Swansea University - House-Hunting FAQ's
Skip Navigation
Main Navigation
House-Hunting FAQ's
Some of the most frequently asked questions.
- What are the popular areas for students to live in?
- How do we get an Accommodation Office list?
- Is there a shortage of private-sector accommodation in Swansea?
- Are there houses around for large groups?
- What should we look for when viewing a property?
- How much rent should we expect to pay?
- Are we likely to have to pay any money now?
- Is it a good idea to use a letting agency?
- I've found a house that isn't on the accommodation list. Will it be OK?
- If I can't find a private-sector house I like, can I apply for Hendrefoelan later on?
- Is there any special assistance for postgraduates?
- Can you tell me more about gas safety?
What are the popular areas for students to live in?
Brynmill and Uplands are the closest residential area to the University, lying immediately to the west of Singleton Park.
Sketty is on the north side of Singleton Park, again a short walk away, and seems to be particularly popular with postgraduate students. .
Mumbles has less student accommodation than it once had, but this seaside village about 3 miles along the bay is still the first choice for many watersports enthusiasts.
Click here for the University Website's map page
How do we get an Accommodation List?
You will be able to access Studentpad on Monday 2nd February and a new password will be sent to you via your email.
Is there a shortage of private-sector accommodation in Swansea?
No, if anything, there is an oversupply available to students who are looking for housing in advance. For this reason, we recommend that you see several properties before making up your mind which one to take. Do not allow landlords to pressurise you into signing a contract until you're sure you want the house.
Are there houses around for large groups?
The typical house size in the areas of Swansea preferred by students is 4 - 6. There is a smaller number of houses for 7-9 students, mostly in Uplands. More than 9 is unusual.
What should we look for when viewing a property?
Take a copy of our House-Hunting Check List with you.
How much rent should we expect to pay?
Average rents vary between £55 and £65 per week. Even amongst properties that comply with all fire and safety standards there can be significant variations in facilities and quality. However the rent level is not always an indication of the quality of the property, so never take the first property you see unless you are completely happy with it.
Remember that rents in the private sector do not normally include fuel bills, and you should budget about £7 each per week this. Water rates are normally included in the rent, but do check!. Other costs that you may find adding to your outgoings include telephone and Internet costs.
You will almost certainly have to pay a deposit and you may also be asked for a summer retainer. See Rents, Deposits and Retainers for more information.
Are we likely to have to pay any money now?
Most landlords will ask for some form of advance payment as an indication that you do wish to rent their property. Always ensure you obtain a receipt.
See Rents, Deposits and Retainers for more information.
Is it a good idea to use a letting agency?
The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for but remember you do NOT need to pay a 'flat finding' fee for accommodation, there is plenty of availibility in Swansea.
Residential Services does not recommend that groups of students who are looking for a "typical" student house use an agency. .
There are several reliable and established letting agents in Swansea. As a general guideline, consider using an agency that is a member of a professional body such as ARLA or NAEA.
Points to Consider
- Letting agencies often charge higher rents than ordinary landlords.
- Many letting agencies charge a fee for signing a tenancy or for other "professional services".
- Some letting agencies ask students to provide parental guarantors for the rent. If the contract is a joint one, this means asking your parents to guarantee that rent will be paid by people they may not even have met.
Find out at the time you sign your contract whether repairs should be reported to the agency or direct to the landlord and, if the latter, make sure you have full contact details for him.
I've found a house that isn't on the accommodation list. Will it be OK?
If there are students living there now, they can be your best source of information. Ask the current tenants if they have been happy with the house and the landlord.
Some landlords are not allowed to advertise on the University's lists because of the way they have behaved in the past. There are other properties known to the University but not currently registered.
Certain properties are not known to Residential Services at all, and you will have to use your judgment and common sense. Some such properties are owned and let by a student's parents. Students considering such properties should ensure they see a current gas safety certificate if there is gas in the property, and ascertain whether the property is a registered House in Multiple Occupation.
If I can't find a private-sector house I like?
Don't be too disappointed if you can't find a suitable house from the first list. A lot more properties are advertised later in the year and students find something they like before they go home in the summer.
Is there any special assistance for postgraduates?
New postgraduates whose preference is to live in private sector accommodation will be sent a house hunting pack when their application form is received.
The on-line house-hunting system recognises whether or not a student using the system is a postgraduate, and adds in additional Postgraduate Only properties to the search. Certain landlords specify that they wish to let only to postgraduates and/or mature students, and their details will only be available on-line to postgraduates.
There are often more properties advertised specifically for postgraduates during the summer months, as landlords may not know earlier than this that their current postgraduate tenants are leaving.
Can you tell me more about gas safety?
If a landlord is letting a property which has a gas supply, there is a legal requirement for a valid Gas Safety Certificate. These certificates can only be issued by registered CORGI gas installers, and are valid for one year.
No property can be registered on the University's lists unless a valid Gas Safety Certificate is provided by the landlord. The advertisement on the list will advise you of the date on which the current Gas Safety Certificate was issued.
More helpful information on gas safety is provided through the links below.
CORGI FAQs on Gas Safety for Tenants
HSE FAQs on Gas Safety for Tenants
