How UniAcco Helped Sadaf Ramzan
UniAcco helped Sadaf go through every important check before she accepted her accommodation offer, ensuring she was fully informed before signing.
This included:
- Explained to her what is and is not typically included in the weekly rent across all the different accommodation types in Leeds
- Walked her through the tenancy length, move-in dates, break clauses and all contract-related terms for the properties she desired
- Confirmed what the actual deposit amount, protection terms, and the redress body applicable for her chosen PBSA
- Guided her on all cancellation rights as an international student.
- Clarified the No Visa No Pay and No University No Pay policies to her and how they work
What to Check Before Booking
Before accepting any student accommodation offer in the UK, first-time international students should carefully review several important points.
- Students in the UK must, most importantly, confirm whether the weekly and monthly rents include utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and high-speed WiFi.
- Another important aspect is checking the exact start and end dates of your student contract. There are several contract lengths in UK student accommodation: 40, 44, 48, or 51 weeks.
- To find out if security deposit amounts are protected by the government. When a student pays a security deposit to a landlord or accommodation provider, UK law requires that the deposit be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. For PBSAs, students are often charged a smaller upfront deposit or booking fee, as low as £200–£250, rather than a full month's rent. Also, in PBSA properties, deposits may be held under the provider's own terms; in that case, students should check whether the provider is registered with ANUK/Unipol or the Universities UK Code.
- This is very important for international students. Always check whether the accommodation offers a No Visa No Pay clause; this means if their visa is refused, they can cancel without penalty. In a similar manner, the property must also have a No University No Pay clause that allows cancellation if their university place is withdrawn.
- Students should check the policies about overnight guests, quiet hours, use of communal kitchens, and any restrictions that could affect their day-to-day living.
- Students should confirm whether the property has 24/7 on-site support. They should know how maintenance issues are reported and resolved for their selected property.
- Not just the distance of the property from the campus, but also whether there are supermarkets, public transport, grocery stores, and pharmacies nearby.
Properties Worth Considering
- The Triangle - This option has en-suite rooms starting from £130/week and a deposit starting at £250. Students can also get £50 cashback, and this property comes with 24x7 dedicated support.
- The Terry Frost Building, Leeds - This option has en-suites, non-en-suites and studio rooms for students to choose from. These properties are well furnished and come with features such as No Visa No Pay, No University No Pay and all bills included.
- iQ Leeds - This option is rated 4.0 out of 5 by students. Students can book en-suites, non-ensuites and studio rooms here. Bills are included at this property, and it also has No Visa No Pay and No University No Pay policies.