When renting a property in the UK most landlords and letting agents will require students to have a 'guarantor'. A guarantor is usually a parent or legal guardian (although it can be someone else) who signs an agreement stating that they will be responsible for the individuals rent, if for some reason they are unable to or do not pay on time.

Most landlords and letting agents will not accept a guarantor who is not residing in the UK. This causes problems for international students who do not have anyone in the UK who can act as a guarantor for them.

In cases where international students are not able to provide a guarantor, most landlords and letting agents will require them to pay three to six months rent in advance in order to secure the property.

Therefore if you will not have a guarantor you will need to have this money available when you arrive in the UK in order to secure accommodation. If you are unable to provide a guarantor or pay six months rent up front, you will find it very difficult to secure accommodation.

NB The RCA cannot act as a guarantor on a student's behalf.