Guidelines for

Student’s Finding

Accommodation

Every year students face an abundance of accommodation nightmares. Due to the competitive nature of the property market students often expect to live in poor conditions, which causes many to end up settling for anywhere with a window and shower.

Being new to the renting process, most students have a pretty hard time making a decision and end up signing contracts on the first available property they lay eyes on.

Contrary to popular belief, in today's market there are actually more choices than ever before. From halls of residence to private housing, there are literally hundreds of options to accommodate all budgets.

Halls of Residence :- Halls of residence are for the first year students and

can provide the perfect backdrop for your university experience.

They give you a opportunity to make new friends, explore the region and settle in as fast as possible, and are frequently situated on or near the university campus.

Most colleges will provide a large variety of flats. Some may offer more space, a double bed, on-suite amenities, and even shared relaxation centres - and have a price tag to reflect the higher expectation for everyday life.

In a general sense, you'll need to have investment funds, a job or financial aid to manage the cost of a higher quality room.

1. Rooms :-

While colleges will strive to provide you with a spot in their residences, many will have select contracts with landowners in and around the campus to guarantee they can give a sufficient measure of space.

The booking process will vary depending on the institution. Most colleges work on a first come, first served basis, and will layout their halls of residence booking procedures on their site.

2. Booking Your Space :-

3. Average Costs :-Maintenance loans will usually cover the minimum living

expenses and can vary depending on whether you're studying in or outside of London.

Rental fees often include Wi-Fi, utility bills and security; however, this can vary depending on your institution.

Some may also provide car parking permits and contents insurance, for additional fees.

Halls of residence are generally recommended to first year students who have never lived away from home before.

While cheaper accommodation can often be found privately, their convenience cannot be understated.

House Share :- House shares are the best choice if you're moving

into your second year. Once you've worked out who your friends are and settled on a gathering to move out with they are the easiest, cheapest and most convenient form of accommodation for your

remaining time. Students like to live among different students; in this

manner, most student houses are situated in neighborhoods that contain high densities of college accommodation.

1. Rooms :- Rooms in a house share can vary in price depending on

the size and included amenities. Rent may be cheaper for a tenant with a smaller bedroom.

When you move into a house share and sign a Tenancy Agreement your rent will be your number one priority. Even if you decide to move out, you'll still have to pay your rent for the remainder of the term.

If you share accommodation under one Tenancy Agreement all the residents will be responsible for the deposit; therefore, if there are any issues at the end of the term it's up to you to divide up the remainder between yourselves.

2. Booking Your Space :- There are various ways to source shared housing.

Universities that are partnered with landlords will often advertise them via their online student portal or Accommodation Office - this should always be your first port-of-call.

Most house shares will have 4-5 rooms spread across multiple floors; however, if you don';t have a big enough group your landlord may find other students to fill the void.

You will have to pay a deposit up front, which is usually the price of one month's rent.

3. Average Costs :- House shares may cost less than halls of residence;

however, the rent may not cover the utility bills.

Expect to pay anything between £40 and £100, or even more, depending where you live. 

Full time students are exempt from council tax. To ensure you're not charged you'll have to get a form from your university Accommodation Office and send it to your Local Authority as proof.

The sooner you get some friends together and start looking for a house share the better.

The best properties get booked up fast and competition can be fierce.

Private Housing :- Private housing is generally more expensive than other

options; however, if you have the money and don't mind your own company, it can definitely be worth it.

There are three primary options: a bedroom in a private hall of residence, a bedroom in a private house, or your own private accommodation.

1. Private Halls of Residence :- Private sector halls of residence give you the same

benefits as university halls; however, contracts normally last for 52 weeks and the property may be open to a diverse mix of people, such as students from other universities.

The average cost of private halls of residence is £140 per week.

2. Room in a Private House :-

Renting a room in a private house can be more homely than other options and a great way of saving money. But it comes at a cost - you'll live with your landlord, which is probably not how you envisioned your university years.

If you choose this option just make sure that the contract states that you have exclusive access to your bedroom.

3. Private Flat :- Renting a private flat is the most costly option of all,

but if you're purely attending university to study or have had

bad experiences in other shared accommodation it can be highly beneficial. Before you make any concrete decisions it's important to assess what you want out of your university experience. While you're there to study, the social aspects and friendships should not be understated. If this is important to you, renting private accommodation may not be suitable.

Monthly Outgoings :-

Your maintenance loan will just extend so far and rent certainly isn't your only expense.

Bills, food, travel, insurance costs and social activities will all place a strain on your finances.

To settle on a more educated choice about what type of student accommodation you can afford you must factor other costs into your budget plan.

1. Food :-

Food accounts for a huge part of your budget, regardless of your type of accommodation. Indeed, even halls

of residence which give catering will require some expenditure as lunches and weekend dinners are rarely included. Catered halls of residence: £72 Non-catered halls of residence: £200 Other: £200 In spite of the fact that food bills may appear to be generous, it's important that you have greater control over your dietary habits than any other living expense.

