Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, some advice on house hunting for your next academic year…
POINT ONE: KNOW WHERE TO LOOK…
We have a variety of resources to help you find the perfect accommodation. At the Housing Fair, hosted by the Accommodation Team and the Students’ Union in the Hangar in late January, you can meet accredited landlords, potential housemates and get general advice on house hunting. Find out more on the SU’s facebook page and the SU’s housing webpage.
You can also use our StudentPad website to search for properties online, post and send messages to other students also looking for housing. Studentpad goes live late January; it’s the University and SU official property search website. Pop into the Accommodation Hub or email Accommodation for this year’s password.
POINT TWO: PLAN THE COST…
We would recommend that you check whether your rent will include your utilities – water, gas and electricity. Some agreements will cover these but you may need to budget for these separately. There may also be other hidden costs like internet and TV licences.
You will probably want to make sure that you have a good connection in order to access all of the University’s online services or chat to friends and family back home and that the cost won’t be too much. Talk to your landlord to see if it is included, or if switching to a cheaper provider is possible.
The University’s Money Advice Service have advice on their webpages about how to manage your money. Check out their online resources or email firstpoint to book an appointment with an adviser.
POINT THREE: THINK ABOUT LOCATION…
Location, location, location! Are you going to be at lectures up on the St. John’s Campus or mainly based in our city sites? Think you might spend a lot of time using the social learning spaces at Riverside or hitting the books in the Hive? Consider where you will need to be based for easy access to lectures or whether you mind travelling between locations.
Perhaps you will be criss-crossing between places, in which case have a look at the bus routes, timetable and prices on the First Bus webpage, or find out about the University’s Woo Bike Loan scheme. The firstpoint webpage has more links, including parking on campus or discounted rail travel.
POINT FOUR: MAKE TIME TO VISIT…
It is a good idea to visit prospective houses to get a feel for the property and the area. You can also use the visit to make sure there are no major issues. Go with your new housemates, consider who is going to get which room and how you will make a fair decision: drawing straws, flip a coin, who shouts first?
Don’t forget when you move in that you will be living in a residential community area, so be mindful of your neighbours. Take the time to pop in, say hello and introduce yourself. We promise it will make living in, and being part of the community much easier and will help you settle in.
POINT FIVE: CHECK THE CONTRACT…
Once you have found your ideal house, make sure you check over your contract, confirm how your deposit will be held and make sure the gas safety certificates are in place.
The Students’ Union website has more information about these matters and can help you to check your contract. Take a look at their Contract Checking webage.
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