I actually moved out to do my apprenticeship, so I got to move away from home and live on my own, which was really nice. I personally don't think I missed out on anything. I was still able to go out and do all the things you would do at uni. My boyfriend and I rented a house really near the office so I could walk to work every day and attend social events in the evening.
Accommodation for apprentices
If you decide to do an apprenticeship, accommodation is something to consider if you’re going to live away from home. It’s important you make the right decision for you and your circumstances, so you feel comfortable and happy after coming home from work. We’ve outlined what you need to know to make an informed decision for you.
Employer support
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?”
Rented 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.
House shares
- You’ll get real-life experience working alongside your degree.
- Your degree is fully paid for, so there’s no cost to you.
- You’ll get paid a salary just like a normal employee.
Lodging
- You’ll get real-life experience working alongside your degree.
- Your degree is fully paid for, so there’s no cost to you.
- You’ll get paid a salary just like a normal employee.
Living at home
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.
Provider accommodation
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.
Things to consider
Location
There are many things you might want to consider when looking at locations to live in, including:
- How you’ll get to work – does it have parking or is it near a train station or bus stop if needed?
- Where it is in relation to friends and family – will you be able to easily see the people around you?
- What the area is like – is it near a supermarket for example or a gym if that’s something you’re interested in?
- Safety – what is the area like and have you done any initial checks online?
Healthcare
When you relocate, you may need to register with new healthcare services. We'd encourage you to:
- Check local GPs and dentists in the area to see which practices are closest to you and accepting new patients
- Make sure you register early on so that you’re covered in an emergency
Making friends
- Get to know your new housemates
- Join local clubs or societies in the area
- Meet up with colleagues including other apprentices who may also have relocated
- Attend any social events organised by your workplace
- Join a sports team or exercise class
- Use social media to learn about local events