Why The Right Location Makes All The Difference
Going for the cheapest flat on the outskirts of town might seem like the logical thing to do for your first student home, but being miles away from your friends and classmates, as well as all the action, can make student living a pretty miserable experience. You want somewhere that’s close enough to your campus so you’re not taking an hour-long bus ride every morning, whilst staying close to all the great things your new city has to offer without breaking the bank.
Understanding What’s Included In Your Bills And Utilities
All-inclusive rent deals are fairly common with student housing, and it may seem like the perfect choice at first, but it’s worth checking exactly what’s included before you sign anything. Gas, electricity, water and internet are usually covered as standard, but there might be additional usage caps or extra fees hidden in the small print. If your bills aren’t included in the rent payment, be sure you understand fully exactly how much you’ll be paying monthly so you can budget correctly. The last thing you want is an unexpected energy bill halfway through the term when money is already tight.
Making Sure The Area Feels Safe and Student Friendly
You may have found the perfect location, well within your budget, but is it suitable for what you need? Checking out crime statistics, no-go areas, and even speaking to local police about your new home is worth the time. You want to feel safe and comfortable in the place that may be your new home for the next few years, so putting in the work early will pay off. Likewise, you want to make sure there’s plenty to do for students. Whether it’s bars, venues, restaurants or cafés, ensuring there’s plenty to do helps you make an informed decision.
Checking WIFI Speed and Mobile Signal Before You Move In
Checking your overall WIFI speed for the area may not be the most thrilling part of moving into a new place, but it’s not something you want catching you out later down the line. Certain areas of the house may be worse for signal or Wi-Fi, which can leave you struggling when you need a strong connection. Likewise, your postcode may not have ultra-fast speeds like other parts of the city or town, so it’s important to check these with a number of different providers before committing, so you aren’t left disappointed later.
Knowing What Furniture and Appliances You’ll Actually Get
The last thing you want to do when moving into your first student home is waste money and time on buying appliances before knowing if your accommodation already has them. Most student housing will have all the white goods in place (washing machine, fridge, oven, etc.) It’s only the small things you may need to bring, such as microwaves, coffee machines, kettles, etc. Check the property listing or speak to your landlord before moving to find out what you need to bring ahead of time. Also, speak to your flatmates, you may find that one of them has already provided them.
Understanding Who You Are Living With and The Type of Contract
Even the perfect house at the perfect price can be ruined by living with flatmates that simply don’t gel together. See if you’re able to meet them beforehand, even if it’s only briefly, to get a picture of who you’ll be spending your time with.
You can also ask for their advice (as well as your landlord) on the type of contract you’ll be signing, what it involves and any hidden charges or stipulations you may have initially missed. Going into student living with as much information as possible will make all the difference.
Find Out More Student Tips at The Student Energy Group Today
Starting University can be a challenging enough time as it is without any additional stress. At The Student Energy Group, our goal is to help you have the best time you can as a student by offering help and guidance, as well as removing as much of the unexpected hassle of student bills. Starting university can be a challenging enough time as it is without any additional stress. We also offer transparent payments with no hidden costs, setting us apart from other bills you may have to worry about.
Take a look at our blog for more advice to help you get the most out of your education and your new home.
