When Should I Start Looking for My Student Accommodation?

 When Should I Start Looking for My Student Accommodation?

One of the biggest questions most university students face during this time of the year is, "When should I start looking for accommodation?" The answer isn't straightforward. This is because it varies for everyone. For some, finding the perfect place is swift. In contrast, for others, the process might feel daunting. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this crucial aspect of university life.

Why Should You Start Early?

The key to finding the ideal student accommodation is to start your search early. The sooner you begin, the more options you'll have, and the less stressful the process will be if you don't find something immediately. Waiting until the last minute might force you to settle for a place that doesn't meet your needs. To make the process seamless, you might want to consider the following when looking for your next home away from home:

Living Arrangements: Decide whether you want to live with friends from your course or a single studio. Knowing how many people you'll be living with will help you find appropriately sized accommodation along with ideal budgeting.

Location: Consider the proximity of the accommodation to your university, amenities like supermarkets and public transport routes. You might find a place with the perfect number of bedrooms, but it could be a longer walk to campus than you'd like. Balance these factors carefully with your friends to decide before another group snaps up the property.

The Next Steps

Once you find a suitable place and have discussed all the pros and cons with your future housemates, don't rush into signing the contract. Take your time to address any concerns before committing. This cautious approach will prevent you from feeling trapped in an unsatisfactory living situation.

When you're confident about your choice and have signed the contract, congratulations! You can now focus on your studies, knowing you have a great place to live for the upcoming academic year.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Here at Unihousing, we have some of the best properties all around Selly Oak with varying prices and sizes depending on whether you want solo or shared living.

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Moving Into Private Accommodation: 4 Things To Look Out For

Moving Into Private Accommodation: 4 Things To Look Out For

Private accommodation allows students to have a bit more control over their living situation. Whether you opt for shared accommodation or solo living, our student properties have all of the students essentials you could need! Before moving into your private accommodation, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Location: 

As a student, you will likely want to live either within walking distance of the University or have good public transport links into the city centre. At Unihousing, all of our student properties are ideally located in the student hub of Selly Oak, surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants, a shopping centre and much more! Living in Selly Oak will give you access to all of the students essentials you’ll need during your stay and you will also be in a community that is filled with students, just like you!

Council Tax: 

By choosing Unihousing, you will have the amazing benefits that come with private accommodation, like utility bills being included in the price of rent and quick maintenance and repairs when needed. You will, however, need to sort out your council tax exemption when you move in. As a full-time student, you will likely be exempt from paying any council tax. However, you will need to declare your position as an enrolled student and provide your University details. 

Once you have done this, you will not need to worry about it again until you move into a new property at a later date. If you decide to live with friends who are not students, you will still be exempt from paying council tax as long as you prove you are enrolled. The tax will then only be applied to the other tenants.

Take Note of The State of The Property:

On the first day that you move into your new property, it’s a good idea to make a checklist and take photos of all items, furniture and the overall condition of the accommodation. This will help ensure that you have all of the essentials that you were promised and it will also make things run more smoothly down the line when you move out.

Be Mindful of The Prices of Utilities:

At Unihousing, all of our student studios have utility bills and high-speed broadband included in the price of rent, which saves you the time and effort of researching and setting up new accounts when you move in. Alternatively, if you are moving into shared accommodation, it will likely be your responsibility to handle some of the bills. At Unihousing, some of our shared properties come with the gas bill included in the price of rent, which means you have fewer providers that you will have to chase down when you move in.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Preventing Fires in Your Student Accommodation

 Preventing Fires in Your Student Accommodation

Preventing fires in your student accommodation is necessary for the safety and well-being of everyone residing there. Here are practical steps you can take to minimise the risk of fires.

Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen: Cooking-related fires are a frequent reason for residential fires. It is crucial to stay in the kitchen while cooking, particularly when using stovetops or ovens. Keep flammable items such as dish towels and oven gloves away from heat sources. Additionally, clean the cooking appliances regularly to prevent the buildup of grease, which can ignite and cause a fire.

