FAQs
Considering NU London
1. Is it guaranteed that I can live in a NU London partnered Residence Hall if I apply?
As a first-year student, priority will be given to securing accommodation in one of our partnered Residence Halls, although availability is subject to demand. Returning students are not guaranteed a room as availability is contingent upon the volume of applications received for the 2024-2025 Academic Term. Returning students are encouraged to revisit our website later in this Summer for further information.
2. Who can apply?
You can apply for a place in our partnered Residence Halls if you are or will be studying as a full-time student at Northeastern University London for the 24/25 Academic Year.
Halls are not available to part-time students, but we can offer advice on finding alternative accommodation.
3. How do I apply?
To be eligible to apply for housing with NU London, you must have chosen Northeastern University London as your first choice University, and hold either a Conditional Firm (CF) or Unconditional Firm (UF) offer for a full-time course.
To apply for a room in one of our Residence Halls, you need to log in to our Housing Portal. If you have not already done so, you must first create your StarRez account to make sure that you have full access to our Housing Portal. In order to create your account, you must use the same email address that you used for your initial application to NU London.
If you are unsure of what email address you used for your application, please reach out to london.housing@nulondon.ac.uk.
You will not have the ability to create your StarRez account until the day that applications open. Once your StarRez account has been created, you will receive an email with a link to reset your password and complete your registration. Please note that your username should be your email address.
4. Should I book accommodation with NU London or directly with the Residence Hall provider (i.e., Chapter)?
By booking your accommodation through NU London, you’ll enjoy the perks offered by our Housing Services and Residence Life teams. This includes being matched with a dedicated Residence Life Coordinator (RLC), participation in all ResLife events such as Family Dinners, and ongoing assistance with any inquiries or issues throughout your stay with us.
5. How Am I Allocated?
Your housing application allows you to self-select the Residence Hall and Room Type of your choosing. All room allocations are made on a first-come-first-serve basis. Once you add the room to your ‘cart,’ you will be able to proceed in your application.
6. Does NU London have catered accommodation?
All NU London partnered Residence Halls are non-catered. If you’re interested in living in an accommodation with catering, alternative sites exist subject to availability. Please reach out to london.housing@nulondon.ac.uk for a referral to catered accommodation options or see Chester House in the Alternative Accommodation section under the Housing Providers tab.
7. Where should I apply for a NU London partnered Residence Hall?
All applications are to be completed through the StarRez portal. Please refer to the Housing Application tab for more details on how to apply from Spring 2024 onwards
8. What is the Payment Schedule for Housing?
When securing housing with NU London, you are responsible for both the Tenancy Deposit and your Rent. Your Tenancy Deposit is 5 weeks worth of rent. Please note that if the deposit is not processed within 10 business days, your application may be subject to cancellation. For your Rent, you have the flexibility to choose between two payment schedules: Monthly (September to June) or Termly (Fall Semester and Winter Semester).
9. Can I choose my roommates if I am living in a NU London partnered Residence Hall?
Yes, you can choose your roommate. You will be given the opportunity to fill in the information of your preferred roommate(s) during the StarRez application process.
10. What are some alternatives if I do not want to live in a Residence Hall?
If you do not want to live in a Residence Hall, you may choose to rent private housing! Please refer to the Housing Guide and infographics listed under Housing Resources for information on how to begin your housing journey. If you have any questions or concerns regarding private housing in London, please contact Housing Services at london.housing@nulondon.ac.uk to book a one-on-one appointment.
11. When should I start looking for accommodation?
Bear in mind the speed of the London housing market. There is no real point in looking for a place to live well in advance. Properties are generally advertised 1-2 months in advance maximum. A general time to start your search is around 4-5 weeks before the big move. Further information on a suggested timeline to follow during your housing process can be found here.
12. Do I need a guarantor, and who can be my guarantor?
Yes, some landlords may require you to have a guarantor, particularly if you have a low income, credit score or if you’re a foreign national. A guarantor must be a local resident and has good credit. More information about guarantors can be found on page 3 of our Paperwork infographic.
13. What happens if I do not have a guarantor?
If you do not have a guarantor, landlords may ask for a larger amount of rent in advance. Alternatively companies such as UK
Guarantor and Housing Hand exist to help students without guarantors but note that these are not always accepted by landlords and come at an additional cost.
Moving In
1. Do I need to prepare my own bedding and kitchen supplies if I am staying in a NU London partnered Residence Hall?
NU London provides a bedding and kitchen pack for students staying in one of our Residence Halls.
2. Do I need to get my own furniture?
If you are living in a Residence Hall, all essential furniture will be provided. If you are renting a private property, it could be furnished, partly-furnished or unfurnished. You will have to check with the landlord or the letting agent.
3. What company should I use if I want to internationally ship my belongings to London?
You can use MyBaggage which has the following price options:
- £80: Up to 33 lbs
- £99: Up to 44 lbs
- £120: Up to 66 lbs
Please note that NU London and our partnered Residence Halls are unable to hold/store luggage and/or mail prior to the arrival date for your program. Anything sent prior to you checking-in will be returned to the sender.