Accommodation advice for international students

Page content

Securing Student Accommodation

Across the UK and here in Northern Ireland, there has been a very high demand for student accommodation and many international students, including those who have been travelling with dependants, have found it difficult to secure appropriate accommodation.

We understand how worrying encountering issues with accommodation can be and so we urge you to be proactive and prepared.

To support you, the University is hosting weekly Accommodation Webinars where you can ask questions live and get the latest information.

You can find details on how to access Accommodation and other webinars to help you prepare before you leave home.

If you are travelling alone for your studies

If you are travelling alone for your studies and require a single occupancy room, we strongly advise you to book our award-winning University accommodation. The University has an accommodation guarantee for all international students.
This means if you apply by 14 August 2024 you are guaranteed a room and can start your studies on time, without the difficulty and stress of searching for accommodation. Please note, if you apply by 14 August you are guaranteed University accommodation, you can still apply after 14 August, but rooms are not guaranteed.
As the academic year commences, we know that international students face significant challenges in securing long-term accommodation in Northern Ireland.
There remains a significant shortage of private sector accommodation in both Derry~Londonderry and Belfast. At this stage, we strongly recommended that students organise housing before travelling to Northern Ireland.
If you are planning on travelling with your family

Visa rules around bringing dependents have changed, it's important that you consult UKVI guidelines for up-to-date advice. For students who are allowed to bring dependents, we strongly recommend that you do not bring your family to Northern Ireland until you have found accommodation for them.
There is currently a very high demand for suitable family accommodation in Derry~Londonderry and Belfast in particular.
This demand has caused significant delays in international students securing appropriate term-time housing for their families and an increase in monthly rental rates.
If you are going to look for family accommodation, we recommend that you come to Northern Ireland on your own before your classes begin and start your search through local letting agents before inviting your family to join you at a later date. This process may take several months and you should plan and budget accordingly.
If you are looking for private accommodation

We strongly advise that you secure short-term accommodation before you travel to Northern Ireland. If you intend to stay in temporary accommodation (such as an Airbnb or hotel), you must budget for a minimum of 6 weeks. This will give you time to finder longer term accommodation.
There is an unprecedented level of demand, particularly for family accommodation, so it is likely you will find that sourcing and applying for accommodation is very competitive and difficult at the moment.
Where to start your search
For students who plan to live off-campus we would recommend that you do extensive research on private rented accommodation through local letting agents and estate agents before you arrive.
We've got some tips on our website on where to look, where to stay and what to look out for when you go to accommodation viewings.
- View our tips on searching for accommodation
At the link above you will be able to access websites that show available rental properties. The University has also partnered with, Student Pad NI. This website shows available rental properties and is a good place to start.
You will find more tips on what you need to know when choosing your accommodation.
How to defer your place if you have no accommodation secured

You should email the Compliance team at compliance@ulster.ac.uk to request a deferral. Your place will be deferred to the next entry point in which your course is offered, i.e. September or January.
Please be aware that any English language/ATAS/Police checks used to obtain your offer of study must be valid for the next intake.
Is starting your study online then moving to Northern Ireland later in the year an option?

No. The University is not offering remote study in the majority of its degree programmes during the 2024/25 academic year and there is a latest arrival date for each programme by which you must be on campus to fully begin your studies. This is noted in your CAS.
Therefore, once you have secured accommodation in Northern Ireland, you need to register, enrol and commence your programme on campus, in line with your course’s published dates. Please ensure you have secured accommodation prior to completing registration and enrolment, and then make travel arrangements to Northern Ireland.
We strongly advise that you DO NOT travel/arrive in Northern Ireland without first securing accommodation.
How the University can help

For students who plan to live off-campus we would recommend that you do extensive research on private rented accommodation through local letting agents and estate agents before you arrive.
The International Student Advisory Service are running weekly information webinars focused specifically on providing accommodation information and advice. As well as providing an overview of University accommodation and how to apply for a room, we will also discuss the challenges of securing private accommodation and advice on how to start your search.
Third Party Guarantors

When you seek to secure private accommodation, most private landlords and letting agents request a UK-based guarantor who will become liable for rent if you are unable to pay at any point during your tenancy.
If you are unable to provide a UK-based guarantor, landlords and letting agents may ask you to pay more rent upfront, which can be a considerable cost.
The University has partnered with Housing Hand to provide a UK guarantor service for students seeking UK accommodation. Additionally, Your Guarantor and HomePPL provide similar guarantor services that you may find helpful if you do not have access to a UK guarantor. We encourage you to undertake your own research on all guarantor agencies.
International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) Students
If you are coming to Ulster via ISEP Exchange or ISEP Direct you must apply for the correct on-campus accommodation as outlined on your ISEP contract. If you select any other type of accommodation you will be liable to pay the difference.
Your booking fee and bedding packs are included in your ISEP package and you must not pay anything directly to the accommodation team.
When you apply you are applying as a Funded Overseas Student. This means you will not be required to make a payment when accepting your room offer. There are Semester only options for all.
On Campus Accommodation (included with your ISEP Package)
For students who are studying on our Belfast Campus our accommodation at the Dalriada Village (single ensuite) is included in your package and is our preference, but we understand that students may prefer to live closer to the Belfast campus. ISEP students now have to option to apply for accommodation at either LIV or 123 York Street: Accommodation at Ulster - Ulster University Accommodation.
If you wish to book accommodation at 123 York Street or LIV Student, you will be liable to pay the difference based on the accommodation at Dalriada Village (single en-suite). This difference covers a higher-end level of accommodation based within the "cathedral quarter" area of Belfast. If you wish to book either of these options, please email: accommodationb@ulster.ac.uk. Please be advised there are limited Semester-only options.
Exchange Students (not ISEP)

Depending on the campus of study, some exchange students may not be eligible for University accommodation. Please contact the Residential Services staff on your campus of study to confirm, before making an application.