Short-Term

Short-Term Accommodation in Manchester

If you’re only studying in Manchester for a single semester, a placement, or a short course, finding the right accommodation can feel tricky - but help is available.

 

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What counts as short-term accommodation?

 

Short-term accommodation usually means renting for less than a full academic year and more than a few months. This might suit you if you are:

 

  • An exchange or study abroad student
  • A postgraduate arriving mid-year
  • On a short course or placement
  • Looking for accommodation from January to June
  • Only staying in Manchester for a few months

 

Most short-term student lets run until 30 June, with some options available over the summer months (July–August). 

 

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Popular Types of Accommodation

 

Shared student houses

 

🟧 The most common option for short-term stays

🟧 You’ll have your own bedroom and share facilities

🟧 Usually located in popular student areas such as Fallowfield, Rusholme, Withington, Hulme and Victoria Park 

🟧 Rent is often £130–£170 per person per week, excluding bills


Private halls of residence (PBSA)

 

🟧 Run by private companies rather than the University

🟧 Often include utility bills

🟧 Usually more expensive

🟧 Most prioritise full academic year contracts, but some short-term options may be available 

 

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How to search safely

 

Before You Arrive

We can give advice before your arrival, but we strongly recommend that you do not sign a contract or send money for accommodation you have not viewed in person. This helps protect you from scams. 

Budgeting

As a guide, we recommend budgeting £150–£230 per week, including bills, depending on the location and type of property. Further information is available here.

Temporary Accommodation

Many students book temporary accommodation (such as a hotel or serviced apartment) when they first arrive. This gives you time to attend viewings and make an informed decision.


You can use our Hotels, Hostels and Serviced Apartments Directory for short stays.

 

Viewings and Signing a contract

We strongly advise that you view a property before signing any legally binding contract.

 

If you are searching for accommodation from outside Manchester, try to:

 

🟧 Take part in virtual tours

🟧 Check the property location using Google Maps

🟧 Send your contract to Manchester Student Homes for checking before you sign

 

If you would prefer to view properties in person before signing, booking short term accommodation for 2 to 3 nights can give you time to attend viewings and sign a contract once you find a suitable property.

Deposits and Payments

 

🟧 A holding deposit (sometimes called a reservation fee) can be no more than one week’s rent.

🟧 Once you sign a contract, your accommodation provider will usually ask for a security deposit and rent in advance (often one month).

🟧 A security deposit can be no more than five weeks’ rent. More information about deposits and fees is available on our website.

🟧Returned at the end of your tenancy, minus agreed deductions.

 

Further guidance is available on our deposits page.

Guarantors

 

You may be asked to provide a UK based guarantor if you wish to pay rent in instalments.

 

If you are unable to provide a UK based guarantor, your accommodation provider may ask for additional rent to be paid upfront.

 

More information is available on our guarantors page


Fees

Landlords cannot charge most additional fees. They can only charge for things such as rent, deposits, utilities, and specific tenant-caused costs (for example, lost keys).


Types of Contracts

 

For more information about different types of contracts, notice periods and your legal responsibilities, visit our contracts page.

Get Your contract Checked

 

You must have your contract checked by Manchester Student Homes before you sign and before any money is paid.

 

You can:


🟧 Email your contract to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk, or

🟧 Call us on 0161 275 7680 to book an appointment

 


This helps ensure the contract is fair and that you understand your rights and responsibilities before committing.


Council Tax

Most full time students are exempt from Council Tax. Find out how to apply for an exemption on our council tax exemption page.

 

If you are a first year student moving into private accommodation before you have officially enrolled, or a final year student who remains in the property after your course end date, you will be liable for Council Tax during those periods.

 

If your situation is different or you’re unsure, we can advise and help you check with the correct local council.

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Finding short-term accommodation

 

There are several ways to find short‑term accommodation in Manchester. Some options are advertised directly through Manchester Student Homes, while others are available through external websites. Always take time to understand what you are agreeing to and seek advice before signing a contract.

 


It is important to understand the different types of contracts available, so we recommend visiting our contracts page before proceeding.

 

1. Use the Manchester Student Homes website

 

🟧 Visit www.manchesterstudenthomes.com

🟧 Select “Assured Periodic Tenancies (Single Tenants)” or “Short Lets” when searching

🟧 Each advert shows the earliest available start date

 

2.  Use the Student Message Board

 

You can use our Student Message Board to find rooms and connect with other students. The following forums are particularly useful for short term and single semester students:

 

🟧 Room Swap / International and Erasmus Students
🟧 Short Term Accommodation
🟧 Offering Student Accommodation

 

Students often post adverts for spare or unwanted rooms in houses or halls. You can also post your own message on the Looking for Student Accommodation or Short Term Accommodation forums to let others know you are searching for a place.

The message board is password protected and available on request.

 

3. Find Serviced Apartments

 

Serviced apartments are usually fully furnished, bills inclusive properties available for short or long stays. These are often higher end options, although some more affordable choices may be available.

You can find a selection of serviced apartments in our Hotels, Hostels and Serviced Apartments Directory, as well as on external websites such as:

🟧 Airbnb
🟧 Booking.com
🟧 Visit Manchester

Availability, costs and booking terms vary, so always check what is included and how long you can stay.

4. Other property search websites and local agents

 

You can also search for accommodation through a range of property websites and local letting agents. These listings are usually for whole properties in the private rental sector.


Things to be aware of:


🟧 Bills are often not included
🟧 Properties may be furnished or unfurnished
🟧 Contracts are commonly six months or longer
🟧 These options may not always suit short term stays

 

Popular property search websites include:


🟧 Gumtree
🟧 Ideal Flatmate
🟧 OpenRent
🟧 OnTheMarket
🟧 PrimeLocation
🟧 RoomGo
🟧 SpareRoom
🟧 Vrbo
🟧 Zoopla

 

Please note: These websites and local agents are not vetted by Manchester Student Homes. Always have your contract checked by MSH before signing or paying any money.

 

5. Homestay Accommodation

Homestays involve renting a room in a host family’s home, with bills usually included. This option can suit students looking for a more supported or short stay arrangement.

All bookings and payments must be made through the relevant platform, following their terms and conditions. You can search for homestay accommodation using websites such as:

 

🟧 AirBnB

🟧 Homestay

🟧 HomeToGo

🟧 Home Stay In

🟧 Homestay Web

🟧 Plum Guide

 

Please note: These websites and providers are not vetted by Manchester Student Homes. We strongly recommend that you ask MSH to check any agreement before you sign or make a payment.

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Things to check before you sign

 

Before agreeing to any accommodation, take a moment to check the key details. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected issues later.


Always confirm:


✅ Start date
✅ Notice period
✅ Total cost and what is included
✅ Your financial responsibility

It’s important not to sign a contract unless you fully understand it. Tenancy and guarantor agreements are legally binding, so taking time to check the details can help prevent problems later.

When using property websites or third party services, please exercise caution and discretion. If you would like more guidance, you can read our scam and fraud awareness advice page.

>We can check contracts for free before you sign, giving you peace of mind and the opportunity to ask questions if anything is unclear.

 

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Need Help?

 

If you have questions about short-term accommodation, contracts, costs, or safety, contact us for free, confidential advice.


Email: manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk
Telephone: 0161 275 7680
Address: MSH Pod, University of Manchester Students’ Union, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR 

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