Will I be sharing accommodation with students or professionals in Nottingham, UK?

 

Olivia Chen from Malaysia, starting her undergraduate degree at University of Nottingham, wanted to ensure she would be living with other students rather than working professionals as she wanted an academic environment around her.

She was unsure whether all shared accommodations in the Nottingham are student-only or working professionals also stay in these properties.

UniAcco supported her by:

• Explaining the differences between student accommodations, private rentals, and BTR properties.

• Shortlisting student-only buildings near her university.

• Clarifying tenant eligibility rules for each property type and what type of flatmates she can expect.

• Confirming whether proof of student status was required or not

This helped Olivia choose accommodation that aligned with her preference for a student-focused environment with all amenities and facilities to support her in studies.

Problem Context

Many students assume that shared accommodation in the UK automatically means sharing with other full-time students. However, occupancy type depends on the housing model of the property.

The UK rental market includes several types of properties, each with different tenant eligibility rules.

Student Constraints

In Olivia’s case:

• First time living abroad

• Prefers a student-only community

• Wants a social academic environment

• Concerned about lifestyle compatibility

Different housing models can result in very different living experiences.

How Sharing Usually Works in the UK

There are generally four accommodation models:

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

• Mostly full-time students only
• Requires proof of full-time student status
• Designed for academic communities

University Halls

• Student-only and that too of the same university
• Managed directly by the university itself
• Common for first-year students

Private Rentals (House Shares or Flats)

• May include students
• May include young professionals as well
• Depends on landlord preference and tenancy type

Build-to-Rent (BTR) Properties

• Professionally managed residential buildings
• Open to students and working professionals both
• Often offer modern amenities
• Not restricted to students unless specified

BTR properties typically operate as general residential housing rather than student-only accommodation.

Important Variation to Understand

Even within private rentals and BTR properties:

• Some flats may be entirely student-occupied

• Some may be mixed with professionals

• Some landlords may restrict tenancy type basis their preference

Occupancy depends on:

• The property model

• The building operator

• The tenancy agreement

Unless the building is designated student-only (like PBSA or university halls), mixed occupancy is possible.

Practical Step-by-Step Guidance

Before booking, ask:

1. Is this property occupied by students only?

2. Is proof of student status required?

3. Are working professionals allowed in the building?

4. Is this a PBSA, private rental, or BTR property?

5. Can I request to share only with full-time students?

Confirming these details helps you choose the right living environment and allow you to focus on your studies.

Key Responsibility to Remember

The people you share your accommodation with depend on the accommodation type and you may not be able to control who lives with you if you don't select the right property type. Student accommodations and university halls are for full-time students, while private rentals and BTR properties may include mixed occupants. Always confirm occupancy rules before signing your rental contract.