Be Careful with Candles and Open Flames: If candles are allowed in your accommodation, use them safely. Keep them in sturdy holders on stable surfaces and away from flammable materials such as curtains and bedding. Never leave candles burning unattended.

Be Cautious with Heaters: Don't hang clothes on heaters as they can start a fire. Keep flammable materials away from heaters and turn them off before leaving or sleeping to prevent accidents.

Regularly Check and Test Your Smoke Alarms: It is recommended to have smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway and to test them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Batteries should be replaced as needed. At Unihousing, we regularly check our properties to ensure they meet the regulatory standards.

Keep Exits Clear: Make sure that all exits, including doors and windows, are clear of obstructions. In a fire, you'll need a clear path to escape quickly.

Use Electrical Appliances Safely: Avoid overloading electrical outlets or sockets and never run cords under carpets or rugs as this can cause overheating. Always unplug electrical appliances when not in use and do not tamper with electrical outlets.

Don't Smoke Indoors: If you smoke, do so outside and dispose of cigarette butts properly in designated receptacles. Smoking indoors increases the risk of accidental fires. 

Store Flammable Items Properly: Store flammable items like cleaning supplies and aerosol cans in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Follow instructions for proper storage and disposal.

Educate Housemates: Collaborate with your housemates to establish a fire-safe culture. Discuss prevention strategies and ensure everyone knows their role in maintaining safety.

Report Safety Concerns: If you notice any safety hazards or maintenance issues that could increase the risk of fire, report them to your landlord, housing office, or maintenance staff promptly.

Stay Sober and Alert: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. Avoid cooking or using appliances while under the influence. Being proactive about fire safety is crucial. You should also be aware of the fire safety plan for your accommodation, including the location of fire exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers as this will help you in preventing fires, and creating a safer living environment in student accommodation.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Top 10 Must-Have Discount Apps for University Students

Top 10 Must-Have Discount Apps for University Students

Check out our top 10 picks for the best student discount apps. These will give you a wide range of available genuine discounts all through the year and save you some money.

 

UNiDAYS: UNiDAYS provides discounts for students on a vast range of products and services, including fashion, beauty, technology, and more. To get access to these discounts, you need to verify your student status using your university email address.

Student Beans: Student Beans is a popular app that provides discounts on fashion, food, technology, and more. Similar to UNiDAYS, students must verify their status to get discounts. A great way for students to save money on everyday expenses.

Too Good to Go: Too Good to Go is a free app that enables food outlets to sell excess food products at significantly reduced prices instead of throwing them away.

TOTUM: As the official student discount card of the National Union of Students, TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra) provides discounts on a range of products and services, both in-store and online.

VoucherCodes: VoucherCodes often has discounts specifically for students, but not exclusively. Discounts are available on products and services like fashion, restaurants, travel, and more.

mTicket App: This app provides discounted bus rates across National Express West Midlands and National Express Coventry.

Student Hut: Student Hut is a platform that offers discounts, deals, and student advice. It provides discounts on various products and services for students in the UK.

Amazon Student: You will receive a free 6-month trial of Amazon Student when you sign up. After the trial period, you will get a 50% discount on the subscription. Enjoy access to a wide range of Amazon Prime products like free delivery, music, movies, and more!

Dusk: Dusk is an app that offers one complimentary drink every night. They provide a range of discounts, so you won't have to worry about your finances while enjoying a night out. You'll only need to worry about your hangover the next day.

Student Railcards: Student Railcards offer discounts for students to travel on trains across the UK. You'll be able to travel at reduced costs to most of your desired destinations across the UK.

