Why Choose Our Student Accommodation Near the University of Birmingham?

 Quality, reliable accommodation tailored for University of Birmingham students.

Choosing one of our student accommodations near the University of Birmingham is ideal whether you’re looking to share a home in a quieter off-campus area or prefer your own private space without noisy housemates. Whatever your lifestyle or study preference, we offer a wide range of options to suit every student.

Spacious Rooms Designed for Students
All of our student accommodations near UOB are spacious and offer plenty of breathing room for the number of people advertised. This gives you more than enough space when you want to study, while still keeping you close to friends and housemates so your social life can continue naturally. 

 

Clean, Safe & Maintained to a High Standard
All of our UOB accommodations are maintained to a high standard by our on-site maintenance team. We ensure every property is kept clean, safe, and fully fit for student living. This gives you a comfortable environment to learn, rest, and live in throughout your years at university.

 

Perfect Balance of Privacy and Community

Do you prefer a quiet, private place to focus on your studies? Or do you enjoy a community atmosphere, late nights with friends, and building friendships within your accommodation?
At our UOB accommodation sites, we offer both options tailored to community-driven students and those who want a peaceful, private study space.

 

Bills Are Included in The Price of Rent

In the surrounding areas of our UOB student housing, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment, and activities to help you unwind. There are great opportunities to make new friends, experience diverse food options, explore local culture, and enjoy quick connections to Birmingham City Centre. With so much to do nearby, you’ll never be bored between lectures and studying.

 

Local Activities, Culture & Nightlife
In the surrounding areas of our UOB student housing, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment, and activities to help you unwind. There are great opportunities to make new friends, experience diverse food options, explore local culture, and enjoy quick connections to Birmingham City Centre. With so much to do nearby, you’ll never be bored between lectures and studying.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen.

Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

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

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Student Guide to Maximizing Your Money!

1. What are you actually spending on?

It’s easier than ever to spend without noticing, especially on campus! Cafés, Breakfast Bars and quick bites to eat might feel like harmless treats, but that daily £4 coffee adds up fast. By Friday, you’ve spent £20 - and that’s just on caffeine!

Apps like Monzo and Revolut are great for tracking your spending habits. You’ll quickly spot where your money’s going, be it fast food, Uber, or unused subscriptions. If you’re not using that streaming service or gym membership, cancel it for now. You can always rejoin later when it fits your budget! If you can spare it, consider cancelling that subscription and paying it into a Savers Account each month!

2. The Student Toolkit – Offers and Apps.

Being a student unlocks an absolute treasure trove of discount; something you’ll come to really appreciate when living on a student budget. Make sure to always carry your Student ID, and take advantage of reduced pricing at cinemas, museums, and even some restaurants.

Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are also essential. They round up the best student offers across fashion, tech, beauty, and more. Most online deals will also require them to verify your student status.

Even services like Spotify and Apple Music offer discounted subscriptions, so don’t miss out. It might be a good idea to go through any subscriptions you currently pay for, and see if they offer a student plan!

3. Day-to-Day Living: Where money slips through.

Along with the stuff we’ve already looked at, there are lots of small changes in your daily routine that can lead to big savings. Let’s have a look at some of them, starting with food:

• Meal Prep: It’s cheaper, healthier, and a great way to sharpen your cooking skills. Consider looking up recipes online, and cooking something you can store in Tupperware. This means you don’t have to commit to cooking every night of the week, and gives you ready meal convenience without the sugar or high prices!
• Meal Deals: Convenient, yes, but at a price! Often far more expensive then cooking yourself and packed with sugar. Save these for long days when cooking isn’t realistic and you don’t have anything already in the fridge.
• Delivery Apps: Uber Eats and Deliveroo are budget killers. You’re not just paying for food; you’re covering delivery fees, service charges, and tips. Use sparingly, if at all.

