Accommodation for international students

The University of Northampton offers on-campus accommodation to international and home students.

Halls of residence

The University has over 1,600 bed spaces in on-campus Halls of Residence. All first year international students are given priority when allocating accommodation.

Students live in flats with five or six other students, usually from a mixture of other countries. Students have their own single room (there are a limited number of double rooms available but, as these are cheaper, demand usually exceeds supply), but will share kitchen facilities and bathrooms. There is one block which is female only. There are also female only flats in mixed sex halls.

Rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, wardrobe, bookshelf, chair and bin. International students will be provided with bed linen on a short-term loan and can also purchase some at a cost of approximately £20.

Utility bills (heating, lighting, water and electricity) and network access (where available) are included in the rent.

Applying for accommodation

Application forms for accommodation are supplied by the International Office.

Applicants need to have an unconditional offer of a place on a full-time course and have paid their tuition fee deposit before their application form can be passed to Accommodation Services.

Applications for accommodation for 2010/11 must be received by Accommodation Services by Friday 20 August 2010.

In order to accept their offer of accommodation, applicants must pay a key and damage deposit of £200 and complete and sign a contract and payment plan. This deposit can be paid by bank transfer or credit/debit card.

The accommodation contract for 2010/11 runs from 12 September 2010 to 9 July 2011 (43 weeks). Students will need to pay the first installment in advance.

Private rented accommodation

While The University of Northampton recommends that all its first year international students seek accommodation within the University campuses, you may wish to seek private sector housing.

Accommodation Services can provide you with details of landlords who are approved by the University as providers of student accommodation.

When considering a private rented property it is advisable to consider the following points:

1. As a new arrival to Northampton do you know where the property is situated? Have you had a chance to look around the area and familiarised yourself with local facilities (food shops, public transport etc)?

2. Have you included the 'extra' costs such as travel expenses and utility bills in your budget? In private rented accommodation you will be responsible for domestic bills.

3. You will be expected to sign a fixed term contract. Few private sector landlords will be willing to release you from this contract once it is signed before the date of its expiry. You should feel confident that you will be happy in the property before you sign any legally binding document.

4. You may be offered accommodation that seems extremely cheap. Average rents per week are £70. If you are offered something far below this price it is important that you ask yourself why the property is being supplied below the average market rent. You may find the property has a large number of residents with multiple occupants in one room. This will not provide you the best setting for studying and comfortable living.

Contact us

For more information about applying for accommodation at The University of Northampton, please contact Accommodation Services on (+44)1604 892482 or email accommodation@northampton.ac.uk.