Up there in the list of things that most concerns new students is definately student housing arrangements – in short where are you going to live, how much will it cost, what important things should you check, how to survive living with others and also what are your responsibilities especially if you are moving away from home for the first time?
Halls of Residence
Typically first year students will start off in halls of residence – student housing owned or at least managed by the university you are attending.
This is a nice safe option because you will have a fair idea in advance of what you can expect from this student housing and also how much it is likely to cost you. Rent generally includes all costs and you therefore can pay just one sum and be sure that all the other facilities are covered.
As halls are provided by the university they are typically also very well run and will cater for all your needs. Thinking back to my halls of residence, we had a flat with half a dozen of us living there, with a communal kitchen/living room. We also had two bathrooms and two shower rooms.
Each week cleaners would come in to clean the social areas and we were expected to keep an eye on our own rooms.
We also had a central “hub” in between all the halls that provided services such as computers with internet access, vending machines, a small cinema room where films were shown regularly, facilities to wash clothes and a bar. In other words – it was ideal because you didn’t need to go and find out about the surrounding area initially – everything you needed were provided for you.
Additionally, because halls of residence provide such an easy way to sort out your student housing they tend to be most popular with first year students, after which many students move out into privately-owned accommodation to make way for the next batch of incoming freshers.
We have discussed halls of residence elsewhere on this site but for now I want to take a closer look at the alternative – moving into privately-owned student accommodation – because it is something most students experience at some time.
Moving into a Shared Student Flat/House
Finding student accommodation can at first be a daunting prospect but if you are lucky your university may offer guidance and assistance in shorting this out.
Personally I discovered that my university maintained a database of available properties in the area and kept in regular contacts with local landlords. As a result they were able to print me out a list of accommodation of the size I was looking for and that as far as they were aware fitted into my budget.
Then it was simply a matter of doing some e-mails/phone calls, arranging some viewings and making some decisions.
It all sounds simple enough but there are a number of things you need to bear in mind when it comes to choosing your first student digs and I hope to be able to offer you some accommodation tips of what to consider in the hope of making the whole process run smoothly for you.
Top Things to Consider When Moving from Halls to a Student House Share
Who To Live With
Will you move in with friends? Or strangers? If the latter, try to at least meet the people before. Its really important you choose your housemate wisely.
Deposit
What deposit is required by the landlord? The lower the deposit the easier it will be for you so get this out of the way early on and work out if that sum is feasable. Also check how long after you move out it will take for you to get it back.
Utilities
Who pays for utilities such as water, gas and property taxes? Some landlords will lump this into the rental cost and this can make budgeting far easier. Check whether you are allowed to change the phone number of the property because otherwise you might gets calls for previous students, while some landlords don’t like the numbers changed. If you are renting in a group consider how you will split the bills, who will manage the finances and whose name all the utility accounts will go in. View our tips how to reduce your energy bills – some simple things can help you save a lot of money.
Ease Of Access
Is the accommodation close to the university? If not, how will you get there, and what are the associated costs? Just as importantly, do you have shops and bars closeby or will you be constantly heading over to the other side of town? Is there enough space that your parents can park and help you move in safely or will you be carrying boxes up the road for miles?
Heating
Not only the costs, but also check that there is heating. Much student accommodation has pretty poor heating – also check that there are no signs of damp, mould or creaky windows that may let in moisture or cold.
Noise
Try to visit at two different times to see how noisy it is. The last thing you want when you are studying hard for an exam is a neighbor who has a stereo on full blast all the time or someone who has constant late night parties that keep you awake. Equally – if you are considering being a party animal – are there older neighbors around that you may annoy and therefore may complain about you?
Rental Period
How long is the rental period for, and how often do you pay rent? In halls of residence you often pay for a term or semester up front but in many privately-owned digs you will be expected to pay your rent weekly or monthly. How should you pay?
Check the Tenancy Agreement
Make sure you read your tenancy agreement carefully to avoid any issues going forward. For example, if you are unsure about anything, ask your landlord or estate agent, even for simple things like wanting to paint the walls.
Check Alarms
Make sure the smoke, carbon dioxide and fire alarms are working. Also check to see if there is a gas safety certificate.
Sort out the Internet
It’s vital you are connected whilst at uni, so someone in the house will need to take out a broadband package if this isn’t included. You’ll need the internet to study, socialise, relax or possible work online.
Holidays
Finally, what happens during the holidays? For example if you move in somewhere and like it enough that you want to stay the following year, do you have to move all your stuff out over the summer or can you leave it there? Equally, do you have to pay full rent when you’re not there over Christmas or at Spring Break?
Cleaning
How will you do cleaning, individually, or will you have a rota? Sometimes its best to get this arranged early on to avoid arguments going forward.
Consider these student accommodation factors before you sign any paperwork and you’ll be in the ideal situation to make the most of your time at uni. Living away in a student flat share can be really exciting, try to enjoy the experience, freedom and independence.