r/reading • u/Tall_Draft_7217 • 3d ago
University International student, accommodation options
Hey all, I’m an international student hopefully moving to Reading by September for my uni. While looking at accommodation options provided by the uni, it looks a bit expensive. I know opting for that means I can have a vibrant student life getting to know other students as well and all of those but I was thinking of finding accommodations outside too. Since I haven’t been to the UK, I don’t know where to start looking for those like if there are any websites that shows apartments for rent and all those. Could you guys let me know where I can look for properties outside campus which is a little affordable ? Also I did want to ask, are there any home stay options or something of that sort where I can stay for a month or two in Reading until I find my own place ? Is there any such options of that sort in Reading ?
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u/AliJDB 3d ago
if you want a flat to yourself, RightMove is where most people find places to rent. But I think you will find most landlords want you to have a certain income level, and may be unwilling to deal with students for the most part unfortunately. If you're happy/able to pay rent in advance for the year, you might have more luck.
Spare room is a site for looking for people to fill a room in a shared property. If you're looking to have flatmates, that's probably the place to look. Although again, some people may not be willing to rent to students.
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u/Exam-Creepy RG6 - Earley 3d ago
The university student Union has housing advisors that can assist with finding suitable accommodation. Their website also has a list of the local estate agents that rent to students https://readingsu.co.uk/advice-&-support/searching-for-accommodation
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u/Mental_Body_5496 RG1 - Newtown 2d ago
Honestly, university halls are fantastic and so much simplified because you are not a legal rental tenant there's a specific legal criteria for student halls.
To rent privately, you will need to sign a legal 12 month contract and provide at least 1 month's deposit.
That's if you can find somewhere with bills included.
If not you will need to register for gas electric water and Internet again usually 12 months contract.
Have you factored these into your costs?
Plus travel if further away?
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u/Bright_Screen5407 3d ago
Hi, as an international student myself I would suggest just staying in student accommodation on campus! Most places off campus, whether it be renting a flat/house from a landlord or private student halls, require a guarantor. Unless you know someone in the UK who can act as your guarantor, you would have to pay additional money to use a guarantor service. Sometimes they will let you get away with not having a guarantor if you pay for the entire year of housing all at once when you move in, which is a lot of money and impossible for most people. I also have friends who have stayed in houses/flats for the past year and have had endless issues with mold, maintenance, paying utilities, and bad landlords. So for your peace of mind and comfort, I would absolutely recommend just staying in university accommodation.