6 Apps That Will Make You More Productive at University

Sometimes it can be prudent to take a look at making your life a little more organised. You can do this using a few helpful apps, which could be used to make your uni experience run a little bit smoother and hopefully, make you more productive. It can be easy to fall into a slump and start procrastinating, but hopefully by using one of the following apps you can improve your productivity.

1. Evernote

Note taking isn't everyone's favourite method of organisation, but it can be the ultimate time-saver. By taking detailed notes in lectures, workshops, one-on-ones with tutors and while conducting research you can save yourself extensive hours of looking up certain facts or info you might need down the line. We can’t remember everything, so taking notes can give you more mental space for more important things.

Evernote is a useful, free note-taking app, ideal for fully customisable note-taking. With this app, you can add images, audio, and files from Google Drive and even little sketches and handwritten notes that might help jog your memory. Evernote gives you the ability to use whatever medium best suits you and the project at hand. Additionally, you can add tags to organise your material and even create reminders within the app. This would be extremely helpful for remembering all the important things that could otherwise be forgotten, like deadlines, lectures and even household chores or needed groceries.

Evernote also offers a range of extensive templates to choose from, including a menu plan, daily planner, travel calendar and even a personal stress log. With this app you can ensure that all areas of your life are organised and in one place, which means everything is easy to find and maintain. It can also help relieve a lot of unneeded stress in your life.

2. Google Drive

Uni work can be a hassle when you are working on bigger projects and using bigger files. Google Drive is an excellent asset for file storing and sharing and is widely recognised. Particularly for group projects, having a program where you can all share files in one place and have access to everything is hugely beneficial. You can also create Google Docs which can be edited by multiple people, meaning that you don’t all have to be in the same place. From extensive videos, photos and other media, to PDFs and word documents, this app has you covered.

Do you have a backup of your work? If you don’t, you should get a backup of all your university work onto Google Drive. If the worst comes to pass, and your computer is either broken or lost, a backup will save all of your work. Losing your work can be disastrous and stressful; so save yourself that stress by making sure you have a backup.

3. Forest

One of the main difficulties with university life is the constant over-stimulation and stress from your phone, computer, and the rest of the world around you. Forest is a brilliant app to help you disconnect from your phone and other technology that can be preventing you from focusing and creating your best work. Though it’s important to have time to chill out, it’s also crucial to disconnect when there’s work to be done.

Forest’s whole premise is to help you focus on your work while simultaneously helping the environment and making a positive impact on the world around you. When you open the app, you plant a seed and leave your phone to go concentrate on your work. If you leave your phone for long enough, you’ll receive a reward and your seed will grow into a tree, which can become a real tree via the app’s partner, Trees For The Future. So, you are not only using this app to focus on your life and work, but you are also contributing to the development of nature and our ecosystem.

4. Todoist

As your projects, essays and lectures can start piling up high, there are apps out there to help you manage your tasks and reduce your stress. Todoist helps you organise your tasks and projects in priority order, by managing your important dates both in university and in your personal life and can also help track your process against your own goals. In order to better organise each task, you can also create and add sub-tasks, to plan out your projects and goals step-by-step.

Starting is always the first and hardest step, and it can be daunting looking at a blank sheet of paper, unable to figure out where to go or even where to start. Todoist allows you to break your assignments down, helping you focus on all your work step-by-step in a way that feels organised, stable and easy to maintain. You can create simple steps and goals to give you the confidence to keep moving forward until your projects are finished and your goals are achieved.

5. 24me Smart Personal Assistant

For some of us, we can get lost in starting up an organiser and/or a planner. They can feel overwhelming at times and don’t always have all the helpful features to help keep you organised and on top of life. 24me Smart Personal Assistant is a personal organiser that stores your calendar, all your tasks and notes in one place so you can easily view and manage your upcoming dates and deadlines. Sometimes we end up having too many apps for too many different things, but with this app, you can bring it all together in one.

Knowing your weekly, monthly and even yearly plans can give you back a bit of your sanity. If you are plagued by that feeling of forgetting something you know was important, this app could be for you. By having the ability to quickly add and remove tasks, dates and deadlines, 24me is sure to help with your productivity and will save you much needed time.

