International students can rent a private student house in Stoke-on-Trent before arriving in the UK, usually by booking a viewing online or by video call and paying a holding deposit to reserve a room. You do not have to wait until you land to find somewhere good to live, and the best value houses near Staffordshire University go early.
Renting before you arrive
If you cannot view in person, ask for a video walkthrough and clear photos, and check the address is genuinely close to campus. Reserve the room with a holding deposit so it is held for you while your paperwork is sorted. Renting direct from the landlord means you are dealing with a real person who can answer questions over WhatsApp or email in your time zone.
What all bills included means
All bills included means gas, electricity, water and wifi are in one weekly price, so you do not need to set up UK utility accounts, which can be hard without a UK bank account or credit history. For an international student this removes a lot of stress in your first weeks.
Guarantors and alternatives for international students
Many landlords ask for a UK based guarantor, which international students often cannot provide. Common alternatives are paying a term or more of rent in advance, or using a paid guarantor service. Ask about this early so there are no surprises.
Getting to Staffordshire University
Houses in Shelton sit within a short walk of the Staffordshire University campus, so you can get to lectures on foot and save on travel. Stoke-on-Trent also has direct train links to Manchester, Birmingham and London if you want to explore.
See houses a short walk from campus on our Staffordshire University page.
Not arriving yet? Join the waitlist and we will message you when a room that fits comes up.