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Student Housing Tips for Living Off-Campus
Written by Canada Law From Abroad - 22/04/2026
Finding accommodation in the UK can be intimidating, especially if you are still in Canada while looking. Below we’ve compiled some tips that can help you know what to research while looking for accommodation. While not a comprehensive list, we hope that this will help you begin your search!
Student Accommodation – On-Campus
For most UK universities, if you are a first-year international student, accept an offer, and apply for residence before the university deadline, you will be guaranteed a spot!*(can vary depending on the university). Most students choose this route, as it can be cost effective and the easiest way to make sure you have a place to live on your first day of class. University supported residence is safe, reputable, and up to a good standard. If you’re a mature student (older than 21), it’s also possible that your university will place you with other older students when available!
There are still students every year who prefer to live on their own, off-campus, and for these there are some important items to consider.
Student Accommodation – Off-Campus
When you are starting out your search for off-campus housing, it’s best to use the resources that your chosen university offers. They will be the best help available to you!
Not sure who to contact? Speak to your Canada Law From Abroad advisor and we can help put you in touch with the appropriate team at your university.
In the UK, rolling monthly leases are quite rare and so you should expect to sign a full one-year lease when renting off campus. This means if you plan to go home for the summer months during your studies, you may need to consider subletting your room in advance.
When looking for accommodations ahead of your studies, it’s a good idea to start looking for your accommodation around August (or sooner) to give you plenty of time ahead of your classes. As an international student, it's important to watch out for scams as there are a number of con-artists who try to trick international students into paying large deposits upfront for apartments that don’t exist. Be careful when reviewing accommodations, and use common sense when on your apartment search. Always be careful when paying online deposits and if ever uncertain about anything reach out to your university's team for advice. Even when looking at off-campus housing, your university can be a great resource for students. You can also review credible resources like those available by UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs).
Ultimately YOU are responsible for finding and verifying your accommodations. Any leases you sign, or deposits paid, are at your own risk.
FURNITURE
Most UK flats come fully, or at least partly, furnished. This means you will likely only be responsible for things like bed linens, towels, and basic kitchen supplies when moving in. But if you do need to pick up some furniture there are lots of charity shops where you can find lightly used items for cheap. You may also consider lower-cost shops like Ikea, Primark, Tesco or others once you're in the UK.
GUARANTORS
As you are a student without a steady income it is common to be asked to provide a signed Guarantor on your lease. This is usually a family member or close friend who is legally agreeing to cover your rent should you be unable to uphold the financial terms of your lease agreement. The tricky part is that many landlords want a UK Guarantor. As you may not know anyone in the UK who can sign for you, you may end up having to pay upfront.
REFERENCES
Much like in Canada it is common for letting agents and landlords to ask you for references. The best references come from previous landlords. However, if this is your first time living on your own you may be able to use a professional reference. You should have these already on hand for when you start flat-hunting so that you don’t loose out on the perfect flat!
LETTING AGENTS VS PRIVATE LANDLORDS
Using a letting agency is very common in the UK. A letting agent helps landlords and tenants connect and may or may not manage the property throughout your stay. If you decide to use a Letting Agent rather than lease direct through the property owner themselves, make sure that they are registered members of a self-regulating body such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents or National Association of Estate Agents. A Letting Agent is not permitted to charge you a sign-up fee for registering with them, but there will likely be administrative fees once they find you a home and start processing your let (rent) agreement.
COUNCIL TAX
In the UK there is something called Council Tax with costs varying by location. Lucky for you, if you live in accommodations where all occupants are full-time students you will be exempt from paying Council Tax – so don’t forget to fill out a Council Tax exemption application form when you move in! However, if you live in a flat share with working professionals you may find yourself with this extra bill.
RENT AND LIVING COSTS
Cost of accommodation varies greatly based on which of the options you choose, as well as the area you live in. Expect to pay more living in Central London than you would in a small town like Colchester or even mid-size cities like Leeds. You will also need to factor in things like cleaning supplies, food, internet, gas/electric, water, and transportation costs – things you may not need to worry about if you lived on-campus in catered accommodations.
