How did you find housing?

I am having an extremely difficult time finding housing.  My school doesn't have any accomodations that are suitable for a couple (my DH is coming with me), and because my DH is accompanying me, I cannot apply for my visa until I secure housing (and we leave on Sept 3rd!).  We have to show that we have evidence of accomodation before they will grant us both our visas....argh!!

I had a couple of different long converstations with people that I thought would result in housing, but once I mentioned the fact that I needed a short term tenacy agreement (for the visa app), they suddenly got scared and backed out.

My visa appt. is on Aug 16th, so I have 1 1/2 weeks to find a short term place to live....any ideas?

TIA!

This is just the line on the entry clearance doc that says where you will be staying right? I was told to put down the B&B where I stayed for a week before moving into a new place. My agency said that was standard. I ended up putting my friend's address even though I didn't stay there. It didn't seem to be a big deal. I got my clearance and they let me in the country.

So I'd suggest finding a hotel or B&B where you can stay while finding a real place.

No...unfortunately because we are applying for a dependent visa for my spouse part of the required documentation we need to show is evidence of accommodation.... 

I wish it were as simple as putting down the address of a b&b or hotel....

Sorry I can't really help much but there's a link to a site that lets you search for place to rent in the UK

http://www.fish4.co.uk/iad/lettings

Maybe you could call letting agencies, explain the situation and maybe they'll let you put a down payment to rent a place down before you apply for the visa?

I had a couple of different long converstations with people that I thought would result in housing, but once I mentioned the fact that I needed a short term tenacy agreement (for the visa app), they suddenly got scared and backed out.

How short-term are you talking about?  Most standard rents are 6 months, and you can get out after that.  If you need something for shorter than that, you might consider taking a holiday cottage for an extended period.

I used the university's off-campus housing list.  In my experience, most unis have some version of this for people looking to live off-campus.  It's a list they update regularly of approved landlords looking to rent to students.  You can find houseshares or maybe your own flat here, and the rental period is reasonable, since they know they are renting to students.  Check around your uni accomodation office and don't be afraid to place some phone calls!

What if, for a short period of time, you lived with someone who's looking for a roommate? Tell them you only want to live there for a few months until you find an apartment. That may be what I end up doing if I can't find a place before I come over. I've been looking at http://uk.easyroommate.com/. Where are you moving to?

Thanks everyone!  I think we found something....I am kind of holding my breath until I have the letter of agreement for the sub-tenancy in my hand, but it seems like it is going to work out...