Posted 2 hours ago
Thu 20 Nov, 2025 10:11 AM
Do you struggle with executive function, time sensitive admin tasks, social interaction, and/or communication? Then finding accommodation in the private sector may be a bit of a challenge - here are some neurodivergent friendly tips on finding a place to rent as a student!
This page assumes that you will be living with other students in a shared property, and that you have already worked out who you'll live with - if this isn't your situation, have a look at our private sector guide for advice and information.
Work as a team
The student housing market is competitive, and securing a property will likely require fast decisions, phone calls, and admin. If this sounds like the worst combinations of things (it is!) then I'd recommend having a chat with your future housemates - asking for help/suggesting someone else leads on some of the applications and searching is a perfectly reasonable thing to ask if you struggle with executive function.
Your criteria
Most guides on this subject will emphasise the importance of talking through requirements early on with your future housemates, talking about things like budgets and location. I'd recommend thinking about this on your own first, and making a list of non-negotiables. Here are some suggestions on what to consider:
- Transport links - work out what you'll need to be able to engage with your studies and maintain a social life. If you're dependent on public transport, and getting more than one bus would be enough to make you give up on leaving the house, then make sure you're only looking at properties on bus routes to campus and the city. I was lucky enough to live five minutes away from campus which was game-changing! You can also trial the route to campus before or after deciding where to live - your ResLife ambassadors can support if you want someone to come along with you!
- Proximity to essentials - where's the nearest big shop? Is there somewhere close-by to grab some food for when you've run out of spoons and the overstimulated hanger is brewing? These are very important questions!!
- Local area - this one is particularly key if you get overwhelmed by loud noises. If you do, might be worth ruling out anywhere on a busy road, near a club or pub, or next to a train line (unless you have the train/public transport autism then maybe you'll be fine!)
- Room layout - if you struggle with object permanence, or get overwhelmed by visual clutter, storage space and type will likely make a big difference!
Crucially, let your future housemates know about these before they fall in love with a flat next to a busy U1 bus stop! It might be helpful to make a list to bring with you to house viewings to help remember what to ask about and look out for!
Pre-house hunting admin
To help keep things manageable, breaking things down into smaller tasks and doing as much as possible before you start actively looking for places to live can be helpful. I'd recommend you and/or those your living with:
- Collate your group requirements following an honest conversation about what is and isn't negotiable.
- Get together all of the details you'll need when applying for a property, including full names, contact details, and guarantor contact details (or guarantor scheme) for everyone in the group.
- Find a way of sharing calendars/availability with each other to help with booking property viewings.
- It might be helpful to decide who will be the lead tenant and/or responsible for transferring the deposit over in the case that one payment is needed.
- An ad for a house that meets your requirements has been added on a website or forum such as Rightmove.
- To get a time slot to view the property, you have phoned the number given on the website as soon as you could (slots can be taken very quickly).
- You viewed the property as a group, and all loved it (yay!). You asked all of your questions and decided to apply (again, speed is crucial as it is often the deciding factor in who is offered the property).
- One of you asks for the application form, filling it out with all of your details. At this stage, you might be asked for a holding deposit.
- You all passed the referencing and credit checks, and were sent over a tenancy agreement, alongside other documents. At this stage, you should take a bit of time to review the tenancy agreement before you enter into the contract. The terminology can be complex; it's important to understand what it all means, and ResLife can help out if you need support with any of the documentation.
At the viewing
If you've got an in-person slot to view the property:
- Check the route beforehand to avoid getting overwhelmed before arriving.
- Look up the property on street view so you know what to look out for.
- Bring your list of questions and requirements.
- Bring headphones/sunglasses/stim toys as required.
- Arrange to go with others if that will help.
You might be able to arrange a virtual viewing instead - though make sure someone views the property in person if possible.
Once you're at the viewing:
- Take photos or notes so you don't have to rely on memory later.
- Remember to ask your questions! Or pass them to one of your future housemates to ask if the interaction feels too uncomfortable.
- Look out for things that would cause sensory overload such as carpets, lighting (particularly if you can't change bulbs), noise, etc.
Make sure to catch-up with your future housemates soon after the viewing to discuss next steps and get an application in ASAP if you're all in agreement!
- Make a list of all your non-negotiable housing requirements, including things that might impact your quality of life like transport routes.
- Share this with your future housemates, especially if others are doing some of the admin steps.
- Bring your list with you during the property viewing to help remember what to ask and look our for.
- Get your referencing information (previous landlord which might be ResLife), guarantor or guarantor scheme details, student status letter, and your contact details ready early on.
Hopefully this helps you in your quest for housing. Moving into private sector accommodation can be a big change, and ResLife is here to help you navigate it. If you are struggling or stuck on how to find somewhere in the private sector, please get in touch with reslifesupport@bath.ac.uk and have a look at our Private Sector Guide and our Private Accommodation FAQs for more advice.
