Question 1

What are your accommodation options?

Accepted Answer

Suitable for language school students, academic students, tourists and professionals: student halls, student residences, studio flats, shared flats, private house rentals and homestays.

Question 2

As a student coming to the UK for the first time, when should I start looking for a home? What happens if I leave it too late?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time to start looking is 4–8 weeks before your move-in date. If you leave it late, options may become limited and prices go up. City Nest offers a wider portfolio to students who apply early.

Question 3

What should I prioritise when choosing a flat to rent? Transport, safety, being close to shops or school?

Accepted Answer

The key criteria when choosing a home are transport, safety and proximity to everyday needs. Being close to Tube and bus routes has a direct impact on quality of life in a big city like London. It is also important to be in a safe area and within walking distance of shops, school and cafés. City Nest weighs up all these criteria together to offer students the most suitable options.

Question 4

What are the differences between renting a flat and renting a room in student accommodation? What are the pros and cons of each?

Accepted Answer

Renting a flat offers more freedom but comes with responsibilities such as finding a guarantor and managing bills. Student accommodation, on the other hand, provides a safe and social environment with bills included. City Nest works with each student to find the right option for their budget and expectations.

Question 5

What are the advantages of working with an agency? Is it safer to deal directly with a landlord or to go through an agency?

Accepted Answer

Agencies generally offer more formal contracts and clear processes. Deals made directly with landlords can sometimes be cheaper but may carry risks. City Nest puts students’ safety first by working only with trusted agencies and approved landlords.

Question 6

If I can’t attend a viewing in person, how can City Nest help me?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to choose a home before arriving in the UK. With videos, detailed photos and information about the area, City Nest helps students make a safe decision remotely.

Question 7

In which cities do you have partner student residences?

Accepted Answer

United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland); Birmingham, Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Brighton, Leicester, Bristol, Liverpool, Cambridge, Cardiff, Manchester / Salford, Coventry, Nottingham, Kingston, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Lancaster, Exeter, Swansea, Oxford, Reading, Leeds, London, Newcastle, Southampton, York.
Ireland; Dublin, Manchester.
Italy; Milan, Florence.
Spain; Barcelona, Madrid.
France; Paris.

Question 8

Can you arrange short-term flat rentals?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can rent studio flats and private houses for short-term stays. We offer you the most suitable options for your chosen city and length of stay. We have a particularly wide choice across London.

Question 9

What should I discuss clearly with my landlord from the start to avoid problems?

Accepted Answer

Before signing a tenancy agreement, you should clarify whether bills are included in the rent, the deposit amount and refund conditions, who is responsible for any repairs in the property, and the length of the contract. City Nest clarifies these details from the outset to prevent possible disputes.

Question 10

There’s a “minimum 12-month contract” requirement, but I’ll only be staying for 9 months. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

In this case, homes with short-term contracts, student accommodation or contracts with an early exit option are considered. City Nest offers the alternative best suited to your length of stay, helping you avoid unnecessary costs.

Question 11

What happens if I want to leave before my contract ends? Is early exit possible, and are there penalties?

Accepted Answer

Early exit terms depend on the contract. Some contracts allow early exit, while others may require you to find a replacement tenant or involve certain penalties. City Nest explains these clauses in detail before signing so that students can make an informed decision.

Question 12

Who should I contact if a problem arises after I move in?

Accepted Answer

Who is responsible depends on the party you signed the contract with. For agency-managed properties it is the agency; for agreements made directly with the landlord, it is the landlord. Students who arrange their accommodation through City Nest can contact the City Nest team first to get the right guidance for their situation.

Question 13

What is a guarantor and why is one needed? What happens if someone from outside the UK can’t provide a guarantor?

Accepted Answer

A guarantor is a person who takes on responsibility for the rent if the tenant is unable to pay. In the UK, most landlords ask for a guarantor who lives in the country and has a regular income. This may not always be possible for students coming from outside the UK. In this case, options such as paying rent upfront in a lump sum or student accommodation that doesn’t require a guarantor are considered.

Question 14

How can I find out the council tax status when choosing a home? Do I have to pay it if I’m a student?

Accepted Answer

Council Tax is a local tax paid to the council in the UK. Full-time students are generally exempt, but they must prove their student status with official documents. City Nest checks the property’s council tax status in advance and keeps you informed.

Question 15

Who pays the NHS surcharge, and what is the situation for short-term and long-term students?

Accepted Answer

Long-term students (6 months or more, on a student visa): pay the NHS surcharge and can therefore access most healthcare services free of charge or at low cost. Short-term students (under 6 months, on a visitor visa): need to take out private health insurance, just as on a tourist visa.

Accommodation

Accommodation: a quick look at 59 options

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Colindale Skyline House

Frequently asked questions