6. Google Calendar

We have reached our final app on this list. To round off the best apps for organisation and staying on top of your dates, Google Calendar simply has to be added to the mix. If you are needing a clearer and simpler calendar app, this app does wonders in keeping track of daily events and appointments. One of the main features is the ability to sync your university timetable to the app, allowing easy access to the times and locations of all your lectures and classes.

Since this app can be connected straight to your email, it can also automatically add certain events/dates like appointments, flights and birthdays. You can also set tasks for yourself and receive reminders throughout the day and week to help you get on with your schedule and stay in tune with life and all its’ busyness.

Another interesting feature that Google Calendar offers, is the ability to combine/sync your calendar with someone else. You can create mutual calendars with family members, partners or friends, as a way of staying connected with other people’s schedules and events that are useful for you to know. This app has a lot to offer and can add a significant amount of organisation and stress-free living to your day to day life.

Staying on top of university life can be extremely challenging to do on your own, so why not try some of these helpful resources, and see how much your stress level can decrease and your organisation skills can increase. Don’t let the busyness of life take you over, but instead, control it and make it work for you.

Another way you can reduce your stress at university is by sorting out your student accommodation for the next academic year. Whether you're looking for a 1 bedroom student studio or a shared student house, we can help. By contacting us today, you can make sure you get the best choice of accommodation, and reduce your stress during the exam season.

Contact Unihousing today to find your ideal student accommodation!

16 Tips to Help Prepare Yourself for University – Part 1

Doing all you can to prepare yourself for university can help make student life much less stressful and busy. There are quite a few things to consider before September rolls around, so it’s best to start early and get everything sorted. In part 1 of this 2-part blog series, we take a look at 8 tips that can help you get prepared for university:

1. Get into a Routine

It’s good to hit the ground running when you get to university, so it can help to adopt regular routines to help you get the most out of your days ahead. You can try more regular sleeping patterns in the week, normal eating hours and even exercise to keep you refreshed and feeling on top of your life. This will also give you lots of energy to study well, be social and enjoy the craziness of weekend fun. Having healthy routines can enable you to get all your most important jobs and responsibilities done and out of the way, leaving you with plenty of time for friends, flatmates, going out and enjoying your independence.

2. Stay Organised and Keep on Top of Your Days

The best way to have the least amount of anxiety and stress about your weekly schedule is to plan and stay organised throughout the week. You can use daily/weekly planners to help you remember your lectures, one-on-one meetings with tutors and staff, crucial deadlines coming up, utilities and rent due dates, and even fun nights out to look forward to! By knowing your schedule, you can also plan the mundane yet necessary jobs like weekly shopping and other errands and chores. Planning and getting these done can free you up to spend more time with your friends.

3. Get Ahead

Even though it’s extremely important to have a well-deserved break throughout the summer, getting started on any work and learning what you can over the summer can really help your first weeks and months of settling back into university. Getting your freedom back and studying what you love can be brilliant, but it can also be very tiring and difficult to get back into the regular swing of things. While everyone else is cramming and stressing last minute about reading lists and assignments, you could be having a relaxed start to the year with plenty of time to adjust into your routines with little stress about outstanding work or study.

4. Keep on a Budget

Living on a budget can really help you to feel that you are on top of your life, instead of drowning in financial stress. Studies have found that half of UK adults in debt are also living with mental ill-health [1]. While sometimes it is fun and good to let loose, doing it too often with money you don’t have can begin to create large amounts of stress and burden in your life. Don’t be scared to check your bank balance frequently and know what you can spend, in order to avoid any extra mental strain that can affect the whole of your student life. You can still have fun weekends without over spending and ending up without money at the end of the month for food and other necessities. Be in control of your money, instead of letting your money control you!

