Renting in your 

First Year at University

Step 1 – Don't Panic

Do not worry or panic if you have not been given accommodation in your first year, you are not the only one or the first….

Two students, Holly Marquez and Gemma Paine had a similar experience: 

"Both Holly and I went through clearing and as a result were not given first year accommodation. We wanted you guys to know that it did not impact how much we love the University and the friends we made. The moral of the story is the University is what you make of it and accommodation is only a small part of your experience! Join societies, go to events and you'll have an amazing time too." 

Gemma

Step 2 - Finding your New Home

The great news for you is that there is already a facebook group that is full of people either looking for houses or for housemates so make this your first stop!

University of Surrey Letting (USL)

If you find a home looking for one more roommate, then make sure to get calling and check out the tips we recommend If you find a group who are looking for a house, then together you can work to find a new home for you all. For where to look take a look at the useful websites provided at the bottom of the page.

Hints and Tips

Call not email

We know it can be scary having to call people, but often estate agents don't check their emails until the end of the day and by then the house you wanted may have gone, so make sure you call them directly about viewings. 

Alert List

If an estate agent does not have any houses available at the moment ask to be put on an alert list for any that may come up in the near future

Have your details ready

When viewing a house make sure you have all your details you may need, ready, as this will make you seem more attractive to landlords. Details you will need include: name, date of birth, proof of previous addresses for the last three years, Guarantors details, passport and visa (if applicable.)

Be keen

When viewing around make sure you ask lots of questions, be friendly, smile and make sure you are very enthusiastic about the house. You may not be the only person looking at the house and you want them to pick you to live there.

Know what you want

Make sure you know how much you can afford-including budgeting for bills! Also, know what things are most important to you and what things are most important to you and what you can be flexible on e.g. distance from University, size of bedroom etc.

Ways to get involved

Your housemates may be your first friends here at Surrey, but they don't have to be your only friends!

Below are all the ways you can get involved at making more friends

Join a Society based on your interests or course

Experience as many Fresher's events as you can

Visit Active Fresher's Fair at Surrey Sports Park and join a Sports Club

Get involved in one the Union's Volunteering activities