Living in the private sector

Discover what private accommodation Plymouth city has to offer along with everything you need to know to ensure you make the right choice for you
Private accommodation in Plymouth
Plymouth offers a wide range of private accommodation for students to choose from. Whether you are a new starter, postgraduate or returning student, there is something to suit all budgets and requirements.
Accommodation can be found both in the city centre and in popular student areas which are just a short distance to the University and city centre amenities. As a city centre campus, Plymouth is easily reached by a number of bus routes and next to the railway station, so commuting is also a convenient option.
Shared flats/houses
Renting a shared house with other students involves sharing a kitchen, living room (if included), bathroom and toilet. En suite rooms are rare in shared accommodation. Rents can appear good value, however ensure you take into consideration any additional costs and bills before committing.
Individual flats/houses
If you are moving to Plymouth to study with your family, this is probably the best choice for you. Letting agencies will be able to advise you on all of the local amenities (for example, local schools).
Studios
Studios are self-contained, flexible living spaces, used for living and sleeping in, that include your own bathroom facilities and a kitchenette. There are some student buildings that contain several studio flats if you are wanting to combine privacy with meeting other students.
Private-sector halls of residence
Plymouth has a selection of purpose-built student halls, which are owned and managed by companies specialising in the student market. Private halls will generally have in-house teams to assist with resident issues or queries and will offer a range of facilities. You may be living with students from other local universities and colleges.

ANUK-accredited private halls of residence

Although we do not make any official recommendations for privately owned halls of residence, these properties are part of our 'good practice' network

Do you need a guarantor?

For private accommodation, some landlords may require students (particularly international students) to provide a guarantor as a condition of the housing contract.
The guarantor – a third-party individual or organisation – guarantees to pay the landlord any rent which the student fails to pay and the cost of any damage for which the student is responsible. Landlords generally insist that a guarantor is UK-based, or alternatively there’s the option to use a guarantor scheme.
There are several guarantor schemes available, including:
Tenancy legal contract and pen on a table.
Please note: landlords or agents will normally have a preferred form of guarantor or guarantor service. You should always check with them to confirm which type of guarantor they accept – don't make assumptions.
 

Advice and guidance

The Accommodation Services support the residents of our University-managed halls. Any questions concerning your private accommodation (including booking, rents or your contract) would be the responsibility of your landlord or management company.
The University does not recommend any particular privately-owned halls of residence. However, properties which hold ANUK accreditation are part of our 'good practice' network. Although halls of residence are popular, individual rooms often become available so check back regularly.
The UPSU Advice Centre supports students with a wide range of accommodation issues such as contracts, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, inventories, bills, council tax, gas safety and moving out. They also provide checklists of what to look for when you are viewing properties and the legal requirements landlords are expected to meet.
UPSU free tenancy agreement checking service: if you looking for your next student home and need a bit of help with the agreement before signing, UPSU can help you with checking the small print.
Beware of rental fraud and scams: read UPSU's advice on how to spot and avoid scams.
 
 
 
 
 

The Student Accommodation Code

We adhere to the Student Accommodation Code which means that we go the extra mile to make sure that you get the best quality accommodation while you are with us. The Code is managed by an external group which inspects our halls to ensure that they are in tip-top condition.
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Halls Team in January 2025, sat in a group in a generic halls of residence room