As a student, choosing the right place to live can be daunting, especially with so many different things to consider. However, it’s really important that you think of every aspect of where you choose to live so that you don’t regret it later.
Here are some top tips to consider before packing your suitcase:
Location
This is one of the most significant parts of choosing a house. First of all, if you hate getting up early, walking or taking the bus, then it’s advisable to get a place close to your campus so you don’t have to. However, it might be worth the sacrifice so you can live closer to the nearest town centre and within walking distance of a shopping centre and train station. This ultimately comes down to what will benefit you more.
Another quick tip is to use Google’s ‘street view’ if you are unsure of the area, and that way you can have a look for some nicer areas. It’s also a good idea to visit and check out the area yourself and have a chat with local student accommodation providers and letting agents. They will be able to suggest some potential neighbourhoods to live and will know the local area well. It might be worth upping your spend so you can feel happy and safe in your location.
Roommates
Living with your best friends might seem like a great idea at first, but you might end up being at each other’s throats within the first couple of months. Choose your new housemates wisely. Sometimes it can be hard to find fellow freshers to move in with, and you may have to live with people you don’t really know that well. Find out as much information as you can about potential new housemates before moving in. Try and find people who have similar interests to you so that you have some things in common.
Also, make sure your roommates are responsible, you don’t want to be paying more than you should because your roommate left the light on, or failed to pay their rent. However, if you’re a bit of a neat freak and really don’t want to live with anyone, have a look around for a small place you can have to yourself – it might be worth the extra money. For some people, living on their own is a great option. You can still go out and socialise with everyone, but at the end of the day you get to go back to your own private apartment without any distractions.
Expenses
Sharing accommodation is advisable because you can split your rent for your house between your roommates, which will help you to save money. Kym from Sheffield Property To Let said “Don’t rush into any decisions without doing your research, and try not to be tempted into living in accommodation you can’t really afford.” Decide on a budget of how much you can spend each month and stick to it.