5. Try out Meal Prepping

Weekly meal organisation can do wonders for freeing up your busy schedule. Try planning 3-5 main meals in advance, therefore saving yourself the brain power needed to plan your meals EVERYDAY. By shopping for a few different recipes in your weekly shop, you are free to cook whenever you want in the evening depending on what activities you have planned. There’s no need to keep on popping in and out of the shops after the long, busy days ahead and meal prepping can additionally help you create meals that are healthier, get you excited and give you something to look forward to. Another brilliant way to plan ahead and save money is meal sharing. Dinner with flatmates and friends can be a fun way to hang out while also sharing the cooking responsibilities in the house and saving money all around. You could also go to the shops and plan meals together as a way of keeping the process exciting. There are plenty of exciting meals you can have on a student budget [2].

6. Choosing your Accommodation and Flatmates

In order to have as little stress and worry as possible, it is good to get on top of finding your accommodation sooner rather than later. The earlier you look, the more choice you’ll have, and you’ll have plenty of time to find good and dependable flatmates to rent with you. Nonetheless, sometimes life gets in the way and/or plans fall through, but don’t let this stop you. Unihousing is here with plenty of options and properties for you and your friends. To ensure the best experience, try to team-up with people who will be good and reliable flatmates; who will help you take care of the house, share responsibilities, respect your privacy and will make the year a fun and exciting one without drama and complications.

Check out Unihousing today and see some of our available studios in September 2019 or subscribe to our newsletter to be among the first to see our student accommodation for the academic year in 2020/21.

7. Don’t Forget your Supplies

By this, we don’t just mean university supplies! Make sure you and your flatmates have all the necessities for your shared home including pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, bedding, towels, cleaning products, and anything else you might need. It’s great to move into a space that already has all the things you need, without the stress of running around last minute and attempting to find needed home supplies. That being said, make sure you don’t forget about your university supplies either. Start your academic year feeling relaxed knowing that you have all your books, pens, notebooks, art supplies and anything else you will need to give you the best head start. Try picking the best supplies for you, things that get you inspired but will be practical for your needs. Having a fun trip to IKEA with your flatmates to pick out needed household items and supplies together is a great way of letting everyone contribute and can create a fun kickstart to the new university year.

8. Learn the Support Channels

University life can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, so it’s important to learn about all of the necessary support channels, just in case. In particular, the University of Birmingham has a wellbeing service [3] in place to help support your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Doing the necessary research now means you know where to go when you need help.

Making use of these 8 tips is a great way to make your university experience a great one. You’ll not only get the most of your education, but also make some great memories along the way. We’re not finished here though, keep an eye out for part two, where you can find even more helpful tips and tricks for getting prepared for university.

[1] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/debt-and-mental-health

[2] https://www.amazon.co.uk/NOSH-Students-Student-Cookbook-Colour/

[3] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/support/health/index.aspx

How to Get Some Extra Cash as a Student

A difficult yet commonplace part of the student experience is a shortage of money. This becomes a bigger issue when summer arrives, and there is not enough in your account to allow you to make the most of the sunny weeks you have to yourself once the term finishes. In addition to the cash-flow issue, another factor that’s common to the student experience is living away from home in student housing. 

No matter what you have become accustomed to since moving out of home, student accommodation that is suited to you can always be found with Unihousing. Based in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Unihousing provide high-standard and affordable student studios and houses that are situated in excellent locations.

Extra Cash?

As nice as it may sound to simply have more money, it is actually quite easy to boost your finances by just clearing out some of your old belongings. Clothes, CDs, DVDs, unused tech and other unwanted stuff- all of these could make you a good sum of money if you can sell them to the right person or place, and all of this can generally be sorted by accessing the internet.

Where You Can Look

Preloved

Based on a three-step process, selling your things on the popular site Preloved is pretty straightforward. Placing an emphasis on trust between those interacting through their site, Preloved is a large and diverse site that offers you a no-fee basic-level sign-up. It may just be the place for you to clear out some of your unwanted yet totally ‘must-have’ items.

C-EX

C-EX is a great place to go if you’re looking to trade in your unwanted tech. If you find any DVDs or games/games consoles that you don’t need any more, C-EX might give you a good price for what you have. More retro games consoles from the 90s and beyond such as the Sega Mega Drive 2 for example, can be particularly valuable. C-EX is situated on most high-streets and has their own website, which means that you can check online what kind of price they can offer for the items you want to take in before you make the journey to one of their stores.

eBay

An obvious choice perhaps, eBay is really easy to use to your advantage when trying to raise a little extra cash, so it shouldn’t be overlooked. Also, given that it has such a wide-reach across all-manner of categories, eBay is a useful way to get a general overview of what your possessions might be worth. This might help you if you are planning to go elsewhere with your goods and want to be sure that these places offer you a reasonable price. Make sure you don’t get stung by listing fees, however.

Other Places

There’s also Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Craigslist. As always with selling things online, it’s wise to approach with caution and read the small print. Stick to well-known and reputable sites so you can be sure you’re protected should anything bad happen.

Further Out

Although going online can seem like the easy way to do things, you could always take the more old-fashioned route and try a car boot sale. A quick Google search reveals that several car boot sales take place in Birmingham. This could be a great way to make some extra money on your old stuff and might make a fun activity for you and your friends. 

If you find yourself with several possessions that you can’t get any money for or simply need to clear-out for whatever reason, then you could donate your stuff to a charity shop. There are bound to be some near you and the items you hand-over will surely be appreciated, too. Also, if it is just clothes that you no longer need, clothes banks dotted around the city are great places for them. They’ll be going to a good cause as well.

Unihousing Student Accommodation

Birmingham student accommodation should meet your requirements and not just your budget. Offering both student studios and houses to share that are spacious, tastefully decorated and equipped with all of the furnishings needed for the student lifestyle, Unihousing’s properties are a must-see if you want a student home that you can feel comfortable and relaxed in.

Alongside these features, Unihousings’ student properties allow you to enjoy the benefits of the local area. This is made possible via the convenient situation of these accommodations, meaning that getting-out to nearby pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants in the Selly Oak area can become a regular thing for you and your mates. Plus, with Unihousing’s accommodation being so close to public transport links, getting the bus or train to the City Centre or other Birmingham towns will be simple, quick and cost-effective.          

Get in touch with Unihousing today to find out more!!

7 Ways to Improve Your Student Experience

There’s no denying the difference that comfortable and spacious accommodation can make to your student experience. Selly Oak-based Unihousing is in the position to offer Birmingham students the kind of housing that help make student years more enjoyable. Whether you opt for one of their private and modern student studios or a house to share with your friends, Unihousing’s well-priced and high-standard student accommodation is ideal for a better, more comfortable student living experience.

Travel and Holiday

A good way to get out and get away from it all, travel is something that you can look forward to and can make for a truly memorable experience. A lot of how good this holiday experience will be is dependent on how you approach it, so begin by making a plan of what to look for and what you would like to get out of your trip away. It’s probably best to be realistic about what you can afford of course, but with a little effort, identifying some holiday options that are both appealing and well-suited to the student budget should be within your reach. With some friends chipping in and making use of student discounts, you can have some great experiences.

Stay in Touch

Though it can perhaps be complicated by the use of phones and social media, having good, solid conversations with friends or family is extremely important to your well-being. It can be a way to address any problems you are facing and stop you from becoming isolated, which is something that can affect anyone, including students.

If you do find that the issues you have are becoming a little too much and talking to those around you hasn’t helped, or it is just not the right option for you to take, then seeking help elsewhere is the sensible route to choose. The University of Birmingham offers a student support program that can help with whatever problems you’re facing. Your mental health is important, so make sure you place the right emphasis on this aspect of your well-being.

Socialising

Just as important in many ways as talking is spending time with others and socialising. An additional way in which you will feel less of the effects of potential isolation, socialising is best when it takes place around activities. Parties, trips to the cinema, nights out- whatever it is that’s going on, it’s an easy way to keep in touch with people as well as an obvious way to really enjoy yourself. And while money can be tight which makes going-out to places a little difficult, just having a simple get together with mates is just as rewarding.

Your Fitness

While it’s not always easy or convenient, doing what you can to stay healthy should always be one of your priorities. The list of factors that contribute to healthy eating is extensive and worth exploring online, but keeping fit is perhaps a little more simple and no less important. The added advantage with keeping fit is that you should feel better too, meaning that it has benefits that are emotional as well as physical. Ride a bike, go for a run, play a sport with friends- there are so many possibilities!

