Looking for Accommodation
Searching for the right accommodation whilst you’re studying? There are many options for University of Salford students, from purpose-built student accommodation to house-shares and flats. We understand it can be hard knowing where to start – especially in big cities like Salford and Manchester – so we’ve created this handy page to get you started.
Purpose-built Student Accommodation
Purpose-built student accommodation – also known as “halls of residence” or “student halls” – is a popular option for many students. There are plenty of student halls across Salford, all within about 10-15 minutes of one of our campuses. These halls cater to various needs, including modern ensuite rooms, budget-friendly shared bathroom flats, and self-contained studios.
Our partnered accommodation with Campus Living Villages (CLV)
- John Lester and Eddie Colman Courts (CLV) ROOMS STILL AVAILABLE – Exclusively for University of Salford students (both new and returning) these halls of residence are a short walk from both Frederick Road and Peel Park campuses. Offering single rooms grouped into small flats, this is a great budget-friendly option, and you’ll only be sharing a bathroom between two and four people. Availability is limited, but we still have a few rooms left - visit CLV website to check availability and book a room.
- Peel Park Quarter (CLV) - Exclusively for new undergraduate students in their first year of study, Peel Park Quarter offers ensuite accommodation on Peel Park campus. If any rooms are cancelled, they will be made automatically available on the CLV website although we don’t recommend waiting for a cancellation as it is not guaranteed.
Other nearby options
- Student Quarter (IQ) –Ensuite and studio apartments within a short 10 to 15-minute walk to Peel Park and Frederick Road campuses.
- Riverside (CRM Students) – Modern ensuite flats along the River Irwell, just by Peel Park campus.
- The Campus (X1) – Modern purpose-built studio apartments only a two-minute walk from Frederick Road campus.
- Chapel Street (X1) – Ensuite flats and studio apartments located between Peel Park campus and Manchester city centre.
- True Student – Modern ensuite flats and studio apartments, the closest accommodation to our MediaCity campus.
- Tramways (Sanctuary Students) – Ensuite flats just along Frederick Road, which is a 10-minute walk from Frederick Road campus.
- Cromwell Court (University Quarter) – Small flats with shared communal spaces, located north of the University and an 18-minute walk to Peel Park and Frederick Road campus.
- Waterside (Student Cribs) – Small flats with shared communal spaces, located near Tramways and IQ. It’s a 10-minute walk to Peel Park campus.
As a student you can get the 50 bus between Peel Park/Frederick Road campuses and MediaCity campus for free – just show your student ID card. To get between campuses it takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
House-shares and Other Private Rented Accommodation
Private rented accommodation such as house-shares, apartments and flats are particularly popular with returning students. There are loads of house-shares across Salford and Manchester in properties ranging in size from three to four rooms up to seven+ rooms. There are also plenty of flats and apartments suitable for single occupants, couples or friends.
House-shares are often cheaper than purpose-built student accommodation. A room in a house-share typically costs £550-£800 per month depending on the property and area. Apartments are more expensive but can be a good option if you’re splitting the cost with a partner or friend. One and two-bedroom apartments tend to start around £800 or £950 respectively and can be up to £1,500+ per month for higher end properties.
There are numerous platforms available to find accommodation in the private rental market. We’ve listed some well-known options below, but we do not vet any of the landlords or agents, so be aware of potential scams and never pay any money unless you are sure the situation is legitimate. Visit Action Fraud for advice on how to protect yourself from rental fraud.
Short-term or temporary accommodation
Most accommodation contracts are 42 to 51 weeks in purpose-built student accommodation or six to 12 months in the wider rental market, but there are some shorter-term options available if you aren’t here for the full academic year.
As well as looking for short-term rentals on the platforms listed above, you could try the following websites if you need somewhere to stay for just a few days or weeks. Remember that we don’t moderate these platforms, so stay vigilant against potential scams and don’t part with any money unless you’re sure.
If you are joining us in January, we recommend you check directly with our local purpose-built student accommodation providers. They sometimes have rooms available from January until June or August.
Sometimes other students advertise the remainder of their tenancies for take over. This can be a good way to find short-term accommodation, but before you take over someone else’s tenancy, make sure the landlord approves of it. If the landlord is unaware, you could end up being asked to leave.
Essential Information when Looking for Accommodation
Looking for accommodation can feel difficult, especially if you haven’t done it before. Our tips will help you find the right property, avoid scams and understand your rental liability.
Top Tips When Finding Accommodation
Be vigilant
When searching for accommodation, there are a variety of platforms you can use. Many of the properties you see listed will be legitimate, but unfortunately there are scammers who use these platforms to con people out of large sums of money. Never pay any money unless you are sure the situation is legitimate. For additional advice on protecting yourself from rental fraud, visit Action Fraud.
Book a viewing
When looking for accommodation in the private rental market, you should always view a property before making any payments. It’s best to take someone with you, but if you can’t, let someone know where you are going and who you’re meeting. Look thoroughly at the whole property and use Shelter’s viewing checklist to help you spot signs of disrepair or other issues.
Read your contract
We know it’s boring, but you must read your contract. If you don’t, you (or your guarantor) could end up being liable for unexpected charges. Accommodation contracts are legally binding (even if you change your mind about moving in, or move out early), so make sure you read it from top to bottom before signing so that you fully understand what you are legally committing to.
Be particularly mindful of joint tenancies. In joint tenancies, all tenants are equally responsible for rent, so if someone doesn’t pay, you (or your guarantor) could end up footing the bill. Read more about joint tenancies and other types of rental agreement on Shelter’s website.
If you’re unsure about anything, you can ask the SU Advice Centre to check your contract before you sign.
Make sure you understand the cancellation policy
Different accommodation providers have different cancellation policies. Make sure you understand yours fully before you sign so that you know what your options are if you want to cancel before your tenancy starts, or once you have moved in. Don’t assume you’ll be able to cancel free of charge – in the private rental market, you will usually need to find a replacement tenant in order to be released from your contract.
Be prepared to pay a deposit
Most student halls take a deposit of £100 to £250 to secure your booking. In the private rental market, you will usually need to pay a holding deposit of one week’s rent to reserve the property, followed by a damage deposit of five weeks' rent if you proceed with the tenancy agreement. Read more about deposits on Shelter’s website.
Arrange a guarantor
Most accommodation providers will require you to have a UK-based guarantor. A guarantor is a person who agrees to pay rent or damages if the tenant fails to do so. For students, guarantors are usually parents or guardians.
International students and those who are care-experienced or estranged can’t always provide a UK-based guarantor, so we have partnered with guarantor company Housing Hand to offer a discounted price of £250 for 12 months to University of Salford students who apply using the Housing Hand Salford link. Not all accommodation providers accept Housing Hand as a guarantor. Alternatively, you might be asked to pay the full rent upfront.
If you are a care leaver or estranged student and don’t have a guarantor, contact SpecialistSupport@salford.ac.uk as we might be able to provide additional support.
Need Help?
If you're still struggling to find accommodation after using the resources above, please contact askUS.