Finding student accommodation can feel like a big job — especially when your child is moving away from home for the first time. Where do we look? How do we enquire? What should we check? And what happens if they don't have housemates yet?

We get asked these questions a lot, so here’s our simple guide to using Studentpad.

Studentpad is a free accommodation search platform where students can find properties from landlords, letting agents and student accommodation providers. Studentpad works in partnership with over 100 universities, helping students find accommodation and connect with others.

Studentpad has been trusted by universities, students and landlords for over 25 years, helping students find accommodation

“Can you find us a room?”

Yes — but the student makes the choice and contacts the provider.

The easiest place to start is to sign up for a free Studentpad account and start searching.

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One important thing to check: because Studentpad works in partnership with universities, some university sites have specific sign-up criteria. This may include logging in with a university email address.

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Don't worry if your student is brand new to university or an international student who doesn't have access to their university email yet. Universities have options available for students in this situation, so check the sign-up information for your university site.

Once you're signed up, you can start searching and make the most of Studentpad's features, including property alerts.

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“How do we book it?”

Studentpad doesn't book or manage the tenancy. Once you find a property you like, you contact the landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider directly.

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You can either:

• Use the Enquire button through the site, or
• Use the contact details shown on the property listing.

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The landlord, agent or provider will then arrange the viewing, answer your questions and deal with the tenancy directly.

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“What if we can't see anything suitable?”

Don't give up after one search! We have new property drops very regularly.

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Sign up for free Property Alerts and choose the things that matter to you. You'll then be able to hear about suitable accommodation as it becomes available.

You can also change your filters or broaden your search if you're not seeing enough options.

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“What should we look for?”

Once you've found some properties, take a little time to compare them.

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📍 Check the location

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Use the map tool to see where the property is in relation to the university, transport links and the local area.

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📸 Check the photos

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Look carefully at the bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and communal areas. If something isn't clear, ask the landlord or agent.

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🔎 Check the features

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Look at things such as bedrooms, bills, furnishings and other property features to make sure they match what you're looking for.

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📋 Check the certificates

Where certificates or accreditation information are provided, take a look at them. Depending on the property, these may include relevant gas, electrical, HMO or energy information.

Always ask the landlord or agent if you're unsure about anything before agreeing to a tenancy.

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“We don't have any housemates yet!”

Don't panic — you don't necessarily need a full group before you start looking.

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Studentpad has a Housemate Finder and Message Board, which can help students connect with others who are also looking for accommodation or housemates.

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So if your student is saying:

“I haven't got anyone to live with yet!”

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…there are still options.

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They can start looking at properties and use the Housemate Finder or Message Board to connect with other students. This can be found within the student account.

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💷 “How much will it cost?”

Rent is obviously one of the biggest things to consider when choosing student accommodation — but don't just look at the headline rental price.

Studentpad has a Fact Finder to help students understand some comparison costs  by area within the fact finder (https://www.londonstudentpad.co.uk/Statistics/Area)

You can also use the Studentpad comparison tool against a property listing to help compare accommodation costs. Depending on the listing, you can see the cost broken down by week and by day, making it easier to understand and compare different properties.

Also, remember to consider parking and any travel costs to the university campus.

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What about bills?

The property listing should tell you which bills, if any, are included in the rent.

It's also important to check whether included bills are capped or uncapped:

• Capped bills — there is a limit on the amount included. If usage goes over the agreed cap, there may be an additional charge.
• Uncapped bills — bills included in the rent are unlimited, subject to the terms of the agreement.

Always check the individual property listing and tenancy agreement for the exact terms, as what's included can vary between properties.

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📚 Want to know more about renting?

We've also got resources to help students and parents feel more confident about the renting process.

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Check out our Housing Guide

Our Housing Guide covers useful information to help you understand the accommodation journey, including tenancy agreements and what to look out for before signing.

[Read the Housing Guide →]

https://www.studentpad.co.uk/housing-guide

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Keep up with Renters' Rights

Renting rules are changing, so it's worth staying informed. Take a look at our Renters' Rights blog for a straightforward overview of the latest changes and what they could mean for students and renters.

[Read our Renters' Rights Blog →]

https://www.studentpad.co.uk/blog/renters-rights-are-changing-what-it-means-for-students

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A simple Studentpad checklist

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1. Check your university's Studentpad sign-up criteria
2. Create your free account
3. Search for accommodation
4. Use the filters and map
5. Check the property details, photos and certificates
6. Enquire directly with the landlord or agent
7. No housemates? Try Housemate Finder or the Message Board

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💡 Parents' biggest tip

Try to let your student take the lead where possible. You can help them compare options and ask questions, but it's also a great opportunity for them to start making their own decisions about where and how they want to live.

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Studentpad has been helping students navigate accommodation for over 25 years — making it easier to find a place to live and connect with other students.

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