Finding an Outlet for You

Finding an outlet so that you can be creative, keep yourself active or relieve your stress can be a way of spending your spare time at university. Activities like writing, creating art, blogging or gaming are all great ways to express yourself. This can help you build character, and give you time to recharge your batteries after stressful university work or busy nights out.

Variety

As a general point, it’s probably never advisable to simply stay doing the same things and following the same routines for too long. It’s a good idea to be open to trying new things, especially while you have the opportunity at university. This way you will give yourself opportunities to discover something new and get a fresh perspective perhaps on your situation as well as helping you to stay clear of the boredom that comes with the over-familiar. Sometimes, just the simple act of learning a new thing can have a positive impact on you, too. A great way of achieving this is with societies, where you can share your new experiences with new people.

Student Accommodation with Unihousing

For students located in Birmingham, it is not only the all-round quality of Unihousing’s student studios and houses that gives them an edge over the competition. In amongst the number of features that make Unihousing accommodation so appealing, such as their furnishings and tasteful interiors is their superb situation. With Unihousing’s student studios and houses placed within a short distance from the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus as well as local public transport links and supermarkets, their range of student housing is a sensibly convenient choice for the contemporary student. Plus, with pubs, restaurants and a bustling nightlife sitting nearby, Unihousing’s student accommodation is an easy choice for any student in Birmingham.

Get in touch with Unihousing today and discover what we can do for you!

10 Tips for Moving

Moving-out will certainly be something you’ll have to face at some point in your academic experience and it’s a big task, so tips on how to make it easier will surely be welcome. Finding that new student accommodation would surely come first though, and this is where Unihousing comes in. Selly Oak-based registered lettings agents offering student studios and houses with all the furnishings needed for contemporary student living, Unihousing provide high-standard student accommodation in Birmingham for affordable prices in excellent locations.    

• Planning Ahead

To make the whole process of moving go smoother, putting together a little plan should help you. By creating a plan or even by writing down some useful notes you can list all the things you need to pack and all the other jobs you need to do before you finally say goodbye to your old place. Planning ahead may help you move your items from one place to the other in the most efficient way, as well.

• Advanced Packing

Just because the date you need to move-out on is a while away doesn’t mean you can’t start packing stuff into boxes early. If you start packing well-ahead of the date you are due to move, you may find that the whole process will be less stressful and tiring as the moving day approaches.

• Boxes and Bags

When it comes to moving, having a large number of boxes ready is a great idea. It’s very easy to underestimate how many boxes you will need for all of your belongings once you begin packing, so “the more, the better” is a good way to approach this aspect of the move. There’s also a risk that at least one of the boxes will rip or break, so having some spares is useful, too. Bags- whether that’s plastic carrier bags or rucksacks etc- are another huge boost to anybody’s chances of having a successful move.    

• Tape and Paper

Having lots of paper to hand is very important, as it can be used to protect your belongings while they are being transported from one place to another. Or, for better protection, you could use bubble-wrap. Something else that will be very much appreciated as you pack your possessions is a tape dispenser gun, which is a vast improvement on using masking tape or Sellotape in a conventional way. 

                 

• A Little Assistance

Having extra pairs of hands ready to assist you will get all of your carryings, transporting and final pieces of packing done more quickly and with less stress. And if you don’t drive, having someone who is willing to give up their time to drive your stuff to your new student accommodation would obviously be a huge benefit.       

• Be At Your Best

Getting all of your belongings out of your current studio or house and into another one will take a while, meaning that a good sleep the night before is ideal for making sure you have plenty of energy for the following day. By getting up early as well, you give yourself plenty of time to get things done and increase your chances of completing all of the liftings and carrying before it gets dark, which would only make things more difficult. 

   

• Timing is Everything

If you haven’t quite got round to making a plan or a list, or simply don’t think you really need one, at least remember the times at which things need to be done at throughout the day. Times at which you are required to be out of your current place and into the new one, or times at which you are supposed to meet people necessary to the move, are important. Having these times in mind could help you stay on schedule during the day as well.