TV LICENSE
Yes, you read that right! In the UK you need to pay for a TV License if you plan to watch television or stream live TV shows, even on your laptop or mobile devices. If you are sharing a flat, talk to your flatmates about sharing the cost of the TV License for the year. It’s a great way to minimize the cost per individual.
Note: You do not need a license if all you intend to do is stream from subscriptions services, such as Netflix, Amazon, or Disney+.
DEPOSITS
Much like in Canada, UK landlords will typically require you to pay a damage deposit upfront. This usually amounts to one or two months rent and will be released to you when you move out on the condition that no substantial damage was done to the property. It is illegal for landlords to hold this in their personal accounts and the money must be put into a TDP (Tenancy deposit Protection Scheme) within 30 days. This holds and protects your money until you move out, and if damage has taken place to the property assists in the alternative dispute resolution attempt.
University Grading in the UK Compared to Canada
Written by Canada Law From Abroad - 22/04/2026
One of the most common concerns Canadian students have about studying in the UK is the grading scheme, which varies considerably from the Canadian system. Navigating university grading in the UK can be challenging, but don't despair! Once you understand the basics, entry requirements and the grades you receive while a student make much more sense.
Canadian universities do not have consistent grading schemes, which makes a comparison to the university grading systems in the UK even more difficult. It can sometimes be confusing to transfer and translate academic results. In Canada, universities use percentages (for instance, 65% or 78%), as well as letter grades (such as C or B+), and GPAs. The GPA scales used could be a 4.0 or a 13.0!
If you are applying for a three-year LLB program in the UK right out of high school, you will need to understand how UK students are assessed in high school; if you are applying for an LLM (postgraduate level) program, you need to understand how undergraduate degrees are classified in the UK.
Students applying to a two-year LLB program in the UK will need to provide both high school (even if they already hold a Canadian undergraduate degree) and university transcripts.
LLB Entry Requirements
When applying to a UK university, you might see entry requirements described as "ABB" or "Upper Second". These terms – or similar ones – describe the level of results a student receives for A-Levels, which are a series of qualifying tests in specific subject areas at the secondary (high school) level. In the UK, students typically take A Levels in three major areas, hence the three-letter sequence.
For Canadian students, the grades that will be reviewed are those from the last year of secondary school (typically Grade 12 academic courses, often U or M courses in Ontario or 30 level courses in Alberta) and any post-secondary education.
- An "AAA" ranking means that a student scored within the A-range for all three exams. In the Canadian system, this equates to results between 80-100% area. In GPA terms, this would be around a 3.3 – 4.0/4.0 GPA
- An "AAB" ranking would equate to mixed results, so approximately 73-79% or around a 3.0/4.0 GPA.
- An "ABB" is slightly below that, with a spread of approximately 63% or 64% to 72% (mid or high C to a low B).
Grading Language in the UK
When you graduate from a UK undergraduate program, your degree will be given a "class" based on your results. Typically, these classes are:
- "First," which represents results in the 80%+ area;
- "Upper Second," which represents results from the mid- to high 70s;
- "Lower Second," referring to the mid-60s to the low 70s;
- "Ordinary Pass," which encompasses everything else considered a passing grade; and
- "Fail," which falls under the 50% pass threshold.
How your grades convert into the UK system will depend on the grading scheme from which they arise. If, for instance, you are in a Canadian school with a 4.0 grade scale, an Upper Second degree would encompass GPAs between 3.00 and 3.33. If you were on a 12.0 grade scale, then you would fall into the 8.0-9.0 range for this degree class.
Receiving Grades: Expect to be shocked!
Many of the graduate programs in Britain use a sliding scale based on 85 points rather than 100 for percentages, with 70 being the cut-off point for distinction (with the distinction being akin to an honours or "A" in Canada). So, remember: if you get a 68, don't panic! That's actually a solid grade. If you get a 72, even better! It might feel odd at first to see numbers we associate with lower grades, but you'll get used to it.
