u/JewelryK

I am an international student who will join UoB this September for a Master degree. Upon receiving my offer, I have paid 3,000€ as the deposit for tuition fee in April through Flywire following the admission portal instruction (yes I have the receipt from Flywire as well). However, over 1 month has passed, there are no confirmation via email from UoB about the status of my deposit, and at the admission portal, its status is still “outstanding”. I tried to email some departments, like admission team (said that they cannot advise on tuition fee), AR - finance team (said they don’t reply email, and need to be already a student to make query ?!)

Is there anyone having experienced the same problem? What should I do? It comes to money so I’m deadly worried about this.

I am an International student going for a Master at Birmingham this September. Through my advisor and self-research, from what I understand there are 3 main channels for accommodation:

1. Uni-owned student accommodation: definitely worry-free except flatmates ofc, but price is a little over my budget.

2. Specialized student accom platform/provider like Uhomes and Amberstudent: reliable since they have local offices in my country. Most options are ensuites in shared house with reasonable price and bill included so it would pretty convenient.

3. Other renting platform like Zoopla, OpenRent, Spareroom..: not student-focused but many options, price seems to be the most suitable for my budget but I need to be aware more about contract, paying utilities,.. and especially scams since no agent from my country to support/guide.

After some considerations, Im going for the 3rd choice first, since I have seen some multi beds flats on these sites that price per bed would be optimal for me. I will try to make a group and see if we can secure a good one. If not, im still able to go for Uhomes/Amberstudent.

So what should I be aware, or need to know about renting accommodation through these platforms? What are you guys recommendation and suggest?

I will continue to research, but practical recommendations here are invaluable to me, about these platforms in general, or even about Birmingham to be specific.

Thank you in advance!