• Stay Fed and Watered

Ensuring that you take breaks or at least one substantial break during your moving day is vital, even though it can be difficult to stop sometimes once you have started and are building momentum towards getting the whole thing done. Without breaks, you will become increasingly tired and less productive as a consequence. It’s also wise to drink plenty throughout the day and have a little snack every now and then to keep energy levels up.

• Background Music

Although it can be a long day and there may be a lot of people busying around you to make your move happen, you can still try and keep people in high spirits. Put some music on and make the day a little more relaxing, and it should feel as though it’s passing by a little quicker also.   

• Safe Lifting

Perhaps the most crucial point of all here, being careful with lifting is essential; not only is being careful with heavy lifting good for your health, but not lifting correctly could get you hurt which would mean you probably not lifting anymore for that day.
Sharing the load with someone who’s there to help, crouching down instead of bending to the load and assessing the route you are taking to carry the load are some of the general principles for lifting, but it’s best to look online for a comprehensive guide to correct lifting and carrying.   

Unihousing

Making a move with Unihousing is a good move. Unihousing’s student properties are an impressive option for any Birmingham student. Whether you decide on a student studio or a house to share, their student accommodation is also superbly situated. This means that easy access to amenities such as shops and supermarkets as well as getting to pubs, nightlife and other places of interest in Birmingham will be quick and convenient.

So why not get in touch with Unihousing today to find out more!

15 Ways to Save Yourself Money at University

Public Transport

For most students in 2019, having a car during their time at university is a luxury. Normally students will find themselves dependent on public transport. At first, this may seem like an expensive alternative to driving yourself, however, with a little bit of work this can defiantly work in your favour. Investing in rail and bus cards for the year can help to save you money over the course of a year.

Loyalty Cards

Loyalty cards are quite common these days and a lot of stores have them. They're usually very easy to get hold of and can be found in-store. They are a great way to earn free rewards as you go about your general day. Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Co-Op and many other large supermarkets offer money off vouchers when you earn a number of points, which can save you hundreds of pounds while you’re at University.

Newsletters and Emails

I’m sure you're all sick to death of receiving marketing through your emails and texts, but this is often one great way of getting hold of exclusive deals and discounts that you can’t find anywhere else. Taking 5 minutes a day to scroll through your emails could be saving you a considerable amount of money which could be spent elsewhere.

Competitions

They're everywhere, somebody is always offering you the chance to win prizes. Most of the time they're not worth the time of day, however getting involved in competitions that are more local and not entered by many could be a very easy way to win yourself a little extra something.

Student Discount

This is literally free money. As a student you'll have a student ID card. A simple search of the internet will tell you many of the places where simply showing this student card could get you a discount on any products in store. There are also other companies such as NUS which offer a further discount on stores. Next time you’re going out to shop make sure you take your student card with you and see how much you could save.

Cooking

Not only is this a healthy alternative but it will save you a fortune in food bills each month. We all enjoy a takeaway or a meal when you’re with friends, but it’s simply not affordable on a student budget. Cooking your own food, which you’ve bought from a store, will be much cheaper and healthier than getting food out and about. It also offers you the opportunity to cook for friends and make a social event from it. 

Shopping Late at Night

This is a good one. Not many people are aware that many large supermarkets offer fantastic deals in the evening on products that are soon to be out of date. These deals are generally offered on the evening of the sell-by date on each item. This means you can pick up food cheap. Be careful when checking the date of food however. You can still use food past its sell-by-date, just ensure you store it correctly. 

Don’t Buy Expensive Brands

We all enjoy branded things in life, whether that’s clothes, cars, watches and even toilet paper, but its not always affordable. Sometimes buying store brands can help to save you a lot of money. Things such as dishwasher tablets and fabric softener can all be bought at a much cheaper price if you’re willing to purchase a cheaper brand. These products provided an almost identical result with a much lower price tag.

