Simon Thompson, co-founder of Accommodation for Students, has outlined why university students and aspiring students should start their search earlier rather than later, and what the important things to consider when choosing your accommodation are.
Simon explains: “If you are planning on moving into student accommodation for the next academic year starting September 2023, now is the ideal time to start your search.
“Here at Accommodation for Students, November is one of our busiest times of the year. In fact, we reported a 67% rise in enquiries month-on-month. We receive 22% of our total enquiries for the year during this period. This year, demand for student accommodation is higher, with a 30% increase in enquiries compared to the same period in November 2021.
“Below, I have provided a list of the all-important questions that you should be asking and the things to consider when choosing your student accommodation for next year.”
What size property do you want?
Once you have firmly decided on who you will be living with, you can assess what size property you will require. Knowing how many bedrooms will be needed will help you to narrow down your initial search. Aside from bedrooms, the number of bathrooms is another key thing to take into consideration when selecting a property.
If you are moving from student halls where you had access to your own private en-suite, do you envisage sharing one bathroom between your future housemates to be an issue for you? If so, you should consider a property with multiple bathrooms, if you can afford it.
Do you want a house or a flat?
If you are going into your first year at university, it’s highly likely that you’ll be looking to move into student halls of residence. However, if you are in your second or third year of studies, you should consider what property type is most suitable for your needs.
If there are just two or three of you looking to share a student property and require a little less space, why not consider looking at flats, as these may be more economical to run.
If outside space is an important factor for you and your future housemates, a student house is your best option. If you are looking for a bit more personal space, then a private flat where you can enjoy the freedom of living alone, could be the ideal solution.
Where do you want to live?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing your student accommodation is the location. Check whether it is within walking distance to your university and how long it would take for you to get there. If the property is not within a realistic distance, you need to assess if local transport links are close by and factor in the cost of the journey.
Consider how close your prospective accommodation is from essentials such as supermarkets and grocery stores. If you don’t have access to a car, then travel to and from could become more challenging and expensive.
It is also important to consider the general vibe of the area. Are you looking to live in a lively area populated with other students and bustling nightlife? Or are you looking to live in a quieter area that’s more setback from the hustle and bustle of student life. This should all be considered when selecting your property and location to avoid future disappointment.
Always have open discussions with your housemates to ensure that you’re on the same page.
Are bills included?
With the cost of living crisis looming large, the cost of bills is a crucial factor to consider when choosing your student accommodation. Always check whether bills are included, and if so, what is the fixed rate. Having all-inclusive bills means that you pay one monthly payment for your rent and amenities, which takes the fuss away.
How much is the deposit and how do you go about getting it back?
How much deposit you will have to pay is another key factor to consider. Find out exactly how much the deposit will be, and when you will be required to make the payment, as you will have to pay this in advance in most cases. It is also important to ask when you can expect to get your deposit back after leaving the property, and how you go about doing this.
What is actually included in the property?
Not everything that you see in a property during viewing will be included as part of your rental agreement. Be sure to ask what exactly is included in terms of furniture and electric appliances and what belongs to the current tenants.
For example, kitchen appliances like the kettle and toaster may have been purchased by the current tenants. Whatever is included in your property should be listed in the inventory section of your tenancy agreement, this will give you a clear indication of what items you will need to bring with you or purchase ahead of the move-in date.
Is the property secure?
Unfortunately, student properties can be a target for burglars, due to the fact that multiple occupancy households often contain valuable items like laptops, phones and other gadgets.
When choosing accommodation, take note of how secure the doors and windows are. Look at whether they have adequate locking systems in place, as well as bolts for extra security.
Double-check with the landlord or letting agent whether the property has a functioning alarm system and that all smoke alarms are fitted and are in good working order.
If you want to take extra measures to ensure safety and security, look into the local crime data for the areas that you are considering moving to. This information is quick and easy to access via the police.uk website.
Does the property have double-glazed windows?
Nobody wants to live in a draughty, cold household, especially with the rising cost of energy bills. Double-glazed windows are essential to look out for when selecting a property. During your viewing, check that windows are sealed properly and that you can not feel a draught. This will help you to save money on energy bills when winter hits.
Does the property have damp?
When viewing student accommodation, look out for signs of dampness. The typical warning signs to be vigilant for are black spots or patches of mould on the ceilings or walls, significant condensation on windows, a musty smell in the property, and moist or peeling wallpaper.
Damp isn’t just unsightly, it can also be bad for your health and may damage your possessions. If you do spot some damp in the property, discuss whether the issue will be treated prior to you moving in. If this is agreed upon with your landlord or letting agent, always get this in writing.
Is there adequate parking?
If multiple occupants of your student household drive, then parking is essential. Check that there is adequate parking available for the number of cars that will be at the property. If there isn’t a driveway at the property, then take note of how busy the street is and where there is available overnight parking, you should also factor in the cost of parking.
Viewing the property
Viewing the property in person is always recommended, rather than opting solely for online video tours. By doing so, you can get more of an accurate feel for the property and check that everything is adequate and up to your expectations. You can also take the opportunity to ask all the important questions that we have covered above.
If for some reason one of your housemates can not attend, always take plenty of videos and photographs throughout the viewing to share with them. By doing so, you can help to avoid any discrepancies or nasty surprises when it comes to moving in the property.
If the current occupants of the property are home during your viewing, then take the time to ask them some of these questions. This is an ideal way for you to get an accurate perception and real-life perspective of how it would be to live in the property in question.
