Housing
Whether you're looking for on or off campus accommodation, paying a deposit, council tax or state benefits we can lend a helping hand. We've packed all of the essential information on this page.
On-Campus Accommodation
As a student you will have the option of applying to live on-campus when coming to University and while you study on your course.
Most first-year students choose on-campus accommodation as it can offer a better social experience and is often easier to arrange if you are unfamiliar with the Medway area. On-campus accommodation is not always available to students beyond their first year, but sometimes there are spaces available.
You can view the on-campus options below:
*Please be aware that the University of Kent Medway accommodation is a slight walk to campus and is managed via a private company not the university directly.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Some students (especially after their first year) decide to live off-campus with friends they have met. If so, it's important you know your rights as a private tenant:
We wouldn’t advise you to leave your search for accommodation until the last minute but neither would we advise you to rush out and sign up for the first place you see. Take your time and make sure that you have found a place that is affordable, in good condition, in the right location, and is safe.
If moving in with friends make sure you feel confident that, come move in date, you will still be on speaking terms with the people you are planning to share with!
Below are some starting points for finding private accommodation*:
*Please be aware that any third-party company listed above is not endorsed by us, using their services to search for or rent a property from is at your own risk.
We would also recommend that before you agree/sign any tenancy contract you understand and accept the terms as they are legal contracts.
If you needed advice directly from us on your contract or any aspect of your accommodation Talk To Us.
Council Tax
If a property is occupied entirely by full time students it should be exempt from paying Council Tax.
In order for the property to be exempt you should each get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from your university and send it to the local Council Tax Department:
If at any stage on your course you need to repeat credits or if you have to intermit from your course temporarily, maybe due to ill health, financial issues, etc, then you should still be able to claim exemption under Council Tax legislation as long as you have not abandoned, been withdrawn, or completed the course.
Deposits
If you signed a tenancy agreement for an assured shorthold tenancy and paid a deposit on or after 6 April 2007 your deposit will be covered by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
If your tenancy is covered by the scheme and the landlord has not complied with the rules then you could consider action against them.
Letting Agent Fees
Most tenancy related fees charged by landlords and agents are banned from 1 June 2019.
The ban covers most private tenancies and it applies to fees charged to tenants and their guarantors.
Renters Rights Act (1 May 2026)
These changes will affect most private tenants with an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). It's good to keep updated with what changes are being made and how they might affect you.
Unipol have provided a wide range of resources to help students understand these changes and their rights.
Universal Credit
Most full time students are not entitled to Universal Credit for housing related costs but there are some exceptions that may be able to claim, these include (but are not limited to):
- students who are lone parents
- students with a partner who is also a full time student and you have care of a child
- students who receive some form of disability premium, i.e. via Personal Independence Payment, etc.
Part-time students are normally able to claim state benefits based on the usual eligibility requirements. If you feel you are entitled to claim Universal Credit you can apply as normal.
Last Edited: April 2026