All these apps will help you as a student to save money on purchases ranging from clothing and electronics to food and entertainment. It's worth checking them regularly for updated deals and discounts.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips to Help You Navigate the Increasing Cost of Living as a University Student

Tips to Help You Navigate the Increasing Cost of Living as a University Student

We understand that for many students, finances can be tight and the increasing cost of living is not helping either, with the essential costs such as food, clothing and transport having become much more expensive. Students are finding it much more difficult to have enough money left over after essentials, to spend on hobbies, time with friends and going out.

But we are here to help! With careful planning and budgeting, students can live a balanced life of work and play. Here are a few tips we’ve put together to help you navigate the increasing cost of living as a university student.

Have a Budget:

You can do this by writing down all your monthly income and spending. Allocate expenditures based on priority. You might find yourself with items on your list that may not be necessary to purchase right now. You must stick to your budget if you want to see results.

Embrace Cooking: 

It is so easy to fall into the trap of eating out, but in reality, this becomes expensive when frequented. There are plenty of budget-friendly meal ideas that you can cook from home. Have a menu to follow. Not only will this be a healthy lifestyle for you, but it will also save money to spend on other essentials.  

Find a Part-time Job:

Most university study hours are flexible enough for students to take on part-time jobs. If your schedule allows, consider getting yourself a part-time job, and where possible, look for one you can learn from.

Utilise Student Discounts:

Actively look out for student discounts. They are usually available from many shops, restaurants, ticketed events, leisure and shopping platforms such as Amazon. Having your student ID with you will come in handy since this will act as proof of your status.

Walk, Cycle or Use Public Transport: 

Transport is one of those expenses that drain money from your monthly budget. Utilise the train and bus services in your area, where possible, walk or cycle. These methods are not only financially better, they are environmentally friendly and will provide many health benefits.

Find Affordable Accommodation:

Find accommodation that fits within your budget. Consider factors such as the location of the accommodation from your university, how far you are from amenities and whether the rent includes utility costs when deciding. At Unihousing, all our properties are in Selly Oak, a short journey from the University of Birmingham and utility bills are included in the rent.

Utilise Free Resources:

Take advantage of free resources offered by your university, such as library books, study materials, fitness facilities, and student support services. Borrow textbooks from the library or buy second-hand copies instead of purchasing new ones.

Seek Financial Assistance:

When completely stuck, don't hesitate to reach out to family or close friends for financial assistance. This can be in the form of a relief loan. Some universities have financial offices dedicated to helping you if you are experiencing financial hardship.

These tips should help you stay on top of your finances, leaving you less stressed and with more time to focus on your academics.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

What To Consider When Viewing a Property for Your University Accommodation

What To Consider When Viewing a Property for Your University Accommodation

Although finding student accommodation can seem daunting at first, the process can be exciting when you go in feeling prepared and knowing what you are looking for. When viewing properties for your university accommodation, it's important to consider various factors to ensure that they meet your needs and preferences. Here are some things to look for and the right questions to ask.

Location:

Find out if the property is conveniently located near your university, and how close it is to public transportation. This will help give you an idea of how long it would usually take to get to your lectures and other places you would need to go. Look out for grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential amenities that you may need during your stay.

Budget:

Check if the rent advertised fits within your budget. Confirm with your landlord to know if there are any additional costs, such as a security deposit or agency fees that you would have to pay on top of your rent. Knowing your budget will give you more confidence when viewing properties and will also make the final decision much easier.

Condition of the property:

Book plenty of viewings! Seeing a property in person will ensure that you can properly assess whether the space is well-maintained and in good condition. Check for any signs of dampness, leaks, damage or repairs needed in the kitchen, bathroom and common areas.

Room Size and Layout:

Make sure the room size and layout are adequate for your needs. Our accommodation at Unihousing is spacious and comes fully furnished with a double bed, a study desk and chair, and plenty of storage throughout, giving you all the essentials you will need during your time at university.

