Accommodation
Organising accommodation in another country is not always easy. Remember that this is part of the challenge of going to live abroad!
Students Taking Part in Erasmus Study Periods
- Housing information and application materials should be sent to you by your host university if they provide such a service
- Check with your departmental Erasmus tutor or contacts in your host university to see if this is the case
- If you do apply for university owned housing, make sure that you submit your application well in advance of the deadline and chase up a confirmation that it has been received
- Do not expect that you will automatically be given a place and be prepared to look for private sector housing
Students Taking Part in Erasmus Work Placements or Language Assistantships
- Contacts in your host organisation may be able to help you arrange accommodation, but do not automatically expect them to
- Be clear from the outset as to how much input your hosts are prepared to have in your housing arrangements
- If you do receive help finding somewhere to live, think of this as a bonus and remember to say 'thanks'!
Tips on Finding Private Housing Abroad
- Try to start your search before you leave the UK
- If this doesn't work out for you, arrive a few weeks early to start your search
- Be prepared to spend at least the first few nights in a hostel or B&B
- Use Estate Agents, internet, local magazines & papers
- Seek advice from returning/inbound Erasmus students
- Be aware of your personal safety – try not to go for viewings on your own and insist that you meet up with owners and agents in the daytime
Further Options
There are agencies set up specifically to help exchange students find accommodation abroad.
You can consider this as an option, but please be aware that some of them will charge you for their services.
Please see their web sites for further information:
Letting your Sheffield Room to Another Student
Some students who are spending only a semester abroad but have signed a full year housing contract in the private sector opt to let their room to another student during the time they are abroad so that they don´t have to pay two lots of rent.
If you also wish to do this, it is a good idea to post an advertisement on our Facebook group.
Your advertisement can then be viewed by incoming exchange students who are preparing to spend a semester living and studying in Sheffield.
The group can be accessed here:
International Exchanges Unit Facebook Group
IMPORTANT: If you are looking to advertise a room in a private house, you must speak to your landlord/lady and make sure that he/she is happy with this.
You will be responsible for making any arrangements with your potential tenant and current housemates. The University of Sheffield cannot play any part in negotiations and litigations in relation to private sector housing.