Proof of Address for Students, Shared Housing and Living With Family
A practical preparation plan for students and people whose household bills are not in their own name, including university letters and questions about supporting evidence.
Students, shared-house tenants and people living with family may have genuine residential addresses without utility accounts in their own names. The practical task is to find evidence that the recipient accepts for that particular living arrangement.
Separate student status from accommodation evidence
A letter confirming your course and a letter confirming where you live answer different questions. Before requesting university paperwork, ask the bank or platform which information it needs. Check that your current address is recorded correctly in the university's system.
If you live in university accommodation
Ask the accommodation team or student services about an official address confirmation. UCL's guidance says students in its accommodation can request an address letter from their hall reception after checking in. It also notes that bank acceptance is not guaranteed. Students at other universities should check their own institution's process.
If you rent privately with other students
Start with documents that actually name you, such as an eligible personal statement or a genuine tenancy agreement. If only one person receives household bills, ask about alternatives before requesting their records. Do not assume the whole household can use one person's bill without additional evidence.
If you live with parents, family or friends
Explain that you have no utility account in your name. Ask whether the recipient offers a household-document route, what evidence of your connection is required and whose consent or documents are needed. Avoid sending an informal collection of family records before you know what is relevant.
Term-time and home addresses
An institution may ask for a current residential address, a permanent home address or a separate mailing address. Read the field labels carefully and ask which address the submitted document must support. Do not assume the same answer applies to banking, university records and public-service applications.
Prepare in a sensible order
- Confirm the application and accepted alternatives.
- Check your recorded address with the relevant issuer.
- Request the specific document, including any required wording.
- Allow for enrolment, check-in or document-processing steps.
- Review the finished document before submitting it.
Starting with the recipient's requirements helps avoid paying for or waiting for a letter that does not answer its request.
Related reading
Sources and updates
Sources checked: 2026-11-02. The practical steps help you organise evidence; eligibility is determined by the recipient. Consult its current guidance and your account request.