Aberdeen is more expensive a city for accommodation than people realize, so its worth noting how much you may spend on rent before you get here. Here is a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay in private accommodation:
In most cases, the prices of rent does not include bills. These have to be paid separately. It is hard to approximate how much bills will cost due to people’s different lifestyles. The main bills are usually gas and electric, which can be paid either monthly or quarterly. It is up to the tenant – you – to decide how often you want to pay the bills, and to inform the gas/electric company of this. In private accommodation expect to pay approx. £30 a month for these bills. But don’t forget to budget for other potential bills – landline telephone, internet connection, TV license, Sky Installation etc. And remember about a weekly shopping budget – it is easy to spend £25 a week on food bills.*
*These approximations are per person in privately shared accommodation. A single person living in a one bedroom property may have slightly higher gas/electric bills.
The deposit is a sum of money that the landlord asks for when a tenant moves into the property, and is the landlord’s way of trying to ensure that the tenant does not break any part of the contract agreement, or causes damage to the property. The deposit is returned upon the tenant leaving the property, providing that any part of the contract has not been broken.
Most, if not all, landlords will ask for a deposit before you move into a private accommodation. This is usually at least the amount of one months rent. Therefore the first month of moving into a new home is likely to be the most expensive, as the landlord will usually ask for a months rent in advance, plus the deposit.
Understandably, most students prefer to stay near campus. If so, then keep an eye out for the following areas - Old Aberdeen, Spital, Bedford Road, Great Northern Road, Woodside, Seaton, and King Street. All of these places are located no more than 20 minutes walk. Some are situated as close as 5 mins from campus.
If you don't mind living a bit further from campus, then consider the city centre - this is only about 25 or so minutes walk from the campus, and is also easily accessible by frequent buses. Also if you have a car then you might wish to consider living a bit further away from campus, in areas like Garthdee, Kincorth, Cove, Danestone and Bridge of Don.
The University unfortunately only has single rooms available and can not cater for couples or families. If you are coming to Aberdeen to study and you are taking your partner or family, you will therefore have to find private accommodation (council properties are not available at present).
If this is your situation, it may be worthwhile considering leaving your partner/family at home and coming to Aberdeen initially on your own and searching for accommodation. This proves more convenient and cost-effective, as then you are only paying for a single person to stay in temporary accommodation. Then, once you have secured permanent accommodation you can arrange for your partner/family to join you.
It can be difficult looking for accommodation in Aberdeen when you are not in the city yet. This is because the majority of landlords only let out properties to people who have been to view the property. Estate Agents especially will not let out a property without someone viewing it first. Things to consider to overcome this:
Contact the landlord and explain your situation to them. You may be able to come to an arrangement, i.e. the landlord sends you pictures of the property by email, or you arrange a holding deposit to hold the property .
If you know anyone in Aberdeen who you trust to send them to view a property for you then ask them if they are able to help you out.
Many students have to come to Aberdeen and arrange to stay in temporary accommodation until they find permanent accommodation. Follow the links at www.ausa.org.uk to find information on local hostels B&B’s in Aberdeen.
Still got questions? Contact the Info & Advice Centre!
E: infoadvice@abdn.ac.uk
T: 044 (0)1224 274200