For supplies, skip buying textbooks new. Check your university library first, or buy second-hand. Academic books are expensive, and you might never touch them again after the module ends. Unless it’s something you think will be really valuable, it’s probably best to try and save here. Depending on your family income, your University might even offer funding for course specific supplies.

When it comes to shopping, avoiding impulse buys is an obvious one, but there are also other things to note when trying to save some cash. Sites like Depop or Vinted can be a great way to get high street fashion for supermarket prices. Other second-hand sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can also be a cheap way to pick up electronics or furniture for your dorm room.

4. Emergency Support: When things get tough…

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes you need a financial lifeline. Here are two key options:

• Student Overdrafts: Most student bank accounts offer interest-free overdrafts. They’re a solid short-term solution, but treat them like emergency funds — not free spending money. You’ll need to repay it, so use wisely. If you need a little bit extra to tide you over till your next maintenance loan, this could be an option.
• University Hardship Funds: If your financial situation changes unexpectedly, speak to your university or even your student-union. Many offer hardship grants or support with course-related equipment. It’s confidential, and designed to help you stay on track. University can be very challenging – don’t feel like you have to face it on your own.

Hopefully some of these points can help you out, and best of luck on your student journey! Maybe even try a weekly challenge where you limit your spending to just £20 and see how long you can last!

 How to Make Your Uni Room Feel Like Home (Without Spending a Fortune)

Most student rooms start off rather bland. Maybe you lucked out with a nice cozy Unihousing property, or maybe you’re stuck with some campus student halls that leave a lot to be desired! Either way, just because your room came furnished with a single bed and a desk that’s seen better days, it doesn’t mean it has to feel like a prison cell!

Whether you’re in halls or a shared house, here’s how to turn your space into somewhere you actually want to hang out (and not just cry during exam season).

First Things First: What Makes a Room Feel Like Yours?

Your uni room will most likely make up a large part of your time at uni! It’s where you’ll sleep, study, revise and more! As such, you want it to feel comfy, relaxed, functional and a little bit you. You’re not aiming for a perfect Pinterest photoshoot, just something to elevate it beyond those dull, lifeless white walls. Think comfort, personality and practicality.

Here’s some ideas to get started:

• Soft stuff: Blankets, cushions, rugs – things that can help your room feel a little cozier in the winter months, and ward off that ugly hospital waiting room vibe.
• Colour: Add pops of colour with bedding, posters, or mood lighting (You don’t need to splash out on fancy smart lights – led strips and  fairy lights will do!).
• Personal touches: Photos, postcards, or that weird little trinket from your hometown. Lots of happy memories can do wonders for stress, and make you feel less homesick!

You don’t need to spend loads, try to stay on a budget! After all, you’ll have to take this home in 3 years and you don’t want anything precious that could be victim of a party gone out of control!

Budget-Friendly Decor That Doesn’t Suck

You’re not trying to win an interior design award, or create something for a pretentious lifestyle blog. You just want a space that doesn’t scream “temporary accommodation.” Here’s some ideas to add a little life without blowing your student loan:

• Command strips: Stick up posters, hooks, or fairy lights without damaging walls. Absolutely avoid any kind of permanent modifications when you’re renting!
• Battery-powered lamps: Soft warm lighting > harsh blue ceiling lights. Try to avoid the *really* cheap led strips for this reason too!
• Foldable storage: Under-bed boxes, hanging organisers, or collapsible crates. Somewhere to hide all that clutter, store your coursework – and double as boxes to help you move!
• Plants: Real or fake, they add life. Maybe lean towards the latter if you’re prone to forgetting to water them!

And if you’re feeling crafty? DIY wall art, photo collages, or upcycled furniture can add serious personality.

Storage Hacks for Small Spaces

Unless you’re lucky enough to be blessed with a rather spacious area, student rooms are basically a game of Tetris. You’ve got too much stuff and not enough space. But with a few clever tricks, you can make it work:

• Use vertical space: Over-door hooks for coats, hanging shelves, or stackable crates.
• If you’re really struggling for wardrobe space, rolling clothes can give you a little extra!
• Drawer dividers: Keep your socks from staging a rebellion.
• Multi-use furniture: A laundry basket that doubles as a side table? Kinda cool.

