There are numerous threads in this area from those of you who are in further education asking for help or a recommendation on where to stay. So I thought I’d bring all the information I can find in to one place for you all.
Types of Accommodation University Accommodation
In my opinion these are your best bet for first year. You will meet new people easier and everyone is in the same boat. University accommodation also tends to be situated close to the campus
Private Accommodation
This falls under a few categories:
This is first option for the vast majority of students. You rent a room in a house and share the lounge, bathroom, toilet and kitchen with house mates.
Here, none of the amenities are shared. It makes this the ideal accommodation for small families, couples or people who like their own space. Any flat you consider should have one or two bedrooms and its own bathroom and kitchen.
Living in a house, usually with the owner. If you’re an international student, staying in a house can be a great way for you to experience Glasgow life and polish up your language skills. But expect house rules, and not all will provide meals.
General Advice & Points to Watch HMO Licences
Before signing any tenancy agreements, students are advised to check with the landlord that the flat has planning permission for multiple occupancy use and more importantly that there are no enforcement notices prohibiting multiple occupancy use. Advice can be obtained from Glasgow District Council Planning Department regarding the planning situation of any property (Tel... 0141 287 6531). N.B. From 1st October 2003 all flats housing 3 or more students should have applied for a licence.
Rents and Deposits
You should know exactly how much the rent is, when and how you pay. It is better to pay by cheque, or to be sure you get a receipt if paying by cash. Don't forget you must be sure of being able to keep up with the rent payments before you commit yourself. Most landlords require a deposit to cover any damage to the property or its contents, and to cover any outstanding bills at the end of the tenancy. It is usually about one month's rent, and is recoverable at the end of the tenancy, as long as no damage has been done and all bills have been paid. Remember to keep all receipts until the end of the contract and deposits have been refunded.
Leases
Make sure you read carefully and understand the conditions of the contract. Note carefully the period of the lease and the rental due.
Inventories
Make sure you receive and check the inventory with the landlord prior to signing the lease. Always keep a copy. If there is no inventory make one yourself and ask the landlord to check it.
Where else to look for Private Accommodation
Newspapers
The Herald and the Glasgow Evening Times carry adverts on Tuesday and Thursday.
Notice Boards
In both Unions and the Students' Representative Council and all over Campus.
Property Agents
They can only charge you once you accept the accommodation.
Shops
Many local shops carry ads in their windows or on notice boards.
Further Links to websites for accommodation
pad is a new centralised database of private sector accommodation available for rent to students attending Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde.
Unite Students Accommodation for Students Student Accommodation Student Pad
