Renting in Hull – 10 Things Students Should Know
Moving to Hull for university is exciting, but finding the right place to live can feel overwhelming at first. Hull has some great student areas, plenty of shared houses, and lots of options close to campus. This guide covers the key things to know before renting in Hull as a student.
1. Pick the right area
Hull has several popular student areas, each with a different feel.
Newland Avenue and Princes Avenue are lively, with cafés, bars, takeaways and good bus links to the city centre and the University of Hull.
Beverley Road and Cottingham Road are very popular with students because they’re close to campus and have lots of shared houses.
When choosing where to live, think about how close you want to be to lectures, shops, supermarkets, nightlife and bus routes.
2. Understand your budget
Before you start viewing properties, set a clear budget. Remember to check whether your rent includes:
• Bills
• Internet
• TV licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer
Many student properties in Hull offer all bills included rent, which makes budgeting much easier and avoids unexpected costs.
3. Check what’s included in the rent
Not all student houses include the same things. Some may cover:
Always ask what is included, who manages the bills, and what happens if usage is higher than expected.
4. Read the contract carefully
Before you sign anything, make sure you understand:
• How long the tenancy lasts
• When you can move in and move out
• How much the deposit is
• How your deposit is protected
• The notice period
The government’s How to Rent guide is a good place to learn what to look out for in a student tenancy agreement.
5. View the property if you can
Photos are helpful, but a viewing tells you much more. When you visit, check:
• The general condition of the house
• Furniture and appliances
• How warm it feels
• Noise from the street or neighbouring houses
If you can’t view in person, ask for a video tour.
6. Think about transport
Hull is easy to get around as a student. Many student houses are within walking distance of campus, and there are good bus routes linking the University, Newland Avenue, Princes Avenue and the city centre. If you have a car, check parking arrangements before you move in.
7. Safety and maintenance
A good landlord should clearly explain:
• How you report repairs
• How quickly issues are dealt with
• Who to contact in an emergency
They should also provide gas safety certificates and make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in place where needed.
8. Know who you’re renting from
In Hull, student accommodation is offered by:
• Private landlords
• Letting agents
• Student accommodation providers
Always look for clear communication, quick responses, and good reviews before committing to a property.
9. Talk to your housemates early
If you’re sharing with others, it helps to talk about expectations from the start. Discuss things like cleaning, noise, guests, and shared responsibilities.
Getting this right early makes shared student living much easier.
10. Start your search early
The best student houses in Hull, especially those close to the University, are often snapped up early. Many students start looking from January for September move-ins, so it’s worth starting your search sooner rather than later.