Grades
In the UK they use a different grading scale. Although there is no exact conversion, here is a table to give you an idea of what your grades are equal to, but keep in mind that all the schools are different both in the UK and in Canada.
|
UK Degrees |
UK Percentage Grades |
Canadian Percentage Grades |
Letter Grades CAN/UK |
|
First (1:1) |
90-100 80-89 70-79 |
90-100 85-89 80-84 |
A+ A A- |
|
Upper Second (2:1) |
60-69 |
77-79 73-76 |
B+ B |
|
Lower Second (2:2) |
50-59 |
70-72 67-69 63-66 |
B- C+ C |
|
Ordinary Pass |
40-49 |
60-62 57-59 53-56 |
C- D+ D D- |
|
Fail |
30-39 20-29 10-19 0-9 |
50-52 0-39 0-34.9 |
D- / E F F- / G H |
The best thing you can do to be sure of how your grades convert and how they fit within the requirements for your application is to consult with a Canada Law From Abroad Student Advisor; our team is fully trained in working with these conversions and do so on a daily basis!
From Leeds to Litigation
Discovering Leeds
When I applied to law school, I had no idea what I was doing. I was on vacation, bored with my job at the Bank of Montreal, and started Googling law school options. I looked everywhere: Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. What stood out was the 2-year LLB in the UK. It was faster, more efficient, and didn’t require another undergraduate degree. Google told me Leeds was one of the best. I applied while still on vacation and submitted before I even got home.
I didn’t know where Leeds was or what Russell Group meant. I just went with a gut feeling. And honestly, it was the best decision I ever made. Sometimes the best decisions are the ones you make before you have time to overthink them. When I arrived in Leeds and started exploring the city, I realized it was the right choice. It’s affordable, diverse, and extremely student-friendly. Even the professionals who live and work in Leeds tend to be a younger crowd.
Life at Leeds
When I got to Leeds, I was surprised by how many Canadians were there. I thought I’d come back with a British accent, but that didn’t happen. My closest friends were from Toronto and Vancouver, and we’re still in touch today. You make lifelong friends with what you do at Leeds.
I knew I wanted to do things differently than I had during my undergraduate degree. I wasn’t involved in much back then, and I didn’t want to repeat that mistake. So I dove into everything: LawSoc events, mooting, negotiation competitions. I worked part-time in roles I knew I’d probably never get to do again. I bartended, worked grocery shifts at the Co-op, and even did a few modeling gigs. Leeds was busy and that gave me experiences, memories, and friendships that I’ll carry for life.
Academically, Leeds was challenging but fun. The professors genuinely cared. You’re on a first-name basis with them, and they take time out for you. That level of respect between faculty and students is something I hadn’t seen before.
Finding My Strengths
I had a funny experience with Contract Law. It was a 100% final exam, multiple choice, with no assignments or homework. You go the entire year reading the material and then show up for a final exam hoping you know everything. I thought I’d fail, but somehow it ended up being my highest mark. That led me to take Commercial Law, which I also enjoyed and did well in. I never thought I’d get into contracts. I thought I’d be a criminal lawyer. But when I came back to Canada, I ended up doing corporate work, then landed an in-house counsel role at a financial institution in downtown Toronto. My whole job became contracts. I loved it until I didn’t, and then I left. Funny how the thing you think you’re bad at can become your career, or at least a leg of your career.
Same thing with mooting. I thought it was pointless. You pretend to be a lawyer and give pretend arguments to a pretend judge who then pretends to rip you apart. I only signed up to confirm I didn’t want to be a litigator. Worst-case scenario, I’d prove myself right. But I gave it my all and ended up placing second in the LawSoc competition. I was invited to moot in London and discovered I actually liked it. Now I’m a litigator! It came in handy to try something I thought I wouldn’t like and prove myself wrong.
You get out what you put in. I gave it my all, and I got a lot back in return. I lived an entire life in my two years at Leeds, and honestly, I wish I could go back.
Navigating Post-Graduation
The 2-year LLB is intense. You’re learning the same content as the 3-year students, but in less time. As an international student, the biggest decision you’ll face is whether to stay in the UK or return to Canada. My advice is to think about it early and have a plan by the beginning of your final year.
