My Journey from Amritsar, India to Sheffield – And the Accommodation Struggles in Between
When I received my offer letter from Sheffield Hallam University, I was over the moon. Coming from Amritsar, India, studying in the UK was a life long dream — one I had worked hard for. I imagined myself arriving, settling in quickly, and starting fresh with excitement and energy.
But the reality of finding a place to live turned out to be one of the most stressful parts of my journey.
I thought I could just figure things out once I got here. And since I had a friend already living in Sheffield, I wasn’t too worried. She kindly let me stay with her when I first arrived, and I’m grateful for that — but I also knew I couldn’t stay there forever.
She had promised to help me find a place, and initially, I felt a sense of relief. But for various reasons, things didn’t go as planned. Days passed, and I realised I’d have to figure everything out on my own.
The Challenge: Searching for a Home in a New Country
The process was overwhelming and disheartening. I was new to the country, trying to understand rental jargon, and had no idea which listings were genuine or not. I spent hours every day going through websites, messaging landlords, and getting no responses — or worse, suspicious replies.
Some listings looked too good to be true, and honestly, some of them were. At one point, I almost paid a deposit for a place that didn’t even exist. With no family nearby and no support system to rely on, it felt like I was navigating a maze blindfolded.
Eventually, after weeks of stress and uncertainty, I found a private accommodation. It wasn’t easy, and by the time I moved in, I was mentally drained and had missed out on all the welcome events and social experiences most students enjoy in their first few weeks.
Discovering Studentpad – The Platform I Wish I Knew Sooner!
Later in the semester, while working on a consultancy project at the university, I came across Studentpad — a UK-based student accommodation platform. As I researched it for my project, I couldn’t help but think:
“Why didn’t I know about this before I arrived?”
Studentpad is designed specifically for students, and it partners with universities to offer safe, verified, and student-friendly accommodation. Everything on the platform is tailored to what students actually need — no hidden fees, no scam listings, no guesswork.
Did you know that you can set up a free student account and create custom alerts based on the type of accommodation you’re looking for. Whether you want a studio, shared flat, or something near campus, you’ll get notified the moment something that matches your preferences becomes available — helping you act fast and stay ahead of the competition.
Why This Matters So Much for Students from India
Coming from India, I know how much we rely on Facebook groups, WhatsApp referrals, or local agents to help us find housing abroad and I believe that the same goes for many students from other countries too. While some of these methods work, many don’t — and they often leave students vulnerable to confusion, inflated prices, or even fraud.
That’s where Studentpad stands out:
- Verified Listings – Know exactly what you’re booking
- Search from Home – Sort out housing before you even apply for your visa
- Virtual Tours – No more surprises when you arrive
- University-Backed Trust – Not just another property site
- Peace of Mind for Families – Your parents can rest easier too
- University Partnerships – Officially supported by universities across the UK
- Custom Alerts – Get notified as soon as the right property is listed
My Advice: Don’t Make the Mistake I Did
If you’re preparing to study in the UK, start thinking about your accommodation as early as possible. Don’t wait until you land. Don’t rely on vague promises or unverified listings. And don’t put yourself in a position where you feel lost in a new country.
Platforms like Studentpad exist for a reason — to help students like us avoid unnecessary stress, save time and money, and feel safe from day one.
Trust me, your mental well-being in those first few weeks matters more than you realise. And having a proper place to call home makes all the difference.
So, Use a platform that understands what it means to be a student far from home.
Use a platform that puts your safety and comfort first.
Use Studentpad.
Because the UK is full of exciting challenges and opportunities — but finding a place to live shouldn’t be one of them.
If you are still looking for your student accommodation head to the Studentpad search tools to find your university's accommodation search site to help you find your new student accommodation, then get searching for your off campus shared house, room, or apartment.
Student Post by Harkirat Singh Bhatia - Student of Sheffield Hallam University.
