Students need more advice and support when renting at university

Finding a place to live while at university is a big challenge for many UK students, leaving some feeling scared or anxious.

According to a report by rent guarantee firm Housing Hand, there’s a landscape of uncertainty and anxiety for those navigating the rental market for the first time.

Its Understanding Renters in 2025 survey, which gathered insights from 1,700 private renters, found that a quarter of respondents felt overwhelmed when beginning their search for a home.

Also, 22% experienced uncertainty and 21% reported anxiety.

A further 9% admitted to feeling scared, and 4% described themselves as out of their depth.

Need to educate future renters

The firm’s managing director, Graham Hayward, said: “Students’ lack of rental sector experience often puts them at a disadvantage compared to other renters.

“Students’ parents also often lack recent knowledge or experience of today’s rental market.

“This all makes the process of finding a rental home stressful and can result in some student renters missing out on the property they want.”

He added: “More needs to be done to educate future renters on the fundamentals of renting a home before they even start their search.”

Struggle to find a student property

In the report, one student renter summed up the process of finding a home to rent as ‘exhausting’.

They pointed to the difficulties of not only finding a suitable property but also securing landlord approval.

The report underscores a critical lack of knowledge among student renters.

Only 30% were aware of deposit-less rental schemes, and just 47% understood deposit protection schemes.

And 33% knew how long it would take to recover their deposit at the end of a tenancy.

Students need a guarantor

One issue is the need for a guarantor, a requirement that 38% did not understand when asked to provide one.

While some students can rely on parents or carers, others, particularly international students, face further challenges without such support.

The survey also revealed that 82% of respondents, including both students and working professionals, wished for more financial education during their school years.

Most students turn to family and websites for advice on managing housing costs, with friends and social media as secondary sources.

Formal education on the subject, whether at school or university, remains scarce.

Student renting problems

Adding to the complexity of student renting problems is the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, which could reshape tenancy agreements.

However, only 27% of students are aware of this legislation, leaving many unprepared for its potential impact.

This lack of awareness could exacerbate confusion as the rental sector evolves.

Beyond financial and logistical challenges, emotional wellbeing is a growing concern for students and their families.

To help, Housing Hand has introduced a free 24/7 online health and wellbeing service for renters using its guarantor service.