want to find a private student apartment or shared house, registering with the best Nottingham student letting agencies means you’ll have access to a range of properties and can find a private room that suits your preferences.
What’s your budget?
Remember to factor your budget in when searching for Nottingham student housing. Being in the city centre means you’ll be close to music venues and within walking distance of the main amenities, but it also means you’ll pay more each month.
Ultimately, it’s balancing between having enough money to enjoy your university experience and ensuring your living space is comfortable.
Will you need to budget for extra monthly outgoings?
While many student houses are inclusive of all bills, private halls often come with extra expenses. For example, you might need to pay for WiFi access and utility bills on top of your monthly rent.
Asking for a list of expenses before you sign a tenancy agreement will prevent future budget struggles.
Final thoughts
Searching for Nottingham student accommodation early gives you plenty of time to find a property that aligns with your budget, location and personal preferences. Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s much easier to find amazing student accommodation that makes university life more enjoyable.
Remember to compare letting agents and do your research before signing a tenancy agreement. Most agencies offer virtual tours, allowing you to check out each property before making a decision.
Need to find a suitable letting agent in Nottingham?WhichPad lets you compare letting agencies and read reviews from other students. Try it out today and see how easy it is.
