Short-Term

Searching for Single Semester/Short-Term Accommodation

If you're looking for single semester/short-term accommodation, you're in the right place!

  • Short-Term Accommodation: In the private rented sector, short-term accommodation is generally a period of 6 months to a full year.
  • Temporary Accommodation: Anything under 6 months is generally considered to be temporary accommodation, so search methods 3, 4 and 5 may be most suitable.
  • When to Look for Accommodation: Depending on when you need your short-term/temporary accommodation, you will need to start looking around 2 months in advance, however this varies depending on the time of year, and there is no harm in checking ahead of time!

There are a number of different ways to search for short-term accommodation:

 

1. MSH Website

 

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

🟧 Here you can search for University Approved accommodation, including whole or shared properties, with or without bills. These properties are usually available for a minimum of 6 months (to be discussed with the landlord).

🟧 You can use the search facility to find properties which suit your particular requirements.

2. Student Message Board

 

You can use our student message board and view the following forums:

🟧 Room Swap/International and Erasmus Students

🟧 Short Term Accommodation

🟧 Offering Student Accommodation

Here you will find students posting 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.

3. Serviced Apartments

 

These properties are generally high-end, fully furnished and bills inclusive, available for long or short stay, with some affordable options available.

You can find a selection of serviced apartments in our Hotels, Hostels and Serviced Apartments Directory and on websites such as AirBnB, Bookings.com and Pass The Key.

4. Other Proprty Search Websites and Local Agents

 

You can use a variety of property search websites to find properties available through local agents and private landlords.

These properties available in the private rental sector are usually whole properties without bills included. These properties may be furnished or unfurnished. Contracts may be a minimum of 6 months.

You can use the property search websites below to find available accommodation:

🟧 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

🟧 RoomGo: https://www.roomgo.co.uk

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

Note: None of the websites or local agents are vetted by Manchester Student Homes. Please ensure you have your contract checked by Manchester Student Homes prior to signing the contract or paying any monies.

5. Homestay

 

Homestays involve renting a room in a host family's house, with bills included. All bookings and payment must be made via the relevant portal as advised.

You can use websites below to find homestay properties:

🟧 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

Note: None of the websites or local agents are vetted by Manchester Student Homes. Please ensure you have your contract checked by Manchester Student Homes prior to signing the contract or paying any monies.

 

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Scam and Fraud Awareness Information

Please exercise caution and discretion when using any of the mentioned websites and services. For more information of scam and fraud awareness, please click here.

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Advice and Guidance

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

When searching remotely, we advise you 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. 

  • A holding deposit (or reservation fee) can be a maximum of one weeks' rent. For more information, please click here.

  • Upon signing a contract your accommodation provider will ask for a security deposit and rent up front (usually one month). A security deposit can be no more than 5 weeks' rent. For more information, please click here.

  • 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 further rent up front.

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.

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List of Properties Available via Letting Agents

Below is a list of properties that are available from 1 to 12 months. Please be aware that this spreadsheet is updated on a fortnightly basis and some properties may be taken.

Download the List of Properties

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