Need somewhere to put all those boxes and crates from when you moved in? Under bed storage can be great for long term stuff you just want out of the way and don’t plan on accessing a lot.

Quick Wins and Common Mistakes

Here’s how to make your room feel cosy and functional - and what to avoid:

1. Don’t overpack: You don’t need 12 mugs. 6 pairs of hoodies. Or your entire childhood game collection. The less clothes, the less likely you are to let laundry pile up too!
2. Avoid candles: Almost all accommodation bans open flames. Go for LED alternatives instead.
3. Invest in earplugs or noise cancelling headphones: Sleep is sacred. Especially after a night out.
4. Don’t forget a laundry bag, the floor is NOT the answer!
5. Keep it clean: A tidy room = less stress. Plus, you’ll actually be able to find your charger.

Your Room, Your Rules (Mostly)

Uni accommodation might feel like a downgrade coming from your parents house, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay boring and lifeless!

So get creative, get comfy, and don’t be afraid to hang up that cringy band poster. Your room should reflect you—even if it’s just for the year.

Clean Space, Clear Mind: Keeping Your Room (and Sanity) in Check!

 

Clean Space, Clear Mind: Keeping Your Room (and Sanity) in Check

Let’s be honest, student rooms aren’t exactly known for their pristine vibes. Between late-night coursework chaos, yesterdays dishes and the inevitable laundry pile; things can spiral fast. Keeping your room clean isn’t just about appeasing your landlord. It’s about maintaining a better environment to study in, improving your mental wellbeing, and of course, not panicking when your landlord texts “I’ll be popping by in 10”!

Here’s a quick guide how to keep your space clean without burning through all your free time. No judgment, just smart habits and easy wins.

What’s Actually Messing Up Your Space?

Before you put on the rubber gloves, figure out what’s causing the mess. Most student clutter falls into a few categories:

• Laundry laziness: Clean clothes never make it to drawers. Dirty ones live on the floor.
• Cooking clutter: Cups, bowls and pans live in the sink semi permanently.
• Paper trail: Flyers, receipts, and lecture notes you’ll “sort later.”

Do a 5-minute “room audit.” Walk around and see what’s out of place and what bad habits you have. You’ll spot patterns, and that’s where your routine starts! You don’t need to tackle it all at once, work on it step by step – laundry today, doing your dishes tomorrow. Once you’ve identified bad habits, work on them! Keeping them under control will mean less of a challenge to tackle next time you clean up!

Stores such as Supermarkets, IKEA, or Amazon Basics can also offer budget-friendly storage options. A laundry bin or some cheap boxes to sort your papers can make a big difference!

Day-to-Day Habits That Keep Chaos at Bay

You don’t need to dedicate hours of your day to cleaning. Just build micro-habits that stop mess before it starts!

• 10-minute morning routine: Make your bed, clear your desk, take out the trash.
• Set up a Weekly schedule:
• Monday: Do your laundry. (and put it away after!)
• Wednesday: Vacuum and wipe surfaces.
• Sunday: Bathroom Scrub down – Clean the toilet, shower, sink etc. Tackle the limescale before it builds up!
• If you’re living in a Group Property:

• Use a chore chart (Print one out or look for an app).
• Rotate tasks fairly. – Nobody Likes being on Bathroom or Kitchen duty!
• Don’t be passive-aggressive – try talking things over first.