Amenities and Utilities:

Before signing any tenancy agreement, check with the landlord/lettings agent to find out what utilities are included in the rent (e.g., water, electricity, internet). Many of our student properties come with utility bills and 100Mb broadband included in the price of rent! Our properties also have heating, laminated flooring throughout and laundry facilities available on-site. Whether you have a shared or private kitchen, we ensure that all of our properties are also fully fitted with low-noise white goods and modern appliances.

Safety and Security:

Always check and test to see if the doors and windows have working locks and secure fittings. Look out for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms too. You will also want to ask whether there is a secure entrance system in place. At Unihousing, all of our properties have secure locks throughout, and many also have gated security and CCTV around the building.

Housemates and Shared Spaces:

If you intend on sharing with others, it’s crucial that you meet your potential housemates in person before you start viewing properties. Make sure you discuss shared responsibilities, expectations, location and budget. Whenever you go to a viewing, take time whether alone or together as housemates, to inspect common areas like the kitchen, living room and bathroom for cleanliness and functionality.

Read the Rent Contract:

Review the rent agreement carefully, including terms, duration and notice requirements. Be sure to ask your landlord or letting agent about how flexible the rent contract is in case you need to leave early or extend your stay beyond the agreed time.

Transportation:

Check the availability and frequency of public transportation or parking options if you have a car. Think about the convenience of your commute to the university and other places you might need to go to. Our Unihousing properties are located in Selly Oak, which is only a short walk away from the train station which links to the University and into the City Centre.

Internet and Connectivity:

Always test the Wi-Fi connection to ensure it meets your academic and personal needs. Our properties at Unihousing come with 100Mb super-fast mobile broadband.

Landlord or Property Management:

Inquire with your landlord about the process for reporting maintenance issues and how quickly they are typically resolved. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your maintenance issues will always be attended to, should you ever need them. Unihousing has a dedicated maintenance team readily available to attend to any issues that may arise.

Read References:

If possible, talk to previous tenants or read online reviews to get a sense of the property's history and reputation.

Remember that finding the right university accommodation is an important decision, and it's essential to take your time, ask questions and carefully assess your options to ensure they meet your needs and expectations before you make that big decision.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Stay on Top of Your University Work and Christmas Plans

Stay on Top of Your University Work and Christmas Plans

As Christmas is fast approaching, it must already feel all festive. It is at this point that we start to realise how challenging it is to balance university work and Christmas plans. With some careful planning and time management, you can still enjoy the holiday season while meeting your academic responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you strike a balance:

Create a Schedule: Make a detailed schedule that includes your study time, deadlines, and social commitments during this holiday season. Allocate specific time blocks for studying and for Christmas-related activities. This will help you stay on top of both.

Set Realistic Goals: You, more than anyone else, know your biggest strengths and what tasks ahead of you are looking like. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don't over-commit to social events or plans. Set achievable goals for both your academic work and holiday celebrations.

Prioritize Your Tasks: Identify your most important assignments, exams, or projects that need to be completed during the holiday season. Prioritize these tasks and allocate more time to them in your schedule.

Utilize Breaks Effectively: If you have a short break between semesters, use this time wisely to catch up on assignments or study. This can help reduce the academic pressure during the holiday season.

Communicate with Lecturers: If you have important commitments during the holiday season, consider discussing these with your lecturers. They may provide extensions or alternative arrangements if you communicate your situation early.

Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination can be a major roadblock in hitting targets. You must stay disciplined and avoid putting off your academic responsibilities until the last minute.

Delegate Tasks: If you're responsible for organizing the Christmas gathering or are deeply involved, consider delegating tasks to family members or friends. This will free up more of your time for thinking and studying.

Set Boundaries: Communicate your study schedule and boundaries to your family and friends. Let them know when you'll be available for holiday events and when you need to focus on your studies.

Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected changes in your plans. Be flexible and adaptable to accommodate both your academic and holiday commitments.

Remember that balance is key. You can still enjoy the holiday season and make lasting memories while successfully managing your university work. Planning and time management are your allies in achieving this balance.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!