What to Know Before Renting as a Student in Durham
Housing decisions come up fast when moving to a new city to study. In Durham, that process often starts long before lectures do. Rooms fill quickly, options can feel limited, and it’s easy to sign something far from ideal simply to get it over with.
There’s no shortage of student properties here. But between misleading photos, unclear pricing, and landlords who don’t reply on time, finding somewhere decent takes more than just a quick search. The best way to avoid problems later is to know what matters upfront.
It helps to think beyond rent. Where the house is, who manages it, what’s actually included, and how easily you can get help when something breaks, all of that affects your day-to-day more than fancy furniture ever will.
Where Most Students Choose to Live in Durham
Some neighbourhoods come up in almost every student conversation. Viaduct is usually one of the first. It’s packed with student houses and sits close to most university buildings. From there, you can walk to lectures, meet friends at cafés, and get home late without worrying about transport. That convenience makes it popular, and more expensive.
A short walk from Viaduct, Claypath and Gilesgate offers a different kind of setup. The streets are quieter, and rent can be slightly lower. Some students prefer that shift once the excitement of first year wears off.
Others move farther out, looking for bigger houses or extra space. It’s a trade-off: more room and lower rent, but longer walks and less activity nearby. Most people end up weighing location against comfort, and how much time they’re willing to spend getting to and from campus every day.
For those searching for student houses near Durham University, it’s worth visiting a few areas before making any choices. An address might look perfect online, but it doesn’t always match how the place feels once you’re standing there. A quiet street could feel too isolated. A lively area might be louder than expected. Getting a sense of the space, even just walking the route once, can make all the difference.
Finding a Place That Fits Student Needs
It’s easy to focus on size, price, or how newly decorated a place looks. But once you move in, the smaller things start to matter more. Shared areas that are too small. Heating that never quite works. Kitchens with missing appliances. They all turn into problems if you’re living there for a year.
Comfort isn’t just about furniture or how big your room is. It’s also about who’s in charge when something needs fixing. Properties managed by student-focused providers usually come with faster support and clearer systems. That saves time and frustration when you’re already busy with deadlines or part-time work.
Student Cribs is one of the options students use for housing near campus. They offer comfortable housing for Durham students, with properties that include modern interiors, no deposit required, and maintenance support during the tenancy. It’s the kind of setup that takes some pressure off, especially if you’re new to renting.
Still, it’s worth checking every detail before saying yes. What’s included in the rent? Are bills part of the agreement? Is the furniture shown in the photos actually in the house? These questions help separate a smooth experience from one full of last-minute surprises.
Budgeting and Knowing What You’re Signing
Monthly rent might be the first number people look at, but it’s rarely the full cost. Other regular expenses are often overlooked, especially when bills aren’t included in the contract. Electricity, gas, water, internet, and even a TV licence can add a significant amount each month. Without a clear agreement, these extras tend to catch students off guard.
In some cases, houses will come with bills included. That can simplify things, but always check what’s covered and what’s not. Just because a listing says “all-inclusive” doesn’t mean everything is handled. Read the fine print. If it’s your responsibility to set up accounts or split costs with housemates, sort that early, otherwise it becomes a source of stress once term begins.
Rent levels vary across Durham. Properties near campus or in Viaduct often come at a higher price. Cheaper options do exist, but they tend to be farther out, with longer walks and fewer conveniences. Students looking for student accommodation in Durham often have to choose between location and budget, especially in shared houses where larger groups can bring the cost down.
There’s also the matter of deposits. Many landlords still require one, though some housing providers are now moving toward no-deposit setups. If you do pay a deposit, make sure it’s registered with an official protection scheme. That’s a legal requirement that helps avoid problems when your tenancy ends.
Common Issues to Look Out for When Viewing
First impressions are useful but not always accurate. A freshly painted hallway doesn’t mean the plumbing works, and a smart TV doesn’t matter much if the boiler breaks in December.
Viewings should involve more than just looking around. Test light switches, run taps, flush toilets, open windows, and ask when the heating was last serviced. A property that looks fine on the surface can still have ongoing problems, especially if maintenance has been delayed between tenants.
Damp patches, missing smoke alarms, broken furniture or signs of pests are all red flags. Even small details like stained ceilings or cracked walls might point to deeper issues. If something looks off, ask about it. Landlords should be transparent.
If anything goes wrong, try to find out who you’ll be dealing with. If it’s a private landlord, ask how they handle repairs. Check how quickly they respond to tenant requests if it's a managed property. These things don’t seem urgent until something breaks, and your options are limited by then.
Ask for an inventory. This should list everything in the house when you move in, from kitchen chairs to light fixtures. Without it, you could end up being charged for damage that wasn’t your fault.
Take photos of the property before moving in and save them somewhere safe. It’s a small step that makes a big difference if there’s ever a dispute about damage or cleaning at the end of your tenancy.
Know What to Ask Before You Commit
Finding a place to live in Durham isn’t about luck. Students who end up in places they enjoy tend to ask more questions early on and get clear answers before agreeing to anything.
Think carefully about how you want to live, not just where. A house slightly farther from campus might be worth it if it’s better maintained. A more expensive room might save money overall if bills are included.
Work out your budget, understand your rights, and never feel pressured to sign something quickly. There’s always another option, and waiting a few extra days is easier than fixing a mistake that lasts all year.