Emergency Clean-Ups: When Guests or Inspections Are Coming

Parents visiting? Surprise inspection? Date coming over? Here’s your panic-proof checklist:

1. Hide clutter: Toss loose items into a laundry basket and stash it in the wardrobe.
2. Wipe surfaces: Desk, kitchen counter, bathroom sink — the holy trinity.
3. Freshen the air: Open windows, turn on an extractor fan, or as a last resort - spray Febreze like it’s cologne!
4. Bathroom blitz: Toilet seat, mirror, and taps — they absolutely notice.
5. Final touch: Make your bed. It makes the whole room look intentional.

Final Thoughts: Clean Space == Clear Mind

You don’t need to be a neat freak. Just someone who respects their space enough to keep it functional. A tidy room helps you study better, sleep deeper, and feel more in control, even when uni life gets messy.

So next time you’re tempted to leave that plate “just for tonight,” remember: Future You will thank you. And if you’re sharing, your flatmates probably will too.

Unihousing Study Highlights Student Perspectives on AI

A new global study by student housing provider Unihousing sheds light on how students view the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their lives.

Unihousing found that young people are both excited about AI’s potential and concerned about its impact on their futures. In the UK, 44% of students said they’re enthusiastic about AI, especially in areas like healthcare, education, and climate change.

AI is already playing a supportive role in students' academic lives. Nearly half of UK students (43%) use AI to proofread and check grammar, while about a third turn to it for simplifying complex information (31%) and generating ideas (31%). Additionally, 21% use it to help write CVs.

However, this excitement is tempered
by serious concerns. A large majority (78%) of UK students fear AI could negatively affect their job prospects, and over half (56%) worry it may lead to a decline in human intelligence.

“At Unihousing, we’re committed to understanding our students and supporting their futures,” said Ken, Unihousing’s Chief Operating Officer. “This extensive study reveals students’ enthusiasm for AI, particularly in tech, education, and health, but also underscores their concerns about career impacts. Our new AI training programme is a bold step forward in helping them navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.”

The Upside of AI

UK students see strong potential in AI, with 57% citing advancements in healthcare and tech as the top benefit. Improvements in work/life balance (55%) and productivity (54%) are also seen as major advantages. Many are also hopeful that AI will accelerate progress on climate change and expand access to education (48%). A smaller, yet notable, group (22%) believes it could improve access to mental health support.

Social Concerns

Despite its benefits, students remain wary of AI’s broader impact. Sixty-five percent of UK female students worry it may reduce meaningful human interaction—compared to 50% of male students—mirroring global trends.

There’s also concern about AI affecting relationships: a third fear genuine friendships may be replaced by tech, while 27% believe AI could even take the place of romantic partners.

Globally, students express political and economic anxieties around AI, with more than half concerned about cybersecurity threats (55%), misinformation (51%), and misuse for political agendas (50%).

Summer Holiday Ideas for Students

Summer is here and in full swing, which means while you're on your holiday break, you should be making the most of this time to enjoy yourself. In this blog, we look at some tips and recommendations for making this summer one to remember!

Well done to all the first years who are experiencing their first summer holiday as a university student. While you may have some work to complete over the summer, it's time to enjoy yourself and relax before things ramp up in the second year. While you may be tempted to find a job or get an internship to improve your CV, you'll be much better off enjoying yourself and using your newfound independence to discover some of what the UK has to offer.

At this point in the year, it might be difficult to find short stay holiday lets in some of the more popular locations. Because of this, we recommend taking day trips instead; you can still explore much of what the country has to offer, without breaking the bank on staying somewhere. Bus or coach companies will be the cheapest way of travelling, but it may be easier or more preferable to catch the train. If you've read our money-saving guides, you should now have a 16-25 Railcard to make travelling by train much cheaper, and if you don't: get one!

We are lucky in the UK to never be too far from the seaside, nor one of the many resorts dotted along it. If you're sick of the city, a day trip to the coast could be a lovely idea, giving you a great opportunity to enjoy the weather on a beach, grab some drinks, go clubbing, or visit one of the piers or vintage markets. Because many of these coastal towns are geared towards catering for tourists, it's unlikely you'll be disappointed by the transport links or amenities there. However, for the same reasons they can be quite crowded, and could require a bigger budget.

