After the Christmas holidays in your first year, you should start thinking about securing accommodation for your second year. The Union of UEA students has a housing event around this time every year and it is an ideal starting point for your search. Visit www.ueastudent.com/housing. Most students will have to find private accommodation for themselves, and living in a student house in Norwich is one of the defining experiences for UEA students. 

Private Housing in Norwich 

The most popular area for students is affectionately known as the Golden Triangle, which encompasses Earlham Road, Unthank Road, and Colman Road (but also unofficially Dereham Road). Properties in this area benefit from great bus links, and residents can enjoy local pubs, shops and takeaways, while also being within walking distance of both the university and the city. 

There are several important differences between accommodation in the private sector and living in student residences:

• Most rooms are in houses which share bathroom facilities, although you will find some en-suite options. Rents vary, but the average is around £60 per week exclusive of bills, depending on the size and condition of the rooms and the house. Be prepared to pay more for en-suite.
• Utilities are not usually included in the rent, and residents are responsible for dealing with utility providers. Some bed-sits and rooms with resident landlords come inclusive of utilities.
• You will have a different type of contract, a tenancy agreement. The minimum length of the tenancy agreement will be 6 months but 10, 11 or 12 month agreements are most common for student accommodation.  When you sign a contract, there will probably be some initial costs such as agency fees (unless you use Home Run) and deposits.

Help with Private Housing 

The Union of UEA Students operates a private sector housing bureau called Home Run, which is recommended by UEA and considered the best and safest way to find your home.  Union Advice Workers offer contract advice and respond to more specific housing queries too.  They produce a free House Hunting Guide and hold up-to-date listings of available accommodation throughout the year, which can you can access at www.ueastudent.com/housing. They also host Housing Socials to help students meet prospective housemates.  

Want to stay in Residences? 

If you are an undergraduate paying Overseas fees, you are guaranteed accommodation in residences for your whole course, provided you apply each year by the given deadline. 

Applications for the next academic year are invited from around February time.  You will be required to sign a licence for your new room before the end of the academic year in June in order to secure your accommodation.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from any other category of returning student, due to limited availability. However, if you have restricted mobility, require personal support or have other special requirements, we may be able to offer accommodation in residences, provided that your application is supported by the Dean of Students’ Office.