Moving away to university should be exciting! Your first true experience of independence, forming new friendships, and creating a personal space. However, what should you do when your accommodation falls short of expectations? Whether you're dealing with disruptive flatmates or simply feeling unsettled, it's entirely normal to feel disappointed with your current living situation.
Fortunately, you have options available. There are several approaches you can take to improve your circumstances, and changing your situation may be more straightforward than you think.
Students become dissatisfied with their housing for various reasons. Perhaps your flatmates' schedules conflict with yours, affecting your sleep. Maybe the heating system is unreliable, or the location is inconveniently distant from campus or essential amenities.
Sometimes, the issue is simply a mismatch. What looked great in the photos might not feel right in reality. Maybe it’s the atmosphere, the layout, or the lack of personal space that’s making it difficult to settle in.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Every year, plenty of students find themselves unhappy with their accommodation, and that’s okay. The good news is that you don’t have to just put up with it. There are practical solutions and better-suited alternatives out there, and with a little guidance, it’s entirely possible to find a place that feels more like home.
For those residing in university-managed housing, your initial step should be to contact the accommodation office. They have likely encountered similar issues previously and can often provide solutions—whether addressing maintenance concerns, facilitating conflict resolution between residents, or potentially arranging room transfers if necessary.
These teams are there to support you and are usually well-equipped to help resolve problems quickly and fairly. Even if your concern feels minor, such as a faulty light or ongoing noise, flagging it early can prevent it from becoming a bigger issue down the line.
Most universities also have wellbeing or pastoral care services closely linked with accommodation, so if your housing situation is starting to affect your studies or mental health, it’s worth mentioning. You might be surprised by how understanding and proactive the team can be once they’re aware of your situation.
If your concerns aren't receiving adequate attention, consider approaching your Students' Union. They exist to advocate for you and typically offer resources for dealing with challenging landlords, tenancy matters, or formal complaints. Seeking early advice is beneficial for understanding your legal and practical position, particularly if you're renting from a private landlord.
Many Students' Unions have trained advisors or housing officers who can guide you through your rights, help you draft complaint letters, or even support you in mediation. They're independent from the university and focused entirely on student welfare, so you can expect impartial advice.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your current accommodation may not be the right fit. If you've made reasonable efforts to improve the situation but remain unhappy or unsettled, it may be appropriate to consider alternative housing. This is a perfectly reasonable decision. Prioritising your wellbeing and academic performance is significantly more important than persevering in an environment that negatively affects your mental state or motivation.
At Lulworth Student Accommodation, we understand these challenges. We prioritise creating a comfortable, secure, and supportive living environment for our residents. Our modern, stylish rooms come with transparent pricing—free from hidden fees—and are situated within a friendly community. Residents benefit from 24/7 on-site CCTV and security, free access to our on-site gym, a coffee shop on the ground floor, and excellent transport links, all centrally located in Bournemouth.
We regularly welcome students who have chosen to leave their previous accommodation and they frequently express that they wish they had made the change earlier. Whether you're seeking new housing or planning for the upcoming academic year, we're available to assist you in making a confident transition.
Your university accommodation should feel genuinely yours, not merely a space where you feel confined. If aspects of your current situation don't feel right, address them proactively. Explore your available options, seek appropriate support, and consider whether relocating might be the most beneficial decision for your circumstances.
Experience the supportive environment at Lulworth—contact us now to learn more about our accommodation options and how we can help you feel at home.