If the thought of big crowds is a turn-off, but you'd still like to get to the coast, you could try a more rustic setting with a seaside village. This would be a great destination for those who enjoy long walks along the coast, or in a charming village, before enjoying something from an honest local business, such as a cream tea or fish & chips. Whether you find something more traditional or upmarket is heavily dependent on where in the UK you're looking. This can be a more budget-friendly option than the more tourist-focused resorts and can allow you to enjoy delicious local food. The downside is that reaching these places can be much more difficult, and they don't have quite as many things to do.

An old faithful for days out is the good, honest hike. With major locations across the UK such as the Lake District, New Forest, and Cotswolds, along with some smaller and more local options, you're never far from a lovely walk in the countryside. There are many apps and websites which can provide walking, hiking and cycling routes, so you'll always be able to mix it up. This is a great option for getting some exercise, without breaking the bank, and giving you some time in nature. The downside is that it can be tricky to get to some trails using public transport only, and those you can get to may be either too easy or too difficult.

Of course, your university town or city will likely have plenty to see and do as well, and now you don't have any studies it's a great opportunity to go out and experience all of these. Some ideas for places to visit include galleries, museums and restaurants. There may even be a particular part of town that you haven't had a chance to visit yet. You also have a chance to take part in some new activities around town, such as local board game meet-ups, climbing or dancing! The major problem with sticking to your local town or city is that you're not experiencing what the rest of the country has to offer.

If you're a little low on funds over the summer, it's not a bad idea to get a job in the local area, especially one that is customer facing such as a bar, pub or cafe. While the pay won't be incredible, you'll meet interesting people and learn a lot of important transferrable skills, including developing soft social skills for talking to customers. This isn't exactly a relaxing way to spend your summer though, so it's important to weigh up the different factors to decide what's best for you.

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.

Unhousing 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!

Boost Your Student Finances by Cutting Back on These 12 Things - Part 2

Welcome back to part 2 of this blog on how to boost your student finances. Check out the remaining 6 things to cut back on to get more money as a student.

7: Buying Brands

Many supermarkets and shops will stock their own unbranded items, which are often only slightly worse in quality, but much cheaper. As an example, unbranded tomato sauce can often be picked up for £1 a jar, whereas a branded jar is likely to set you back £2 or more. While this doesn't seem like much, little savings like this can make a huge difference over time.

8: Gym Memberships

When searching through your bank statements for things to cut back on, make sure to check for anything that isn't a necessity, or that you've forgotten about. For example, gym memberships are a great expenditure to cut back on to save your student finances. Even without a gym membership, you can keep fit by going on runs or following home workout instructions on YouTube.

9: Excessive Drinking

This may seem sacrilegious to some, but going out most nights to get hammered is a surefire way to lose all your money. Especially if you are the sort to buy a round of drinks for the group. Either accept that you should be saving money and let others buy drinks for you, or limit the amount you can take out each night by not taking your card, so you don't overspend.

10: Hunger Shopping

Most people will have heard of the phrase "don't go shopping when you're hungry", the reason for this is because you'll be much more likely to pick up snacks and sugar-rich food. By having a meal before you leave the house, you'll be much less tempted to buy these things so you can save money. 

11: Disorganisation

Being disorganised can often lead to you spending more money. For instance, if you forget or run out of time to make yourself lunch, you'll have to buy some from the shop. If you don't bring your own water bottle or coffee flask, you'll probably buy a plastic water bottle or coffee from the cafe. Get organised by planning your day, so you can avoid unnecessary expenditure.

12: Non-reusable Items

Investing in reusable goods is a great way to save money. While the initial cost may be higher in some cases, over time you'll save a lot of money. You'll also be doing your part for the environment, as disposable items are often full of plastic. Once you've finished using your current plastic razors, invest in a bamboo or steel razor, meaning you only need to buy interchangeable heads or blades. There are also reusable options for makeup remover, drinking straws, and batteries. One last note; don't forget your reusable grocery bag when going to the shop, so you don't get stung for extra plastic bags!

