Last minute accommodation in UK - am I crazy?

[snowballed]

I'm a Canadian, most likely going to UEA in Norwich to pursue a post-grad program. The program starts in late September. I'm not positive I will take UEA residence accommodation because I do not want to sign a contract.

Would I be crazy to show up in mid-September without accommodation locked down? AKA: hoping to find it in the two weeks leading up to school - will I be out of luck or forced to live in a crack den?

Thanks

[BrandNewName]

I'm a Canadian, most likely going to UEA in Norwich to pursue a post-grad program. The program starts in late September. I'm not positive I will take UEA residence accommodation because I do not want to sign a contract.

Would I be crazy to show up in mid-September without accommodation locked down? AKA: hoping to find it in the two weeks leading up to school - will I be out of luck or forced to live in a crack den?

Thanks

I don't know how things work in Norwich, but in London apartments are rented on a weekly basis so finding something quickly isn't normally a problem (though finding something reasonably priced can prove difficult). In the cities I've lived in throughout Europe I've never had a problem finding an apartment on short notice, whether it be room in a shared flate or a place of my own. It's a very general sentiment, but as someone who has moved to a foreign country with no place to live (and where I barely spoke the language), I can tell you that I've never ended up in a crack den...maybe a hostel for a few nights.

You should check out couchsurfing and see if there is a current student who would be willing to give you a place to crash for a few days while you find a place; they'd probably even be able to tell you which parts of town to avoid during your search as well. Anyway, good luck!

[GardeningGrad]

UEA has very good support for international students - I would suggest contacting the office of Int'l Students (http://www.uea.ac.uk/international) and asking them for assistance. You're a post-doc, not a freshman in college... I'd think they'd we willing to at least give you some advice (and at most, put you up somewhere for your first few weeks when you get there).