My plan was to stay in the UK. I applied to vacation schemes and training contracts, got a few interviews, but no offers. I kept trying until my visa expired and then I came back to Canada. I didn’t want to look back and wonder if things would’ve been different if I had just tried harder.
When I returned to Canada, I started the NCA exams right away. There’s a Master’s option at York and U of T, but it’s more expensive and slower. The NCA exams are cheaper and faster. If you can make it through Leeds Law, you can make it through the NCAs.
Then come the bar exams. There are two: Barrister and Solicitor. They’re self-study and tough. Most people fail at least one. I don’t think I’m the smartest person in the room, but I learned how to learn at Leeds and how to pace myself properly. I studied full-time for about four to six weeks before each exam, wrote them one at a time, and I didn’t fail.
Articling and the LPP
At the same time, or before or after, you also have to think about articling. There are three options: traditional articling at a law firm, articling with a mentor who submits a training plan to the Law Society and vouches for you, or the Law Practice Program (LPP), which is what I did.
I think the LPP is a fantastic program. I actually turned down an articling offer to do it, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Traditional articling or mentorship usually gives you experience in one or two practice areas over ten months. The LPP touches every single practice area imaginable in four months, and then you hone your skills in one for another four months.
In the first half, you’re in a virtual law firm. The assignments are structured to meet all the Law Society’s requirements. It’s intense but efficient. You do in four months what traditional articling does in ten. The second half is a work placement exactly like traditional articling, but you come out of it super well-rounded.
I was hired back full-time after my four-month work placement, and I’m still there. That’s an accomplishment. Most articling students don’t get hired back.
Final Note
At the end of the day, everything depends on how you define success and how much effort you put into it. I consider myself successful. If I look back and point to what brought me here, it’s Leeds, putting in the work, and enjoying the journey.
If you’re thinking about Leeds, stop thinking and just go for it. You’ll grow in ways you can’t predict. Try everything, even the stuff you think you’ll hate. That’s how you find out what you’re good at. And always give it your all, because you’ll get out what you put in.
The Crucial Time Between Applying to and Accepting Your UK University
Written by Canada Law From Abroad - 14/11/2025
You’ve worked with Canada Law From Abroad to apply to several UK Law Schools – now what?
The application process can seem like such a whirlwind of activity in the early stages of applying. Between writing personal statements, ordering transcripts, gathering letters of reference, re-writing personal statements, and of course researching your top university choices, it can bring a huge relief when you finally click that ‘submit button’. While it is completely normal to have a bit of a quiet period while the UK universities are processing your applications and making their decision, there are a few ways that you can continue actively working to prepare for your UK studies.
CONTINUE RESEARCHING YOUR TOP UNIVERSITY CHOICES
Remember, even if you’ve applied to 5 universities, you can still only attend one. It’s important to continue researching every aspect of your university choices to ensure once your decisions do come through, that you can make an informed decision about which university will be the best choice for you and your academic/professional goals. This is where it’s helpful to make those pros/cons lists!
Look at the modules offered, the tuition cost, the location, and any other aspect that may be important to you. Extra-circulars are especially important for law students!
ENSURE YOUR PASSPORT IS VALID
To travel to the UK, you’ll need to have a valid passport. If you need to apply for a UK Student Visa, you’ll need your passport before finalizing your UK offer and starting the visa application process. Some may think this is an obvious statement, but it’s so easy to lose track of passport renewal dates. Do yourself a favour and check your passport expiration date early so that you can renew your passport if needed while you wait for your university decisions to come through. This will give you plenty of time to receive your new passport before you need it for your visa application.
DETERMINE HOW YOU’RE GOING TO FUND YOUR STUDIES
This is an extremely important step and something that students consistently leave until the last minute. While you’re waiting for your university decisions, make a plan for how you can pay for your UK studies. This may include a combination of the following:
- Check the UK university websites for available university scholarships. Ask your Canada Law From Abroad advisor for help if you’re not sure where to find these!
- Many universities will release these in the late winter or early spring so apply early to avoid disappointment! Even if you’re not 100% sure whether you’ll be attending or not: apply for scholarships! You’ll be thankful you did when the summertime arrives.
