Introduction
Studying in the UK is an exciting experience, but finding the right accommodation can be challenging—especially for Thai international students unfamiliar with the process. Mistakes in booking student housing can lead to overpaying, long commutes, unsafe locations, or even rental scams.
At Peyton & Charmed UK Student Accommodation, we help Thai students secure safe, convenient, and budget-friendly accommodation without stress. In this guide, we’ll highlight 10 common mistakes Thai students make when booking their UK student accommodation and how you can avoid them.
1. Booking Too Late 🚨
Many students underestimate how fast student accommodations fill up in major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Waiting until the last minute means fewer choices, higher prices, and potentially no suitable options left.
💡 Tip: Start searching for accommodation as soon as your university place is confirmed—ideally 3–6 months before your arrival to secure the best options.
2. Choosing Accommodation Without Considering Location 📍
Some students choose accommodation based only on price without checking how far it is from their university, supermarkets, or public transport. Long commutes can be expensive and exhausting, affecting your daily life.
💡 Tip: Use Google Maps to check travel times and look for accommodations close to public transport links or within walking distance of your university.
3. Not Understanding the Types of Student Accommodation 🏡
Many Thai students are unfamiliar with different housing options in the UK, such as:
- University Halls (On-campus dorms)
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA) (High-quality student residences)
- Private Rentals (Apartments or shared houses)
Some students choose private rentals without understanding rental contracts, landlord responsibilities, or extra costs.
💡 Tip: Learn about each type of accommodation before deciding what fits your lifestyle and budget.
4. Overlooking Additional Costs 💰
Some students focus only on rent and forget about extra costs like:
- Electricity, water, and gas bills
- WiFi and council tax (for private rentals)
- Security deposits and other fees
💡 Tip: Choose accommodations with all-inclusive rent or budget separately for utilities if renting privately.
5. Ignoring the Terms of the Rental Agreement 📝
Some students sign contracts without reading the terms carefully, leading to problems like:
❌ No refund policies for cancellations
❌ No break clause (meaning you must pay for the full contract even if you leave early)
❌ Unexpected fees
💡 Tip: Read the contract carefully before signing or consult an expert to avoid hidden penalties.
6. Not Checking Safety and Security 🔐
Some students choose cheaper areas without checking crime rates or security features. They also forget to check if the building has:
- Secure entry systems
- CCTV
- 24/7 reception/security
💡 Tip: Research the neighborhood’s safety and choose accommodations with strong security measures.
7. Relying on Facebook Groups and Unverified Sources ⚠️
Many students look for housing via Facebook groups or unofficial websites, making them vulnerable to scams. Fake landlords ask for deposits upfront and disappear.
💡 Tip: Use trusted platforms like university housing offices, accredited student accommodation providers, and verified websites (such as Peyton & Charmed UK Student Accommodation 😉).
8. Not Considering Roommate Compatibility 🏠
Some students choose shared housing without considering factors like:
- Cultural differences
- Cleanliness habits
- Noise levels
💡 Tip: If sharing, choose roommates with a similar lifestyle or book an ensuite room in a PBSA for more privacy.
9. Forgetting to Arrange Accommodation Before Arrival ✈️
Some students wait until they arrive in the UK to find accommodation, which is risky because:
- Good options might be sold out
- Temporary hotels are expensive
💡 Tip: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
10. Not Knowing Tenant Rights and Responsibilities ⚖️
Some students don’t know their rights, including:
- Landlord obligations (e.g., providing safe living conditions)
- Deposit return rules
They may also not be aware of their responsibilities, like paying rent on time and maintaining the property.
💡 Tip: Learn about UK tenant rights to avoid legal issues or unfair treatment.
🎯 Avoid Mistakes – Let Peyton & Charmed UK Help You!
❌ Don’t wait until the last minute.
❌ Don’t risk booking the wrong place.
❌ Don’t stress over contracts, safety, or scams.
🔹 Contact Peyton & Charmed UK today and let us find you the perfect student accommodation—quickly, easily, and stress-free! 🎉
📩 Visit our website: www.peytonandcharmedaccomm.co.uk
