Things to Know Before Moving into Your Student Accommodation

As the time approaches for students to move into their new student accommodation, we want to make the move-in process as easy as possible. With varied properties to suit both solo and shared living, our team will be able to help you find a good fit.

 

Before moving into your new property, you need to consider certain variables including the location of the property, the contract, furnishings, extra costs and your general budget. Here are some of our tips to help you cover all of the basics and be ready to move in with confidence and excitement.

 

Location

 

One of the really important things to look out for when searching for student accommodation is the location. It’s crucial that you pick a place that has all of the essentials and amenities you will need close by so that shopping and spending time with flatmates and other friends is super convenient. You will also likely want to have a short/easy journey to and from University so that you can have those extra minutes in the morning and evening.

 

With Unihousing, all of our Selly Oak studios and houses are within walking distance to the University of Birmingham, whilst also having easy access to Birmingham City University and Aston University in the City Centre. Selly Oak is also well known for its student lifestyle, filled to the brim with activities, food, pubs, clubs, takeout and more. The area is also well supplied with supermarkets and shops where you will be able to find everything you need during your stay at University.

 

Budget: What Can I Afford?

 

One of the first things for students to do is to decide on a budget. There are a variety of properties you can live in, including a solo studio or a shared house. Start by working out the amount you can afford weekly/monthly, plus the utilities and food expenses and then you will have a good starting point.

 

Shared houses do tend to be cheaper and you can also share the costs of food, bills, cleaning products etc, which will enable you to save money with your housemates. Though solo living is slightly more expensive, you benefit from extra privacy, freedom and space to yourself.

 

Your studio will consist of an open plan living area, ensuite bathroom and a private or shared kitchen (but you will only be sharing with 1 other person). You could also decide to rent a twodio with a friend which would work out cheaper than a 1-bed studio. One of the main bonuses of renting one of our studios is that the utility bills and 100Mb broadband will be included in the rent.

 

Look Over the Contract

 

When getting ready to move into your new accommodation, it’s easy to just skip over a rental contract, sign at the bottom and be done with it. And though this is always the temptation, it’s really important that you read through the whole document. You could also have a parent or relative, guardian or even a teacher look it over, to ensure it is all straightforward without any hidden clauses.

 

A rental agreement or contract should give an outline of the important information regarding your stay in the property. The details will include the rent amount, move in and move out dates, what you aren’t allowed to do in the property, the agency’s rules regarding damage and repairs, etc. By reading over the contract from start to finish, you are less likely to overlook any important information.

 

How Much is the Deposit?

 

Many students tend to forget to factor in the cost of the deposit, they will need to pay for their accommodation before they move in. These deposits are usually taken as a way to pay for any damages and repairs at the end of your tenancy, so by keeping your accommodation clean and well looked after, you are likely to get your whole deposit back at the end of your tenancy.

 

The property you are wanting to rent should have the deposit amount written out in the informational section online. But if not, it’s always a good idea to check with your student estate agent to make sure you aren’t suddenly surprised with a deposit that you weren’t expecting. At Unihousing, we often have various offers regarding deposits, including low or even no deposits for students. It’s worth checking out our website to see what offers we have up right now!

 

Is The Property Furnished?

 

Most student accommodation does come either fully or partly furnished, but it is always essential that you check before signing your rental agreement. Commonly students do not have much if any of their own furniture, so our student properties come fully furnished with all you will need for your time at uni. All of our studios come with a desk, TV, double bed, various kitchen appliances, and white goods.

 

Our houses will also have similar furnishings, with an added bonus of couches and other seating in the communal areas. Additionally, for some of our properties, we do allow you to swap out furniture if you desire something different. For example, you could swap a desk for a bedside table, or a chest of drawers for a wardrobe. Make sure you check whether this is an option for your accommodation!

 

Student Accommodation With Unihousing

 

Unihousing offers a wide variety of student properties at affordable prices. Our team will be able to help you find accommodation that suits your needs, wants and budget in the booming location of Selly Oak. Whether you are interested in solo living or sharing a house, we have countless options for you to choose from, with modern and stylish fittings, perfect for student life. To find out more about the properties we offer or to book a viewing, visit our website today.