The move into October and away from Fresher’s week signals lots of things: Readings become real, deadlines in sight and general tensions begin to rise. As if this isn’t all enough, then comes the stress of searching for the right uni home.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the advice out there, which is why we’ve composed a simple, comprehensive guide on how to take the hopelessness out of house-hunting.
When to start?
So many people fear-monger about how early you should start the process of securing your house. There seems to be a general myth that if you and your housemates aren’t all locked in before November, you’re screwed.
Don’t worry – this isn’t true.
While it’s always helpful to start considering your options in advance, it’s more common than you think for people to change their living situations over the year. It’s recommended to start looking before Christmas, but don’t let the pressure push you into making panicked decisions if you’re not comfortable committing.
Waiting that little bit longer until November may seem like the end of the world, but one sketchy 256 Tuesday or questionable comment could make or break the housemates you’re relying on for next year.
Who to live with?
Lots of people live with their flatmates; lots of people live with their course friends; some people end up with Facebook housemates who become their best friends. There isn’t one set formula that will save you from conflict or negotiation.
Choose the people you feel most comfortable around, and don’t be afraid to say no.
There’s nothing worse than fighting to get on the 143 just to go home to a house full of tension and washing up drama, so cut out the people-pleasing before you get roped into a contract – however difficult that might be.
Securing viewings
Estate agents have one job in this process and it’s to sell. Don’t take no communication for an answer if you’re interested in a property. Emailing is great, but it’s harder for them to ignore you over the phone! Put on your big girl pants and give them a ring if you have any questions you’re struggling to get answered.
Ask, ask, ask!
It’s one thing to see a property, but it’s another to leave knowing the ins and outs of living there. After you’ve secured your viewings, it’s helpful to write a list of general questions to ask the estate agent about the property. We suggest questions surrounding maintenance, summer half-rent, bills packages and whether you’d be in contact with the landlord. If there are any things you see in-person during the viewing (such as mould, damp or damage in the house), ask about any plans to repair or replace these. This will all help to give you the full picture of becoming a tenant.
It might not always be possible to talk to current tenants of a property, but it is likely that they will offer a more honest experience than a landlord or estate agent. Current tenants will be eager to offer information they wish they’d had before moving in (or why they can’t wait to move out), so don’t be afraid to ask them any less formal things you want to know!
Location
Once your time in halls expires, it’s likely you’ll be ready for a change of scenery. Many students stay close to the Fallowfield campus, some will move further from or closer to uni: It all depends. However, it’s worth double checking the transport links a property will leave you with. It’s all well and good having a pretty house, but if you’re too far from a bus stop those 9ams won’t be made. (You should probably have the option to pretend you were going to attend them).
