Finding accommodation and housemates

There are various ways you can find out about the process of looking for accommodation and finding properties.

• Information available: 
  • These webpages are filled with useful advice to help you get the best property and people possible.
  • This handy guide gives you more detailed advice provided by us and the University. 
  • The University provide further advice on finding private sector accommodation here. 
• Finding a property: 
  • Studentpad is the University of Bath's Accommodation finder which has an online database you can access at any time throughout the year to look up accommodation and to find housemates via the message board.
  • You will be able to see accommodation available through various other websites throughout the year, but be weary of higher agency fees you may pay by going through these especially if you sign up early.

In order to rent privately, you must prove to your landlord that you have the right to rent. If you can't prove your right to rent, you will not be able to rent a house in the UK. You will not require this to stay in University accommodation though.

As an overseas student it’s important that you are aware of your rights and that you are able to explain your visa and/or country of origin status to landlords. Having your documents ready for a landlord to check is really important, but you should also keep copies for yourself for reference.

While you are going through this process there are several people who can help you, from finding out what documents you need to answering questions about your visa. The University has put together a guide to help you if you have any questions about right to rent.

For further help please contact us on suadvice@bath.ac.uk or contact the Student Immigration Advice team:
student-immigration-advice@bath.ac.uk
01225 385538

You hear that you have to live in 'town,' but what does this mean and is it really that important to live in the centre? You've heard of Oldfield Park, but where is this place and what does it have to offer? Like most cities, Bath is made up of smaller communities that are focussed around the City Centre. There are plenty of places to choose from and living in Bath you are lucky that nowhere is too far away to get to. It's worth thinking about what is most important to you and your housemates when looking for a house. Consider the following:  

• Is being close to campus important to you?


• How much are you willing to pay in rent?


• What are the local transport links to the university like?


• Is there a community near by with shops and local amenities?

To help you pick out areas in Bath to live in, the Student Community Partnership (SCP) have put together local profiles about each community in Bath, including bus routes and amenities. 

Alternatively speak with our team for further advice, especially if you are all looking for different things and may want another opinion.

If you are worried about who you are going to live with first of all don't panic. It can take a while to find your good friends and when you do whether or not you want to live with them or not. Try not to feel stressed as there is plenty of time to find accommodation and plenty of people in the same position who may or may not have a group sorted already. Start off by having a think about some of the following:

• Do you want to live in a small or large group?
• Do you want to live with your best friends?
• Would you like to be nearer to campus or town?
• Do you want a party house or a place you can retreat to?
• Do you have certain requirements? For example, single sex household, dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarians) 

If you'd  like the opportunity to meet new people to live with or add an additional person to your group you can:

• Attend a Housemate Finder event to meet other students looking for housemates. These events usually take place in November/December, check our SU What's On page for details here.
• Join the facebook page for students at University of Bath and Bath Spa. Students often advertise for more people to join their group or house.
• Follow this link to the message board on Studentpad to find other people looking for housing.
• Meet people by attending SU events and joining groups and societies. Groups advertise their events via the SU What's on page and their own webpages and social media, so please do follow them on their socials to stay up-to-date with them. 

It can be difficult to get to know people during COVID restrictions but here's some things you can do.

• Set up a group chat to stay in touch.
• Organise a video call with the group. Include some games or activities to get to know eachother.
• Go for a walk with a person from your group. Just make sure you follow local restrictions.

Once you have decided who you want to live with and where you want to live, you are ready to start viewing properties. At present many viewings are mainly virtual due to Covid 19 measures and safety to existing tenants and those viewing, though there may be some properties you are able to view in person. We recommend following this below guidance if you are attending in person: 

• Where a viewing of an occupied property is to take place, in line with government guidance, this should be done by way of virtual viewing where possible.
• Confirm with any current occupiers whether they are isolating or shielding before arranging visits, postponing visits where any current resident is shielding or isolating until suitable arrangements can be made for the viewing to be completed safely.
• Do not carry out viewings unless you are sure that the current occupiers have agreed to adhere to appropriate social distancing (note that you can not require tenants to follow social distancing in their own homes).
• Don’t carry out open house viewings.
• Make sure that the hot water supply is fully functioning and that windows can be opened and securely closed.
• Check what sort of heating the property has installed.
• Make sure that the unit of accommodation, the shared areas and the furniture and furnishings provided are in a good, clean condition.
• Take your own towels/paper towels/ hand gel and wash your hands thoroughly when attending the property. Dispose of used tissue and masks using double bags, and ensure that those visiting to view do the same.
• Wear a face covering, and ensure prospective tenants who view use them too. 
• Sanitise keys before and after handing to contractors or tenants.

Here are some tips on making a virtual viewing and more information can be found on the university webpage here.

When you view a property for the first time there are a lot of important things you need to consider. Here's a handy Housing Checklist to help.