University Housing

This is a general rule here, but whenever possible for administrative things – be it housing, banking, telephones, healthcare, etc. – hunt around on the internet for as much info as you can and then call or go in person to get it sorted. Customer service doesn’t exist here and it can be time consuming getting basic services done over email or even the phone really. This is especially true with accommodation for couples and families. The University housing is short on family accommodation, but they do provide adequate housing and it will be cheaper for the quality you get. The main reason is that all your utilities are included in your rent which is great on those cold nights when you can crank the heat. Also you get free ethernet in the halls that have it which means that you can do Skype out and Skype in for your phone line much cheaper than a British Telecom line. We live in Linton House, which has been good for us, but Horniman House is nice too. I’ve seen these inside and they are walking distance to University campus. I think there is some family accommodation in Withington which I’ve heard is nice as well.

In any case, apply early, but you will probably have to come here in person. You may luck out, but chances are you will probably need to think about maybe staying at a hotel or something for a bit when you arrive. There is a smaller theological college called Luther King House which is close to the University and for some reason runs B&B accommodation about as cheap as you can find to stay here. http://www.lkh.co.uk/. This is where I typically tell people to stay when they come. But come early if you can – like late August – and then plan to stay two or three days there. Then go in person to the accommodation office and they will most likely take care of you. That formula seems to work at least for most people here. But don’t be surprised if you hear nothing and can’t get much out of the accommodation office over the phone before you come.