Searching for Single Semester/ Short-Term Accommodation

 

If you are looking for single semester/ short-term accommodation then you're at the right place.

 

Short-Term Accommodation

 

In the private rented sector short term accommodation is a period ranging from 6 months. However, this may vary depending on the type of accommodation. 

 

Temporary Accommodation

 

Anything under 6 months is usually temporary accommodation so search methods 3, 4, 5 and 7 below would be more suitable.

 

When to Look for Accommodation

Depending on when you need your short-term/ temporary accommodation from this will determine when to look. Generally you need to start looking approximately 2 months prior but there is no harm in checking ahead of time.

 

Method 1 - MSH Website

 

  • Whole Properties and Shared Properties

  • University Approved

  • Contracts will usually be a minimum of 6 months (to be discussed with the labdlord)

  • Bills may or may not be included

 

The easiest way to find available private accommodation is to use the search page on our website.

Here you can use the search facility to find properties that suit your specific requirements – for single semester accommodation not in a shared house, select the following from the drop downs:

  • Property Type = Whole Property

  • Rooms Required = 1 bedroom (unless you require more)

  • Contract Length = Short Lets

  • Available from = (choose the month you require the room from)

For single semester accommodation in a shared house, select the following from the drop downs:

  • Property Type = Room(s) in a Shared Property

  • Rooms Required = 1 bedroom (unless you require more)

  • Contract Length = Short Lets

  • Available from = (choose the month you require the room from)

This will then generate a list of private accommodation with a short let – houses, flats and private halls. When you find a property that you are interested in please contact the landlord/ private hall directly on the number/ email address provided (in the green box) on the advert to arrange a viewing or ask any specific questions. 

Method 2 - Messageboard

 

 

  • Whole Properties and Shared Properties

  • Student-to-student messageboard

  • Bills may or may not be included

 

You can also use the Message Board on our website and view the following forums:

  • Room Swap/International and Erasmus Students

  • Short Term Accommodation

  • Offering Student Accommodation

This is where students post messages advertising a spare or unwanted room in their house/ halls. You may also wish to post your own message on the Looking for Student Accommodation and Short-Term Accommodation forums stating that you are looking for a place.

 

You must get your contract checked by MSH before you sign and before any money is handed over. You can email your contract to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or call us on 0161 275 7680 to book an appointment.

Method 3 - Serviced Apartments

 

  • Your own room with a kitchen

  • Bills will be included

  • High-end accommodation

 

Book a room in a serviced apartment for the duration you require. A small selection of hotels and serviced apartments can be found in our Hotels, Hostels and Serviced Apartments Directory. Alternatively you can find serviced apartments in Manchester on the Bookings.com website. 

 

Method 4 - Pass the Key website

 

  • Whole Properties and Shared Properties

  • Bills will be included

  • Dates should match the period you are booking

  • High-end and affordable accommodation available

book a room or property via Pass The Key for the period you require. Accommodation is available in and around Manchester.

Method 5 - AirBnB

 

  • Whole Properties and Shared Properties

  • Bills will be included

  • All bookings and payment must be done the AirBnB portal only

  • Dates should match the period you are booking.

  • High-end and affordable accommodation available

 

Book a room or property via AirBnB for the period you require. Accommodation is available in and around the City Centre, South Manchester, Salford and Hulme.

 

Method 6 - Rightmove

 

  • Whole Properties

  • Bills will not be included

  • High-end and affordable accommodation available

  • Contract may be a minimum of 6 months*

  • May or may not be furnished

  • Prices from £650 per month

Find a property with local agents via Rightmove.co.uk. Accommodation is available in and around the City Centre, South Manchester, Salford and Hulme. The properties available may or may not be furnished, so you will have to apply a filter to see only (un)furnished properties – run a search that meets your criteria, then click on Property Type in the top right hand corner, then choose your preferred furnished type.

 

You can also use websites listed below to find a local agents/ landlords. Accommodation is available in and around Manchester.

 

Property search websites:

Zoopla: https://www.zoopla.co.uk

OpenRent: https://www.openrent.co.uk

OnTheMarket: https://www.onthemarket.com

PrimeLocation: https://www.primelocation.com

Gumtree: https://www.gumtree.com/flats-houses

SpareRoom: https://www.spareroom.co.uk

The Student Room: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk

RoomGo: https://www.roomgo.co.uk

Ideal Flatmate: https://www.idealflatmate.co.uk

 

*All the websites of local agents or accommodation providers mentioned are not vetted by Manchester Student Homes.

 

You must get your contract checked by MSH before you sign and before any money is handed over. Once you have seen the property and you are interested in signing into a legally binding contract, the agent may ask you for a holding deposit (also known as a reservation fee or holding fee) to take the property off the market. A holding deposit is equivalent to one week’s rent. You can email your contract to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or call us on 0161 275 7680 to book an appointment.

Method 7 - Homestay

 

  • A room in a host family’s house

  • Bills will be included

  • All bookings and payment must be done the Homestay portal as advised

  • Dates should match the period you are booking.

  • Affordable accommodation available

  • Prices from £650 per month

Home stay services and properties with resident landlords/host families:

Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.uk

HomeStay: https://www.homestay.com

Vrbo: https://www.vrbo.com

Plum Guide: https://www.plumguide.com

Home to go: https://www.hometogo.com

Home Stay In: http://www.homestayin.com

HomestayWeb: https://www.homestayweb.com

 

 

*All the websites of local agents or accommodation providers mentioned are not vetted by Manchester Student Homes.

 

Scam and Fraud Awareness Information

 

Please find below information on Scam and Fraud Awareness:

Advice and Guidance

 

  • In terms of viewings and contracts, we do strongly advise that you view a property before signing any legally-binding contract.

  • Searching remotely - Do virtual tours, check the property via Google Maps, then send us a copy of your contract for checking before you sign. If you wish to see the property in person before signing, we suggest that you book a room in a hotel for 2-3 nights (here is a small selection of Hotels, Hostels and Serviced Apartments in Manchester and Salford) and organise viewings during this time, then you can sign any contracts in person. 

  • You must get your contract checked by MSH before you sign and before any money is handed over. You can email your contract to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or call us on 0161 275 7680 to book an appointment.

  • Holding Deposit/ Reservation Fee = is equivalent to a maximum of one week’s rent.

  • Upon signing a contract (Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement) your accommodation provider will ask for a damage deposit (max 5 weeks rent) and rent up front (usually one month).

  • You may be asked for a UK based guarantor to pay via instalments.

  • If a UK based guarantor cannot be provided accommodation providers may ask for at least 3 months’ rent up front and possibly all the rent up front.

  • Check out our student safety information: