By Hannah Phillips
This term many students will be searching for their new houses for the next academic year as universities across the country hold their annual housing fairs, where students can meet landlords and letting agents who will point them in the right direction to finding their new property.
It might seem a little soon to be looking for your next place to live, but it’s worth starting to think about it as properties will begin to get snapped up pretty quickly.
We’ve got some useful advice to give you a helping hand when finding your next place to live…
Attend your university housing fair or speak to the accommodation officer at your uni:
University housing fairs are a good place to start when looking for a place to live after halls. Lots of universities are partnered with recommended letting agents and will be able to put you in touch with local agents or landlords who specialise in student property.
Need a helping hand?
Our good friends Accommodation for Students can help you find whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a student house, student flat, halls of residence or even a housemate. Visit their website here to find the perfect pad for you, wherever you are!
Don’t rush into signing anything:
We know we said student properties get snapped up pretty quickly but this doesn’t mean you should sign up for the first property you view. Remember this is going to be your home for the next 12 months, so you need to be sure everything is right for you.
Make sure all your housemates get chance to view the property before agreeing to anything:
It can be difficult to get everybody free at the same time, but its well worth making sure everybody gets chance to see the property first so you can be certain it’s suitable for all of you. The last thing you want is for somebody to drop out last minute because they don’t like the room they’ve been given!
Weigh up the important elements:
What is more important – a bedroom with enough room for a small gym or how long it takes you to get to uni and back? Consider the location of the property – what’s the commute like to your university campus and could you put up with this journey on a daily basis? Are you close to local amenities? Ask yourself if it is worth sacrificing a little bit of extra space for a house that is closer to your campus? Or maybe all you need is a decent pub! We all have our preferences but you must remember the property you choose must meet your most important needs.
Do your research:
Look at your landlord or letting agent’s reviews if any are available. It’s worth speaking to other students who have been in the property previous to you, if possible, so you are clear about whether issues will be resolved quickly with your landlord or letting agent, should any arise.
Do an inventory:
If your landlord or agent hasn’t already done this then it’s worth doing an inventory yourself, in order to avoid being blamed for any damage that may already be present in the property. Before moving in, inspect the property yourself, take photos and date them, especially if there are any signs of damage, otherwise you may be liable for this when your contract ends, which could result in losing your deposit.
Choosing your housemates:
It’s great making new friends at university but remember, those who might make good drinking buddies on nights out might not necessarily make the best housemates. Will they take their turn with household chores or pay their share of the bills on time? If your house doesn’t offer bills-inclusive rent then Glide can help make paying bills in a shared household a little easier. To find out more about how we can help, visit out website here.
Think before you commit:
