One of the first significant decisions you’ll face when you start university is where to live. For many new students, it might seem like the most intimidating element of the process. More than just where you sleep will influence your Staffordshire University accommodation. It can impact on how easy you adjust into university life, how quickly you establish friends, how well you balance your study and how far your money will stretch throughout the year. Taking the time now to compare your options will save you a lot of stress down the road.
This book discusses the different types of housing open to students, the questions worth asking before you commit yourself and the practical measures to follow before you sign on the dotted line.
Know Your Options
Most incoming students begin with a look at university-run halls of residence. These are frequently the easiest way to get into Staffordshire University accommodation, as they normally come with bills, internet access and a furnished room. Living in halls means you’re also surrounded by other first years which can make the transition to university easier. Rooms come in different sizes and with different amenities, so it’s a good idea to see if you want an en-suite bathroom or a shared one, and if you want a kitchen you share with a small group or a larger common one.
Another common possibility is private student accommodation. Blocks designed for this purpose by private providers usually have sophisticated facilities, gyms, study rooms and social spaces. They may be a nice choice if you want a predictable setting with many amenities, but may be more costly than other choices. Contracts – some insist on year-long tenancies, whether you intend to stay that long or not, so read the contract carefully.
A lot of students will be in shared houses with private landlords, often in their 2nd or 3rd year. Houses can provide more independence and typically better value for money but they often come with more responsibility. You will be dealing directly with a landlord, arranging your own invoices and in many cases, organising a deposit and inventory check. Shared houses consequently lend themselves to students who have some experience of independent living, or who have already acquired a feeling of how they like to live.
Your budget
Before you even look at a single house, work out what you can actually afford. Look at your rent, bills, food, transport, course materials and social spending and be honest about what your student financing and any family help will cover. Remember that the price of lodging can include or not include utilities, so the amount you see may not reflect the total cost of living some place.
It can also make a big difference to your total outgoings so check whether your rent is paid over the full calendar year or simply during the academic year. Before you commit, some students find it useful to draw up a simple monthly spending plan, and this makes it much easier to assess if a certain Staffordshire University accommodation option is actually cheap.
Consider the Location
Location is more important than most freshmen think. Think about how far away you’ll have to travel to your lectures and seminars and whether you’d rather walk, cycle or utilise public transit. Living close to school might be a real time and money saver, but it might also mean paying more for a smaller room or less spacious home. Living a bit further out can be more value and calmer, as long as the travel is manageable.
And think about the neighbourhood around too. Look at the sheer number of shops, launderettes, gyms, green parks and socialising spots. If possible, visit at different times of day, and note how safe and welcome the streets feel after dark. It’s a good idea to walk the route from where you might live to school, and to pay attention to how long it takes and how it feels.
Factor in Your Lifestyle and Priorities
Each person has their own notion of the ideal home so take some time to think about your own lifestyle and likes and dislikes. Are you a morning person who requires a peaceful area to study or more likely to be up late with friends? Do you want a bustling facility with lots of social activities, or a quieter location where you can focus on work? Do you have any accessibility needs or dietary requirements or a preference for a certain sort of kitchen or laundry?
Knowing what matters most to you will allow you to accurately evaluate possibilities. A flat that looks pricey could be great value if it’s near campus, quiet and has everything you need, while a home that’s cheaper could be less convenient when you add in commute and extra fees. “Before you start your search, prioritise your top five must-haves so that when you are faced with a lot of choices, you can focus on what you need.”
Questions You Should Ask
Asking the appropriate questions, whether you are talking to a university accommodation staff, a private provider or a landlord, will save you from unwanted surprises. What is included in the rent, including utilities, internet, contents insurance and any maintenance charges? Ask how long the contract is, what the notice time is if you have to leave early, and what happens if you want to renew or move rooms.
Also ask about security arrangements. Verify the security of the building entry, how maintenance requests are handled and the average speed of repairs. If you are moving into a shared house, enquire who pays the bills, how communal rooms are cleaned and the process for settling problems amongst housemates. Harmony with others is greatly assisted by good communication in the beginning.
Viewing and Checking Properties
If you can, see a property in person before you commit yourself. Photos can be deceiving, a place that looks vast on the internet might be small in reality. When you visit, make sure you take a close look at the condition of the walls, windows, flooring and furnishings. Make sure the heating is working, that the water pressure is okay and there are no evident symptoms of damp or mildew. If you will rely on the internet for your studies, test the connection and make sure there are enough sockets for your devices.
If you can’t attend in person, ask for a video tour and require particular queries to be answered clearly. Don’t be pressured into handing over a deposit or signing an agreement before you have had the chance to view the house or go through the documentation.
Working the Paper Reading
Tenancy agreements and lodging contracts might be complex and full of technical language, but it is crucial that you read them properly. Note down the amount of rent and dates for payment, the terms of the deposit, any break clause and rules about guests, pets, decorating or subletting. If there is anything you do not understand, ask for a written explanation before you sign.
If you are paying a deposit for a privately leased property in England your landlord must secure it in a government-approved tenancy deposit plan within a defined time , and must communicate information of the scheme to you . Keep copies of all communications, payment receipts and any check-in or inventory reports. Taking dated pictures of the house when you first move in can also help to avoid arguments at the conclusion of your tenancy.
Students who live away from home may also be eligible for a council tax exemption if all those residing in the residence are full-time students. This can make a big difference to your living costs and you should ask your accommodation provider or local government what the process is for applying.
How to Make Your Choice
Once you have reviewed your options, balance up the pros and cons of each one against your budget and priorities. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when popular houses are selling fast, but a few days of study can save you months of aggravation. If you are not sure speak to students who are already there, go to university open days or ask personnel in the student assistance team for guidance.
Remember that your initial Staffordshire University accommodation need not be your only home while you are studying. Many students discover that their needs change over time, and transferring to another sort of property in a later year is perfectly typical. The goal is just to find somewhere safe, inexpensive and pleasant enough to enable you make the most of your time at university.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the proper area to live requires some planning, patience, and a clear idea of what’s most important to you. You can confidently approach your search by factoring your budget, location and lifestyle, asking smart questions, examining properties attentively and reading every agreement before signing. Whether you decide for university halls, private student blocks or a shared residence, a carefully thought-out choice will provide you a solid base for the years ahead. Good luck in your search and welcome to life at Staffordshire University.