It might seem ridiculously early to start talking about where you’re going to live in your second, third or even fourth year at uni, but, in actual fact, now is the time where a lot of students will start to think about where they’re going to be living next year.
For freshers though, it’s particularly daunting because it may be the first time they’ve ever had to make any kind of housing decisions for themselves. Halls don’t usually count, because often you’re just placed there when you get a place on your course.
Second year is a little different
Of course, some institution-owned halls may let you stay on if you want to. But that’s not for everyone, and, in fact, most people will either move into a shared house or privately run student halls instead.
There’s a whole lot to take in, and even more to consider, so here’s a guide to help you along the way…
Who should I live with?
There are clearly loads of different kinds of students out there – people you’ve met from your course, from halls, through university societies and even nights out. Each type of student is different too, though, and you’ll have to learn to cope with differences. Bear in mind the following:
Can you cope with noise/smoking/annoying people/mess/weird habits?
If you can, great. If you can’t – also great! But if you’re likely to get irritated by the little things people do, you might not want to live in a nine-bed house where there are loads of (potentially random) people to get on your nerves.
Do you only want to move in with someone because you’ve got a crush on them?
Tread carefully. It’s not the Barbie Dreamhouse, and this isn’t the fast track to moving in with them. Things could be about to get super awkward – not just for you, but for the entire group.
Have you thought about why you want to live with these people?
It’s a good idea to question why you’re planning to move in with your future flatmates. If it’s just because they’re ‘cool’ and not because of any real connection, think about how that’ll be when the hype dies down and you have to get on with day-to-day life.
Have you lived with any of these people before?
It’s not a problem if not – uni is about new experiences after all. But if you’ve argued with the group already or are already struggling with them in halls, then don’t just feel pressured to do what they’re all doing.
Do the people you want to move in with seem reliable?
If you’re watching them borrow money every five seconds, if their loan was gone in three weeks (a bit like that part-time job they had), and they seem a little, well, suspicious, perhaps don’t move in with them, because you don’t want to be left paying their rent as well as yours!
Private-sector housing vs student accommodation
Private-sector housing is often the go-to when it comes to moving out into the big bad world of university ‘real life’. It’s often cheaper, you can share with whomever you want and there won’t be anyone from your uni on your back. However, there are a few cons that will vary depending on the student and the city in which they’re studying. For example:
- If you like your own space, you’re less likely to get it. You’re less likely to have an en-suite, and you’re less likely to get any space to cook in the kitchen!
- There’s no security guard, and insurance often isn’t included!
- If someone leaves, you’re often left liable as a group. In halls and similar set ups, you’re only responsible for yourself.
- There are often agency fees, deposits and even dodgy landlords to deal with. In halls, you only really pay a deposit and they get your repairs fixed pretty quickly!
Sites like iStudentAccommodation.com list rooms and shared flats in privately owned halls, which usually provide high-end accommodation with high prices to match, while portals such as Rightmove Students list private-sector houses and flats suitable for students.
What are the hidden costs?
This Moving Cost Calculator calculator will help you add up the things you might need to think about when moving house. Of course, if you can rope mum and dad into helping you move your stuff, some of this won’t apply. But it’s helpful to have an overview of the worst-case scenario…
In summary…
- Don’t make any hasty decisions, but don’t leave it to the last minute either (although you’ll probably find that the old myth about all the decent houses going early on isn’t actually true!).
- Have a good think about your options, and go with your gut instinct.
- Everything is a learning curve at the end of the day, but in the meantime, arm yourself with some facts and legal advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Happy house hunting!
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