Accommodation

Moving out of your accommodation?

Quick guide to moving out of your accommodation

Moving out of your accommodation can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some essential tips to help your process of moving out smoother.

Our SU (Student Union) provides comprehensive guidance on moving out, and the SU Advice Centre is here to help if you face problems with landlords for up to 1 year after your course end date.

Your Guide to Moving Out and Private Housing Beyond University- Warwick SU Advice Centre

Plan ahead Clean thoroughly Dispose of waste

When you pack up to leave your student accommodation for the summer, you might be surprised at how much extra refuse and recycling you generate. It’s a good idea to start your clear out early and responsibly dispose of any unwanted items.

You can declutter your space and donate any items that you no longer want or need to a worthy cause - for example, by giving away usable items to charity.

Please remember, you cannot leave refuse and recycling out on the street or build up an accumulation of waste next to your wheelie bin. Do not leave everything until your last refuse and recycling collections.

If there is a build-up of refuse and recycling left on your property, you or your landlord can be held liable, and your landlord may make deductions from your deposit or raise a charge where waste has been left behind - so remember to plan ahead when disposing of waste.

Return key and utilities Notify your landlord/accommodation team

For international students - looking for accommodation after studies

Start looking for post-study accommodation well in advance, ideally 2-3 months before your current contract expires.

If you currently live on campus, the SU Housing Guide provides invaluable insights and tips to navigate UK local housing market effectively.

If you have a job offer:

It's much easier to find accommodation when you have a job offer. This is because local estate agents usually ask for proof of income if you are no longer a student.

You'll be expected to provide confirmation of contract with income details or salary slips, and references. You will also be expected to pay a deposit. Additionally, you may also be asked to provide a UK guarantor - you can use private companies such as Housing Hand to act as your guarantor (for a fee). You can also pay the whole rent upfront if you do not have a guarantor.

As you are no longer a student, you will be expected to pay Council Tax and so include this in your monthly budget.

Read the Housing guide from Citizen Advice Bureau, be aware that if you hold a Graduate or Skilled Worker Visa, you can't claim benefits which means you can't apply for council housing.

If you do not have a job offer

When your Student Visa remains valid, it is possible to explore whether any off-campus Purpose-build Student Accommodation would accept a short term rent to enable you to stay until your visa expiry date. Some recent graduates have reported success to secure short-term housing this way.

Alternatively, or, once you receive your Graduate Route Visa, you can explore short-term housing options such as Airbnb and SpareRoom.

Without proof of income it will be difficult to secure private housing. There are organisations such as Shelter who can help, but make sure you make them aware that you cannot claim benefits due to your visa conditions.

Council Tax

When should I start paying Council Tax?

if you hold a student visa, you are likely to be exempt from paying council tax during your registration period, however, you will need to apply for exemption through your local Council. If you are to arrive before your 'course start date', you will need to complete course registration before your accommodation contract start date to be considered for a council tax exemption.

What is the tax rate? Are there exemptions available after course completion? If so, what documentation is required? How is Council Tax calculated in shared housing or joint tenancies with both students and non-students?

If you signed a tenancy agreement for a room in a shared house with other non-students, your landlord would usually provide your name to the council and a 'Demand Notice' will be posted to that address with the name of everyone living in that house. Everyone named on the 'Demand Notice' will be jointly responsible to cover the whole bill. The council tax 'Demand Notice' can usually be used as an acceptable proof of address.

Do I have to pay council tax in a temporary accommodation?