Accommodation for apprentices

Employers will often expect you to source your own accommodation but that doesn’t mean your employer won’t offer some additional support to help. Each employer will offer something different. Examples of support could include:

• a financial relocation package to help with moving expenses
• networking opportunities with current or new apprentices (for example a WhatsApp group or a social)
• information on the local area and local letting agencies
• company owned accommodation (this is rare, but does happen occasionally)
• accommodation expenses if you’re studying at a uni, college, or training provider that is located elsewhere in the UK

Accommodation is a good question to ask about at the end of an interview when an employer asks, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’. You may want to ask:

 

• “Do you provide any support for apprentices looking for accommodation?”
• “How often will I need to attend uni or college, and do you cover the costs?”
• “I was wondering whether you offer any relocation packages or on-site accommodation?”

If you’re relocating, you might want to consider renting somewhere independently or as part of a house share with other students or apprentices. You can find rented accommodation using letting agencies in the area you’re moving to, or through websites such as Rightmove.
Moving in with people you haven’t met before can be nerve-wracking, but it’s a great way to make friends. When you rent somewhere you’re entering into a legal contract so make sure you know what you’re signing up for. Some top tips are:

• meet your potential house mates and view any properties in person before signing
• read the contract thoroughly and ask for clarification on any points you don’t understand
• make sure any deposit you pay is placed in a deposit protection scheme
• double check what’s included. Some accommodation may be furnished with things like a bed and sofa provided, whereas others may not be
• remember a lot of these contracts won’t include bills, so you need to make sure you budget for these additional costs as well as your rent

It’s also possible to rent a room as a lodger. This is where you rent a room in the same building as your landlord and usually means sharing facilities like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. You might also get additional services with the rent including meals, laundry or bills.

Try to get the terms of your agreement in writing so that have something to refer to for expectations of you and your landlord.

If you have the option available, living in a family member’s home may be something to consider, particularly while you’re finding your feet. 

Lots of companies offer hybrid working, so you can work from the office some of the time and from home some of the time. It’s good to have an environment where you could work from home if you need to. Although this isn’t the case with all roles, for example, nursing apprenticeships will always be based on-site.

If you’re planning on working from a family member’s home and they receive any government benefits, check whether living with them could affect this.

The place where you do the academic aspect of your apprenticeship is known as the provider (this might be a uni or college), and some offer support with your accommodation.  They might:

• recommend houses, landlords, or letting agencies who can help you find accommodation
• provide accommodation in halls of residence (although this isn’t common)
• recommend short-term hotels or lets to use whilst you’re searching

You may also need to study in block periods during the apprenticeship. Most providers or employers will provide short-term accommodation for these periods too.