Finding accommodation during the shortage

Our top tips for finding accommodation during the shortage

Information on our accommodation webpages is still relevant so make sure you read this alongside our top tips below.

1. Be practical. You may not be able to be as particular about your accommodation choices this year because of the current situation, but remember: once you have signed a contract it is very hard to get out of it. You also need to make sure you can afford the accommodation.
2. Use the Manchester Student Homes (MSH) website. It lists all options available across Manchester and even beyond. Start with accredited accommodation and put your name on waiting lists, if this is possible, in all suitable accommodation. Then look at unaccredited accommodation (such as private halls) and do the same. MSH also have a message board that you can post on if you are looking for flatmates to share with. You may have to consider accommodation in the wider Manchester area (especially in Fallowfield and Bolton that are attached to other Universities).
   IMPORTANT: Remember when you choose unaccredited accommodation, don’t sign anything until you send your contract to Manchester Student Homes' free tenancy agreement checker or askUS so that we can arrange for it to be checked.
3. Use Rightmove to search for suitable properties as well.
4. If you already live within a commutable distance, consider staying where you currently are. Rooms do tend to come up after the start of the academic year so it may be much easier to find accommodation that works for you. askUS will be able to help you with this.
5. Consider your options and travel time carefully. Some national accommodation providers have lots of space outside Manchester in places like Liverpool, Preston and Huddersfield and may direct you there. Think about this carefully and talk to askUS before you consider this option, especially if you are an international student. Some providers may offer travel subsidies for you to do this but remember long-distance travelling can be tiring and may isolate you from your Salford friends.

Other things to note:

• Contact askUS if you have complicated requirements. If you have specific requirements because of a disability, you need accessible accommodation, have a therapy dog or have a partner and/or dependents, then your options will be even further reduced. Please contact askUS in these instances.
• If you are an international student with or without dependents with you (including ERASMUS students or those on short courses), then it is important that you contact askUS if you haven’t arranged your accommodation.
• Consider short-term options. If these options aren’t working for you, then Manchester Student Homes also list more short-term options like Homestays and Airbnbs. You will then be able to look for more long-term accommodation when the current situation dies down. askUS can help with this. Hotels may be an option for the short-term if all else fails. askUS have a list of affordable hotels, so if you are considering this option then please contact askUS.

If you are struggling to find suitable accommodation, please contact askUS for support.