Bath, UK ( prsafe ) November 23, 2011 - Students looking for some quality accommodation at affordable rates can benefit from the tips given below.

Student Properties

Congratulations! You?ve gone through all the rigours of getting in to a university, including drafting your UCAS personal statement, and got yourself a place at your chosen university. The hard part is now over. Now it?s time to get everything in order, from sending off your student finance application to sorting out your student accommodation.

Getting In understands that moving away to university is an exciting and nerve wrecking experience. Finding your way around a new town, getting to grips with the university campus, making new friends and living in a rented student property is just the start of student life.

Finding the perfect student pad can be a daunting prospect, so Getting In has gathered a range of things to consider when choosing student accommodation.

Student properties ? things to consider
When looking at student housing in the UK, there are some important considerations to make. Are you happy to share accommodation with others? Does the student accommodation have heating, laundry facilities, shared or private bathrooms and equipped kitchens? Does the rent include bills? What are the deposit conditions? Is the area safe? What happens if I want to leave?

These are just a few things to consider when searching for your perfect student accommodation. Getting In suggests gathering as much information before your quest for perfect student accommodation.

Budget for student accommodation
Before you even start looking at student housing, set a realistic budget for renting a student house. Getting In suggests looking at your total income, including your student loan, student grants, personal assistance and any part time job earnings. Your student living costs should cover:

- Rent
- Bills
- Food
- Academic books
- Socialising
- Emergencies

Shared student accommodation
Most student accommodation usually involves living with others. Living with other students has an array of benefits:

- New friends
- Cheaper than living solo
- Social areas are usually larger
- Bills are shared among tenants
- Easily accessible to university
- Close to shops, bars and other amenities


Sharing student housing can be incredibly fun, especially if it?s the first place you?ve lived from home. However, drawbacks include personality clashes, differences in needs and lifestyles.

University or college campus accommodation
Many universities provide accommodation for students for the first year. This makes it easier for student to find their way round the university campus, make new friends and adjust to university life.

Halls of residence are usually based on campus, in self contained areas close to the main university building. You?ll also find student halls are close to shops, bars and laundry services, making it easier to grab the student essentials. Student halls will generally have shared living areas and kitchens, while some also offer catered accommodation. Many universities offer a free or subsidised bus service to and from student halls of residence. The benefit of living in student accommodation on campus is there are no bills or landlords to deal with ? just getting in to the Uni life! Payments are usually taken at the beginning of the academic year and after Christmas.

Off campus student accommodation
Finding student accommodation not run by the university or college requires a bit more effort. Firstly, you need to consider whether you are happy sharing with others or looking for your own space. Secondly, you need to find student housing that fits your needs. Whether you?re looking for yourself or with friends, Getting In has compiled a guide to finding student housing in the UK.

Where to find off campus student housing
Take a look in local newspapers for student housing. You may find advertisements offering rooms as part of the family home. These are called lodgings or digs, where you?ll find food and bills are included in the rent price.

Campus notice boards will also have adverts for shared student housing. Some local estate agencies specialise in student properties, offering you a benchmark for monthly rent in the area. Student housing rent may be less during summer and Christmas breaks.

Looking for student properties
It is best to look as early as possible for student accommodation. Make a list of potential student houses, then give the landlord a call to find out more. Here is a range of questions to ask student landlords:

- When is the rent paid?
- What happens when someone is constantly late paying or does not pay?
- If a tenant leaves, how is the rent / bills divided?
- What is the policy on smoking / pets / parties

Viewing student properties
Getting In suggests gathering as much information about the student accommodation before viewing it.

- Take landlords contact details / maps
- Take references with you, if you have them
- Take someone with you with experience in living in rented housing
- See if you can meet your flatmates before deciding to move in

Inspecting student housing
There are a few things to keep in mind when inspecting your potential home. Getting In recommends a thorough check of the following:

- Safety
- Dampness
- Heating
- Furnishings
- Working appliances

Getting In ? top questions for landlords
Ensure your landlord is reputable by asking lots of questions. Meet your potential landlord at the house, and remember to get a complete inventory of the property. Payments should be made by cheque or debit card, with an official receipt for your transfer.

- How much is the rent (separate payments or fixed amount for house)?
- What are the deposit conditions?
- If a tenant leaves, who is responsible for filling the room?
- What is the notice period for leaving?
- What are the extra bills and how are they paid?
- Is the house fitted with fire alarms and escapes?
- Do you have a lease or rent book?
- Are you registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board?
- Who do I contact if there is a problem?

The Getting In guide is your first step in finding the perfect student accommodation. We hope you find a fantastic student property. Now, bring on the lectures, student parties and excel in your studies, just as you promised in your personal statement!

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