Drink Water

There's a large variety of drinks available to shoppers, ranging from carton drinks like orange juice, to canned or bottled soft drinks. Instead of spending money on drinks that can be unhealthy and expensive, just drink water. It’s a great alternative which hydrates you and saves you money at the same time. This is one very easy way to keep hold of your money, and stay healthy at the same time. 

Budgeting

Keeping a budget is one of the best ways to save yourself a heap of cash during your time at university. If you’re not sure what this is or how to do it, take a look on websites such as Money Saving Expert. Effectively you limit what you're spending on different aspects of your life to help you control your spending. It's easy to go overboard on your spending when you're not keeping tabs, keeping to a budget helps you to not spend too much, and save some money. 

Student Nights

As many students will by now be fully aware, most student cities have their own student night, this is generally the day when bars and clubs offer some form of discount on drinks, this allows students to come out and spend slightly less on their night out. This isn’t always the same for every club, which could work in your favour. Visiting certain pubs and clubs on specific nights of the week can help you to save money all the time.

Pre-Drinks

Another fantastic way to save yourself some money on a night out is to ‘pre-drink’. This is the idea of drinking before you head out into the town. You can usually pick up drinks cheap in supermarkets and local stores. You can get 4 times as much if you buy from a store than a bar, so make sure you get in what you can while you’re still at home. Alternative to this, stay in for longer and head out later in the night to avoid having to spend at the pubs.

Part-Time Job

A part-time job can be hard to justify, especially when you should be spending time on your university work. However, if you feel able to fit a part-time job into your schedule, it can help to inject some cash into your account. This allows you to enjoy some of the finer things in life and from time-to-time treat yourself to something like a new top or a nice meal out.

An Alternative to the Gym

Going to the gym is great for staying healthy, however, it can also be a money sink. The surrounding area of Selly Oak has some great places where you can go with friends to get some exercise that’s completely free. Consider running as an alternative to the gym, or invest in some exercise gear for home. A set of weights for home is a great way to get exercise in when you want to, without spending a large amount of money. 

Getting Your Student Accommodation Early

Getting hold of your student studio or housing early ensures you get the best selection of properties. During the start of the letting season, letting agents and landlords are looking to get as many tenants as possible, so make sure you find the best deals. This is your opportunity to save some money on your student accommodation.

Unihousing

Looking for student accommodation local to the University of Birmingham? Unihousing is an established letting agent/landlord who offer accommodation every year to suit all students and there needs. See our available student property today and register your interest to find out more about our properties.

Tips on Finding Good Student Accommodation

When to Look

For those wondering when to begin looking for student accommodation, it's worth remembering that students have already started their accommodation hunt and that people will continue looking throughout the year, and that means that starting your search soon is advisable. Also, by trying to fit in with your friend’s house-sharing plans, you might end up missing your opportunity. 

If you're a Birmingham student and could be tempted by the prospect of Unihousing student accommodation such as a Selly Oak studio or a house to share; you may be interested to hear that Unihousing has impressively refurbished studios that are available now that probably won't be in six months.

Check the Online Reviews

As most of us already realise, online reviews are pretty invaluable these days. When we are researching into something we're interested in on the internet, seeing what other people think about it via their online reviews is one of the best ways to judge how good it might be. It's really no different from student accommodation either. 

Checking the reviews for student studios and houses, for example, helps you see what the particular strengths of the accommodation might be. And of course, the overall star ratings are a brilliant insight, too. For those seeking student housing in Birmingham, Unihousing receives impressive ratings for their selection of Selly Oak student accommodation, which is reassuring for those looking for somewhere to stay in Birmingham.

Price

Money is of course an important factor in making a decision about your student accommodation. It could be said that while there may be a temptation to seek cheaper options, this may not be an indicator of quality. And while paying a high price for your accommodation may be something that signifies higher standards, it's important to look ahead to what you'll be available to afford long-term. So, if you can find a way to balance affordability with high student housing standards, you'll be on the right track.

Bills

Closely linked to the previous entry on this list, bills are another part of the whole consideration regarding exactly what your tenancy as a student will cost you financially. Some lettings agents such as Unihousing are able to offer properties that have utility bills and internet included in the price of rent. This is not only an idea that is good for your bank balance, but it also simplifies the overall process of covering costs by combining the price of rent and bills into one uncomplicated package.