What is Unihousing?

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.

Unhousing 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!

Boost Your Student Finances by Cutting Back on These 12 Things - Part 1

Students are known for struggling financially while at university, which means any small savings or deal they can eke out is important. In this 2-part blog, we look at 12 things that students can cut back on to save money.

1: Eating Out

There are plenty of delicious meals that you can eat at various restaurants and takeouts, but you'll be paying a premium for these. The cheaper option is to improve your cooking skills and start making delicious homemade meals. You can even turn your cooking into fast food by cooking more than you need, and freezing the rest so you can reheat it another day.

2: Prepared Food

There is a big price difference between pre-prepared food and un-prepared food at the supermarket. For instance, chunks of pre-sliced mango at a popular British supermarket come out at £3 at the time of writing, whereas a fresh mango comes out at £0.75. Buying your food fresh and unprepared will not only be cheaper but will often be better for the environment.

3: Daily Takeaway Coffees

Many people have a take-out coffee as part of their daily regime, which can be more expensive than you'd originally think. A basic £2 coffee every working day is £10 a week, £40 a month, and £500 a year! Often these coffees have more calories in them than an average meal, so they aren't great for your health either. Instead, invest in a coffee flask and fill it up in the morning before you leave.

4: Undiscounted Food

While this isn't always applicable, making a change to when you go shopping means that you'll be able to take advantage of reduced-price items. Combining this with meal prepping means you can make a range of meals from reduced items to freeze and eat during the week. The best times to hit the supermarkets are early morning, midday and later in the night.

5: Buying New Clothes

Full-priced, new clothes are often a waste of money, and bad for the environment. You can save a lot of money by visiting thrift and charity stores for new clothes, which in turn supports those charities. You can find plenty of good, rare clothes, so get out there and start looking!

6: Travel Costs

Taxis and Ubers are a massive drain on your student finances, and while they may get you to your destination faster, it comes at a steep cost. Public transport such as buses and trains are convenient, and a fraction of the price. You can also save more money by getting a rail card or day pass. Or you can take the healthy option and walk everywhere.

What is Unihousing?

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.

Unhousing 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!

How to be Sustainable as a Student

When you're living on a student budget at university, it can be very difficult to feel like you are living as sustainably as possible. This can be because of a loss of control when it comes to things such as budget when shopping, or with appliances in a rented household. While you may not be able to make the best environmental decisions in all aspects of your life, you can still make the correct decisions on the things you can control. In this blog, we suggest ways you can change your usage and disposal of things in your home to be sustainable.

Changing Your Usage of Products

One of the best ways of staying sustainable as a student is ensuring the appliances you do use last as long as possible. If you are lucky enough to have a dishwasher in your student house, then make sure you take good care of it if you do need to use it by checking the washing arm can move unhindered. With your washing machine, don't overload it with clothes and make sure you're using a good washing liquid. You can also try washing your clothes in colder temperatures. To look after your fridge, keep it clean and remove any spoiled food, in particular, ensure the seals around the door are clean.

You can make simple swaps with certain everyday items when living in a rented student property to be as sustainable as possible. Using a reuseable cloth rather than disposable wipes is a great way of reducing your waste, for example. You can even purchase zero plastic sellotape to make sure your study notes are kept together with no plastic waste. Reducing food waste is another great way to live more sustainably, a good way of doing this is to use multiple recipes that use the same ingredients, or even cook a larger portion and freeze the portions you don't eat.