Gas and electricity bills will represent about 10% of your monthly outgoings; however, this can shift contingent upon your supplier and area. Halls of residence: Included in rent House share: £40-£60 Other: £40-£60 In case you're moving into private accommodation, look around for cheap suppliers. You don't need to use the same services as the previous tenants.

2. Gas and Electricity :-

3. Internet :-

Broadband and landline charges will normally require a £35-£50 installation fee in addition to the contract amount. These expenses will cover the setup and router.

Halls of residence: Included in rent House share: £12-£32 Other: £12-£32 Internet and landline expenses are

often included into TV media packages, which are more costly, yet could work out less expensive if you're already planning on paying for extra channels.

4. Other Expenses :- The suitable mobile phone contract for student living

will cost between £20 and £40. Laundry services and toiletries, for example, detergent and soaps, will cost between £8 and £10. Travel costs, for example, transport tickets and train fares, can broadly differ contingent upon the area of your home and college. The normal monthly travel card costs £40 for students; on the other hand, in London this figure is doubled. The normal student takes approximately £2,000 worth

of things with them to college; in this manner, contents insurance is a need. This is generally included in halls of residence rental costs, but could be £5 or more.

5. Maintenance Loans and Grants :- Maintenance loans and grants can change

contingent upon where you're living. As of September 2015, in case you're living far away from home and outside of London the maximum allowance you're qualified for get is £5,740 every year. In case you're living in London this figure rises to £8,009, to accommodate the additional living expenses. Maintenance loans and grants will only cover your basic living costs; however, on the off chance that you need more money for social activities or a higher standard of living, you will probably have to find part-time employment or break into savings.

Letting Agents :-

Letting agents are often hired by landlords to assist them with sourcing tenants.

Letting agents won't always contact you if a suitable property becomes available. Make sure your’re fresh in their thoughts by registering your details and giving them a call once per day.

Always make direct contact with your landlord prior to signing a contract agreement to make

sure that they're local. Remember that signing a contract

agreement is a long-term decision that'll have a critical effect on your finances and student life.

Contractual Obligations :-

When you sign a contract it becomes legally binding. Ensure you read it precisely before you pay your deposit and put pen to paper.

If you are not happy with certain clauses, take it to your university Accommodation Office or Students Union to get a second opinion.

You should make sure you are happy with the property and the contract before you sign.

1. Types of Contracts :-1)Fixed Term: means that you

are guaranteed the house for a certain period - stated on the contract - and are committed to paying full rent throughout the duration.

2)Joint Tenancy (Joint and Several): means that you and your housemates are all liable for rent arrears,

bills and damages. If one or more tenants move out or fail to pay rent, the landlord can pursue the remaining tenants.

Types of Contracts

Joint TenancyFixed Term

2. Guarantors :-

As a student you may have to have a

guarantor (usually parents) because you aren't in full time employment. This will make them liable for rent and damages and additional costs if you break your tenancy agreement.

3. Tenant Responsibilities :-

As a tenant you must pay rent; take care of the property; conduct day-to-day maintenance; inform your landlord if any problems occur; and comply with the contract.

After you move in, the landlord must give you the right to peacefully enjoy your home; therefore, they need to ask for permission to enter the premises and should give you 24 hours notice in writing before conducting an inspection or showing prospective tenants around.

4. Landlord Responsibilities :-

Under the 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act, the landlord is responsible for: the structure and exterior of the property; the heating and hot water systems, including basins, sinks and fire safety of furniture and keeping water heating systems in good working order.

5. Rent Arrears :- Failure to pay your rent will put you into arrears and

could result in legal proceedings. If this is unavoidable talk to your landlord beforehand and try to make a special arrangement or payment plan.

If you ever find yourself struggling financially seek advice from the Student Money Service or speak to your university Students Union. In certain circumstances you may be entitled to an emergency loan or grant from your university Hardship Fund.

6. Leaving Early :- If you decide to leave

university or move out during your tenancy, you will still have to pay for your share of the rent. Landlords may release you from the contract; however, they will have to find a replacement first. In a joint tenancy your housemates and landlord must approve your release.

Make sure you get everything in writing and be wary about promises made by landlords and agents when you're viewing the property.

Viewing Procedures :- Approximately one in ten student groups will sign a

contract agreement with the first house they see.

While your living standards will generally mirror your financial plan, there are certain standards that landlords must maintain.

Entering an contract agreement on a whim could lead to all sorts of trouble, especially if there are problems with the property itself.

1. Safety and Security :-

One in three students gets burgled during their time at college.

Check the entrance focuses, locks on doors and windows, and street lighting.

Also, verify that the property has working fire alarms, fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

2. Electric Appliances :-

Make sure you're clear on what's included in the tenancy agreement as certain electronic appliances, such as microwaves, may not be included.

If they are, test them to ensure that they're in good working order.

3. Water Supply :-

This is especially important if you're moving in with a large group of people.

One bathroom and a shower that dribbles won't be sufficient.

Check the taps and showers to make sure they're working as they should.

Created by :- StunitedFollow us on :-