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.