- If your parents have agreed to help fund your studies, speak to your parents about the expected tuition costs. The tuition prices are always available on the course pages!
- If you’re considering a loan or line of credit, make an appointment with a financial advisor at your banking institution to understand the funding options available to you.
- If you plan to apply to Canadian federal funding to take abroad, make sure you research the application process, application dates and availability for your own province.
Most importantly: keep your Canada Law From Abroad advisor in the loop! We’re here to help support you right up until you leave for the UK so do not hesitate to check-in with your advisor about how you’re feeling about any aspect of the process – we’ve all been there! We’ll help keep you on track and excited about your new adventure.
Brittany
Team Coordinator & Student Advisor
Education
Kingston University
- HBA English (Lakehead University, Canada)
- MA English Literature (Kingston University London, UK)
Contact information
Email: brittany@canadalawfromabroad.com
What did you do before joining Canada Law from Abroad?
My studies in the UK are book-ended by a decade of working in sales, marketing, and management roles within high-pace retail environments. These roles involved promoting self-care products and connecting one-on-one with customers of all demographics to help them find the perfect product(s) for their individual needs. In addition to this, I worked in the seasonal travel and tourism industry where I promoted Ontario and its many sights and attractions across the province to tourists from around the world. My professional experiences do not directly align with my study interests, but throughout my undergraduate studies I developed a strong interest in Canadian contemporary literature and the ways that literature from around the world tends to intertwine nature and the human psyche within their texts. Towards the end of my degree, I decided that I wanted to continue studying literature in an academic setting.
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
Canadian written literature is (unsurprisingly) heavily influenced by English literature, particularly through its origins. While completing my undergraduate studies in Canada, I noticed a severe lack of study dedicated to Canadian literature (both written and oral), and I wanted to contribute to the academia surrounding the development of the Canadian literary canon while also understanding more about where it began. Of course, my love of travelling certainly contributed to my decision, and drove me to pursue literary studies in the UK rather than remaining in Canada – where better to study English literature than England?
Why do you like working for Canada Law from Abroad?
After completing my master’s degree, I continued working in the retail industry, but wanted to help customers on a deeper level. My unforgettable experience in the UK inspired me to seek employment opportunities with Canada Law from Abroad so that I can help other students pursue education in the UK and contribute to their personal growth and future career development. Through my previous work experiences, I developed strong communication skills, a deep care for my customers, and the empathetic listening skills to understand various situations and how they might impact individual needs. These skills not only made me a successful international student but make me a strong advisor as well! I love that Canada Law from Abroad combines my love of travel with my background in customer satisfaction. It allows me to connect with all kinds of students and discuss the benefits of studying and living abroad. I love growing my knowledge of our partner universities which will contribute to my overall knowledge of higher education in the UK, and the UK in general. My knowledge will ultimately have a significant impact on the personal and professional development of my students, and I love that I can be included in even a small portion of that process!
Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK?
I think it is important to understand the roots of your home-country – both the positives and the negatives. As a member of the Commonwealth, the origin of much of Canada’s names (cities, provinces), architecture, written literature, laws, and many other items can be traced back to the UK. Studying in the UK can help Canadians understand how the UK has directly impacted Canada’s development. The highly specialized education within the UK will help students develop necessary skills in research, independent study, and critical thinking to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s future development, and growth as a nation.
The incredible food scene, studying in the British Library, the ability to walk through history, Christmas markets, watching Pointless, pub quizzes.
Information Session: Study Law in the UK
Considering law school in the UK?
Canada Law From Abroad offers free expert guidance to help you navigate your options—from choosing the right UK law degree (LLB or LLM) to understanding the NCA process for returning to Canada.
🗓️ Join our free info session on Monday, April 28th at 5 PM and learn:
✔️ Why study in the UK
✔️ Types of law degrees available
✔️ How to return to Canada and practice law
✔️ Application, visa & pre-departure support
📝 Register below to receive a link to the online info session. If you cannot attend the info session live, register your interest and one of our advisors will be able to send you a recording after the event
