- October 27, 2020
- News
When you’re heading off to university, choosing your accommodation is the first big decision you’ll be making independently (no pressure). Finding the right accommodation for you will take some research and a sharp eye here are the things you need to look out for when weighing up your choices…
Consider the Location:
Where your student accommodation is located can make a huge difference to the experience. If you have wheels you will not be worried about the distance, but if you have to walk, it is important to make sure the distance is comfortable. If you’re located close to campus, it’s usually just a short walk to get to lectures and the library, which can be very helpful if you’re new to the area and getting to grips with where everything is located. If you do decide on a room that is not nearby, make sure there are reliable transportation options available.
What’s Included in the Rent
If you find somewhere with a low rent price, you’ll be thinking you’ve hit the accommodation jackpot – but don’t forget that a low cost per month usually means that bills aren’t included. If you’re living in hostels, this isn’t something you’ll have to worry about, as the rent will usually come with bills and internet included.
But if you’re looking at private accommodation, don’t despair! Just check if bills are included in the rent and if they’re not then make sure to ask how much they usually are per month. When it comes to Wi-Fi in student houses, check that the connection will be decent enough to meet the needs of a household full of students/Netflix.
Make sure if the rooms and house are furnished, especially if you are coming from far.
Security:
You’ll want to feel safe in your student accommodation, so before you sign a contract for a room, make sure that security is a top priority. Many student halls will have security guards patrolling the grounds, but if not; at least make sure that there is a secure fob or keypad entry for students with a well-staffed reception desk and emergency helpline number available.
T&Cs of Your Contract
No-one enjoys reading the small print in contracts, but an accommodation contract carries far more weight than the terms and conditions you would breeze through when downloading an app.
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the length of the contract, how much the deposit is, and if there is any clemency period for you to leave without breaking the contract if you decide that the accommodation isn’t right for you.
Looking at living in a shared house? Your contract should state if you’re all individually liable for missed bill payments or if the responsibility falls on the house as a whole.
Cost
As a student you are not going to have a lot of spare cash since you won’t be working full time, so you need to make sure that you think about the cost. Try to work out a budget of the money that you’ll have each month and consider how much you can afford. If you are able to spend a little more on accommodation, then make sure to do so as you will love all of the benefits that come with the house.
Viewing a Property
Viewing a property is essential – especially if it’s private accommodation. So, once you’ve narrowed down your accommodation choices using the list above, organize a viewing.
When you are viewing make sure you check for important issues like security, damp and quality of fittings like the boiler, and any signs of pests.
Or ask a parent for their advice – they’ll be more than happy to get involved with your search – after all, they want to make sure you are safe at uni.
