When you’re moving away from home for the first time, it can get pretty daunting. Not only do you have to worry about finances, location and how far away from the nearest pub you live, you also need to organise the move whilst making sure you’re getting a fair deal. Simple right?
While most students spend their first year in university halls, almost all will have to look into private lettings from second year onwards. To make the whole affair a bit less stressful, here are some top tips by Letslivehere on how to find the ideal student pad.
Go agency or private
You’ll have to pick between an agency or private landlords. Often an agency will make the whole process easier, by offering a range of properties and tailoring the choices to your requirements. But they have costs associated with them. Going private means a lack of fees and more direct access to the landlord should you need any repairs completed.
Decide on finances
Once you’ve lined up a couple of properties for viewings, it’s worth considering finances. Look at the deposit and any admin fees and also calculate how much rent you’ll be paying. If you’re moving in with a group (likely) you all need to feel comfortable and fairly treated with regards to how much rent you’ll be paying.
Pick your location
Often, student properties are located across very different areas of a city. You’ll need to choose property that appeals to you (and your housemates’) sensibilities. If you’re a party animal, you may want to choose a flat as close to the city centre or nightlife as possible. If you’re more of a homebody, choose a quieter area further away from the city. Also consider public transport links, local amenities and the parking situation (for car owners). Look around the area you’re renting in to see how noisy it is. Partying into the night is all well and good until you’ve got a next day deadline to hit and you can’t hear yourself think because of the bar over the road.
Inspect the property
When you go for a viewing, don’t be taken in by the flashier sides of the property or the excitement. Instead, use your time viewing to perform a thorough inspection. Don’t sign an agreement to live anywhere until you’ve assessed it for the following signs:
- Mould/damp: Look inside cupboards and wardrobes and inspect the walls and windows.
- Pests/insects: Some landlords might try to hide this, so keep an eye out for any snail trails or rat droppings that might be hidden away.
- Check the electricity and water supply are all fully functional.
- Double check all furniture and fittings. Make sure the furniture is in good condition and highlight any problems you spot to the landlord before you move in. If you’ve decided on the property, make sure you get an inventory that lists the furniture and the condition it was in when you moved in.
- Finally, take a good look at the security, paying careful attention to the locks on the doors and testing they all work. Make sure the area around the house is well-lit and safe for those drunken staggering home nights out. Ensure the alarm works and that any fire extinguishers are properly set-up.
Quiz the landlord
Even if you’re going through an agency, you will most likely have a chance to talk to the landlord. Use this period to ask important questions and don’t be shy! Any queries you have or concerns you’re holding could be hashed out here, so get it off your chest before you sign up to live in a place you’re unsure about.
Final thoughts
Moving into a student property is one of the most exciting times of your life. Whether you’re already friends with your fellow tenants or not, living together will bring you all closer than ever. But it might also cause more arguments and fights than you could have imagined. (‘Come on guys! Who used my special bowl!?’) Take the right steps before you move in. Check over the property, double-check your finances and ensure everyone is on the same page. That way, the only problems you’ll have will be bickering over whether to watch Jeremy Kyle or Question Time.
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