If you’re a student moving from halls to a house, then there are a few things to watch out for. For the last year, your university will have languished you with gifts you’ll hardly have been aware of such as all-inclusive bills, moderated heating and regular electrical checks. Now, you must face the big wide world on your own. Scary stuff aside, it’s a very exciting time choosing the first house you’ll live in with friends, and if you follow these helpful tips, you’re sure to get a house you’re happy with.
- Do your homework
Just like with your essays, research is the first step to getting it right. Look up what the average cost for houses in your area is; check what your friends have been paying, and what you can expect to get for your money. The information is readily accessible on the internet, and is a simple way of filtering out houses that seem extortionate or worryingly cheap.
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| Top Tips for Student Movers |
- Teacher knows best
Your university will have seen hundreds of students flock out onto the streets of the city you’re studying in, madly searching for property. They’ll know who succeeds and who doesn’t, what agencies are good, and which are scams; they’ll be able to help. Most universities release their own student housing lists or run advice workshops and these are definitely worth going to.
- The early bird catches the worm
Whatever you do, don’t leave it until the last minute. If you wait until the end of your final semester, not only will all the good housing be gone, but you’ll be attempting to balance revision for your exams, with looking round different properties. If your university recommends getting it sorted by the end of January, as most do, then listen to this advice. It’ll be great to get it out of the way, and relax for the rest of the year, knowing you have a brilliant house waiting for you when you return after the summer.
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| Top Tips for Student Movers |
- Quality, not quantity
Take the time to look carefully online. Check all the available lists, and find the houses you think are most suited to you. Check location, price, room size variation, pet allowances, door colour, wall paper style – everything! People think you can’t afford to be fussy as a student, but there are a lot of great properties out there if you take the time to look. There’s no point in viewing every student house within twenty miles of your university – you’ll pay less and less attention to each new one you view. Instead, be sensible and meticulous – find the best online and then view them, taking each into careful consideration.
- Ask Questions
Obviously, you don’t want to annoy the landlord or agent, but when you go to the houses, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready. Good ones include ‘What’s the average cost of bills?’, ‘What are the neighbours like?’ and ‘Why are the previous tenants leaving?’. They’ll know you’re not being nosey, just sensible, and they’ll take you more seriously for it. Sit with your future housemates and think of all the things you’ll need to know in order to feel secure with your decision, should you decide to rent a property.
Good Luck! Hammersmith Handy Moves