Ask if the Agent Has Sign-Off for Repairs

Repairs are obviously something's that going to be necessary from time to time. If something goes wrong in your property, you will want repairs to be carried out quickly and effectively, so finding out, if the agent has the sign-off for repairs, is important. Agents usually work with landlords, so that smaller leaks and other repairs can be sorted straight away. 

With larger problems though, larger sign-offs for repairs are needed. A larger sign-off for an agent means that bigger repairs in your accommodation can be covered. When you are making your choice about student accommodation, find-out about the sign-off on repairs, as it can mean better convenience and comfort for you.

How Long Have the Agent and Landlord Been Trading?

The reason it's good to know how long a lettings agent and landlord has been trading for is that it suggests the strength of reputation that the agent has and the kind of trust it enjoys amongst the public. For example, Unihousing has been providing accommodation since 1984 and continues to offer a high standard of accommodation to students and professionals in Birmingham.

What's Important to You and Space

When it comes to finding good student accommodation, deciding what is important to you is a tip that is worth employing, and that could lead to you placing nightlife options above accessibility and convenience, or vice versa. Being comfortable though is surely always towards the top of your priorities in choosing student accommodation, and a key part of being comfortable is having spacious housing. 

You'll probably want enough room for all of your things as well as storage space and enough space for you to study in peace. You may feel that these issues are particularly relevant if you are contemplating being a tenant in a house with others. In general, though, you won't want to feel enclosed or boxed-in inside properties that are just too small, so make sure you're aware of these issues.

Location

Aside from the quality of the properties themselves, where particular student accommodation is situated is a significant factor in finding student accommodation that is right for you. The extent to which an area suits you is, of course, important, but the extent to which a location offers convenience is vital too. If you're wondering what it is that constitutes a good location, think about what essential amenities (shops, supermarkets etc.) are positioned in the local area. 

Consider what the surrounding area offers in terms of nightlife and other aspects that can help you unwind and socialise with others. Also, think about how accessible it is and its proximity to other places you might want to get to for fun or interesting activities. It is also worth looking at the proximity to public transport if you’re likely to be using it regularly. 

Check the State of Repair

When you view a property, check-round to see if there are any areas of work needed in the accommodation as this could be a warning sign and may reflect poorly on the landlord. If you see any areas where work is required, it is a good idea to ask about them. Those searching for student properties in Birmingham may be glad to know that Selly Oak-based Unihousing is professional landlords who can be relied upon to deal with any problems with accommodation quickly and effectively.

Check the Age of the Furniture

This tip should prompt you to look at the furniture in the accommodation you're viewing. By simply looking at the furniture, you should get a decent idea of how old it is. If you can spot any obvious wear and tear on the furniture, you may need to question whether it's an indication of other problems with the accommodation and whether you are dealing with serious landlords. With a letting agent like Unihousing, furniture inside their Birmingham student accommodation is updated. And, if you're still not quite satisfied, you can specify that the furniture is replaced as a condition for you moving in.

Electrical Points

This isn't necessarily a huge issue, but it's worth finding out how many electrical points there are in the student studio or house you are looking into. Obviously the more there are, the more convenient it will be for you. It should be pointed out, however, that modern properties ordinarily have plenty of electrical points, so a shortage of these points demonstrates that the property is relatively older. There will normally be enough electrical points inside Unihousing accommodation but if you're not sure, you can ask for more to be added as a condition for your moving into the property.

Appliances

Something else that you might want to bear in mind when searching for student accommodation is what kind of appliances are included with the property. There are certain appliances that, if not present in your accommodation, will make your day-to-day living much more difficult. With that said, it is advisable that you check what appliances come with the accommodation you are looking into. 

For those trying to find student accommodation in Birmingham, Unihousing's student studios and houses are well-equipped, with washing machines, fridge/freezers, smoke detectors, fire doors, security alarm system and showers. Some properties also feature flat-screen TVs.

Contact Unihousing or visit our website now to see how we can help you with your search for student accommodation!!