All new students choosing approved accommodation will be sent information about accessing property details via the applicant portal on the University's website.

Please note: You will only be able to access our database of approved accommodation if you have an unconditional firm offer and if you are not being considered for a place in University allocated accommodation.

The following booklet contains information about choosing approved accommodation: Guide to choosing approved accommodation.

General Advice

It is in your interest to take the time to visit Plymouth to consider the available options. By visiting the office you will receive:

• Contact details so you can arrange to meet the landlord and see some properties, often immediately;
• A more personal discussion on your requirements with maps and advice on how to get to the properties;
• Any further assistance you may require such as advice about contracts.
  

Please note:  If you are travelling a long way to attend appointments to view properties, it may be prudent to check that there are still vacancies with the landlord before setting off.

Always remember when choosing approved accommodation that:

• All properties registered on our database have been visited to check safety and suitability;
• You should never sign an agreement or make a financial commitment for a property without having seen it first;
• If you are prepared to live further from the main campus or take a smaller room you often find that rents are cheaper;
• Fixed-term agreements starting at 43 weeks are offered for most properties.  These are legally binding and you will generally be liable for the rent even if you vacate the room before the end of the agreement;
• Sharing a student house means that you will share responsibility with the other tenants for cooking, cleaning, washing, putting rubbish out for collection, paying rent and bills on time and acting responsibly towards your neighbours in an unsupervised environment.

​Viewing accommodation

Remember to ask the landlord lots of questions as you look around.

We can help you with some ideas;

• Discuss the length of the contract required - if you are not studying for the full academic year, ask the landlord if they are willing to agree to a shorter length of tenancy;
• Ask what amount they require as a damage deposit (usually about £250 - £350);
• Find out how bills are paid and which are included;
• Read any agreement carefully before you sign. Let us check it over first if you like.

Whilst problems within properties registered on our database are rare, the Student Accommodation Office is always willing to become involved should you experience any difficulties. By dealing directly with the landlord, problems are often resolved quickly and amicably.

The University takes all reasonable steps, within the financial constraints imposed upon it, to inspect properties offered for letting by private landlords.  However, we cannot guarantee that the properties are safe or meet your requirements.  You must therefore rely on your own inspection and enquiries.