Disposing Responsibly

You can make just as much of an impact on the environment by disposing of any waste responsibly. A good way of helping you to recycle is by splitting your waste into different materials such as general, glass, tin and paper. Products that can't normally be recycled by the council will often be able to be recycled by retailers or certain generous individuals in your local area. For example, batteries can be disposed of in special bins that can be found in certain shops that sell batteries, while inhalers can be taken back to some chemists who will recycle them. You can be more proactive with this by writing letters to shops or retailers who you feel should be recycling certain items if they are not. Do your research, and you may be able to find somewhere that will take items that won't normally be accepted for recycling.

Any old clothes that you have outgrown or have gone out of fashion can be taken to clothing donation banks, such as Heart UK or the Salvation Army. There may even be a local charity that will accept these as well. You may even be able to donate old shoes, belts, hats, towels, curtains and bedding. Meanwhile, if you have any dried, canned or jarred food that you don't need or have bought too much of, you can donate these to a local food bank. Even non-food items such as toiletries, face masks and detergents will generally be accepted.

Even when living in a rented property with a student lifestyle and budget, there are things you can control in your life to live sustainably.

What is Unihousing?

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.

Unhousing 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!

Student Tips: How to Find the Time to Clean

After a long day of lectures and studying, the last thing most people think about is cleaning. It can be very difficult to gather the motivation to tidy and clean, especially when you're excited to watch another episode of your TV show or play games on your computer or phone. This often leads to a cycle of laziness, as the mountain of clothes grows bigger and the clutter on your desk spreads it takes more and more energy to clean it up.

In this blog, we look at some simple lifestyle tips that can help you fit cleaning and tidying into a busy schedule.

Try an App

Because you're likely to have your phone on you at most times, using an app to help you with planning your tidying and cleaning can keep everything manageable. Apps such as Sweepy, Tody, Unfilth your Habitat, Habits, Habitica, and Focusmate can be great if you struggle with visualising what needs doing and when, especially for people with ADHD.

Using Sweepy as an example, these apps let you set separate tasks for different rooms. Each task can be configured as a one-off or recurring task with either default or customised options, and can then be given a frequency needed to complete each task along with a difficulty. You'll then be given an average level of cleanliness for each room dependent on when you last completed each task.

Have a Place for Everything

One of the biggest causes of clutter build-up is a lack of places to actually store items. Picking up some storage boxes and labelling them can help you keep clutter to a minimum because everything should now have a place to live. You'll also be able to actually find what you're looking for because you've labelled up each box!

You can use any cardboard boxes that you may have from ordering things online, or you may find that buying cheap and handy storage boxes would be best for you. The Really Useful Storage Boxes range is a great choice that gives you plenty of options when it comes to size and combinations. It also makes it much easier to pack when you need to move out.

Clean and Tidy Early, Not Late

A tried and tested method for boosting motivation is to do your tasks in the morning, rather than leaving them till the end of the day when you're tired. Start by making your bed when you wake up, and you should find that you then naturally start cleaning other places. Starting the day by being productive and cleaning your area can have a tremendous impact on how you're feeling, boosting your mood and reducing your stress. This sets you up to have a great day, where you know that you won't be coming home to a messy room.

If it Only Takes 5 Minutes, Just Do It

This cognitive behavioural technique helps tackle procrastination, by breaking each task into just 5-minutes. Here's how the 5-minute rule works: set a timer or time yourself for 5 minutes while you do a task, after this time if you want to stop, you can. This means that each task is broken down into manageable chunks, and will often be done in those 5 minutes anyway.

Make the Most of Motivation

Motivation can be hard to come by, so when you do have a sudden urge to get things done, make the most of it and get as much done as possible. You may find that once you've finished one task you'll have the motivation to carry on and finish other tasks. As previously mentioned, you can do a lot in just a small amount of time, starting is often the most difficult part!

Listen to Music or Watch a Show

Cleaning and tidying can be boring, so to make it a little more exciting you can stick on some music or watch your favourite show. You could try playing one of your favourite albums and setting the challenge of only stopping once you've finished the album.

What is Unihousing?

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.

 

Unhousing 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!