Living off campus

Our accommodation team are happy to offer assistance and advice when it comes to choosing an off-campus solution for your student accommodation.

Check out our handy House Hunting Guide for more advice!

When living off campus we strongly recommend that you choose properties advertised on the Keele University Studentpad website. All properties advertised are owned by reputable landlords who have been accredited by a local or UK-wide landlord accreditation scheme, like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) or the Private Rented Sector Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS). We can not vouch for any landlords or properties not listed on Studentpad.

Living off campus for the first time can sometimes feel daunting, so we have put together our House Hunting guide to give you some helpful hints and tips. You will also find a useful checklist that will help you when looking for off campus accommodation.

Properties advertised on our Studentpad site need to meet a list of minimum standards. These include:

  • current gas and electrical safety certificates
  • energy performance certificate
  • fire risk assessment
  • accredited by a local or UK-wide landlord accreditation scheme, like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) or the Private Rented Sector Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS)

Our website is regularly updated and you can register on My Studentpad to get news of new properties as they are added. 

Using the Keele University Studentpad website you can:

  • register to receive notifications of newly listed properties
  • look at photos of the property (where available)
  • watch a video walkthrough of the property (where available)
  • check property locations on a map (including local amenities)
  • use the messageboard to find housemates
  • find out which tenancy deposit scheme landlords use
  • view a contract for the property (where available)

The Student Accommodation Team can help with information on:

Rents in the local area are amongst the cheapest in the country. They vary depending on the property and facilities available.  Property rents can range from £80-£140* per week in Newcastle Under Lyme.  The average rent with utility bills included is £92*. 

*Prices correct as of April 2022.

Remember that all accommodation contracts (once accepted) are legally binding whether with the University or a private landlord or provider. If you do sign a contract with a private landlord and subsequently withdraw or take a leave of absence from University, you will probably be liable for fees for the whole contract term.

Private contracts are between you and the landlord and the university has no liability in these matters.

ASK in the Students' Union offers a contract checking service.

ASK in the Students' Union runs an annual Housing Fair (usually at the end of January/start of February) where they invite landlords who have been accredited by a local or UK-wide landlord accreditation scheme, like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) or the Private Rented Sector Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS) to the Union.  They can also offer help and advise on renting, and can check your contract before you sign it.