11 Tips To A Stress-free Routine At University

11 Tips To A Stress-free Routine At University

Although being at university is something that many students look forward to, it’s important to remember that it can also be stressful and overwhelming at times too. Taking care of your mental health and ensuring you are staying on top of your workload will help you maintain your stress levels, and keep you feeling motivated. Here are a few tips on how your time at university can be made less stressful and more successful.  

Always Have a Plan. Something as simple as having a to-do list where you can write things you plan to accomplish in a day, week, or even a month, will help keep information and dates out of your head and onto paper. This will also help you stay ahead and accomplish more whilst being less stressed overall. It can be extremely helpful to have all of your notes, information, and important dates all in one place, to ensure you aren’t forgetting anything important. 

Avoid Multitasking. Focus on one thing, instead of taking on multiple tasks at the same time. Studies have shown that multitasking is physically impossible. Concentrating on one task at a time will also keep you more focused, keep your stress levels down, and will ensure the task is done to the best of your abilities. 

Break It Down. Let’s be realistic here, many students struggle to get motivated to revise, and sometimes it just isn’t much fun. There is nothing worse than trying to force yourself through a study marathon when you are not in the right head-space. Breaking down your work and study tasks into manageable chunks will not only give your brain more structure but will likely give you better results and a better study experience overall. Make it a point to reward yourself for every completed chunk. This is progress. 

Sleep. Studies have shown that without enough sleep, you are more likely to have problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving. Sleep deprivation can also contribute to poor mental health that may affect your studies and overall university experience. This highlights the fact that sleep is an important part of your university routine to help keep you sharp and focused. So make it a priority!

Have a Schedule. Looking at your past experience, when are you the most productive and attentive? Do you work better right after school or after you've eaten dinner? Are you more productive in 90-minute blocks or half-hour spurts? Knowing these details will help you create a schedule that works for you and keeps you organized. Whether you write your schedule down on paper or postdate notes, or you have reminders on your phone, creating a schedule that works for you will help keep you on top of your studies. 

Take Notes. Writing helps us process our thoughts better, as it’s a way of downloading what our brain has understood from a concept. Writing down notes will help keep you more engaged during class time. The notes you take will serve as reminders for your revision and study. It is always much easier to reread the notes you’ve written than to read from a textbook. Therefore, embrace taking notes and see how it saves you time in the long run.

Stay Away From Cramming. Although this practice has helped some, it is not sustainable and rarely gets you long-lasting results. The idea of studying is to understand and once you’ve grasped a concept, it sticks with you. This comes with regular practice through being attentive, reviewing your notes and taking practice tests by yourself to evaluate how well you understood the subject of study.  

Set Aside a Study Space. The human mind works in patterns and sequences. There are spaces where you feel more relaxed and ready to take on new ideas, and then there are those where you cannot concentrate or focus on getting anything done. It’s important to try and find a space that you feel helps you maximize your productivity. This can mean getting away from everyone, going somewhere secluded, going to your local library, or finding a spot around your house. 

Regularly Ask Questions. As basic as this may sound, try to ask questions as much as possible for clarity and understanding. This will help get you answers to most of the concepts you do not understand. The reality is that you are in school to learn and you should not be afraid to ask questions.

Look For A Study Group. Having group discussions and study groups with people who are doing the same course as you is a great way to learn, stay motivated, and understand any confusing concepts that you might have encountered. Chatting these through with your fellow course-mates will help you get through your studies swiftly, and successfully. You also are presented with an opportunity of meeting new people with similar interests. 

Create Time To Do Things You Love. Although studying is extremely important, you also need to set aside time for your social side. Meet up with friends, go out for a movie, have some drinks, or do whatever else you might enjoy. This is also really good for your mental well-being.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

At Unihousing we have shared accommodations for everyone, from small friend groups to big friend groups and everything in between, there's housing for you and your friends. With our housing being just a walk away from the university it means you and your friends don't have to worry about getting up too early or coming home too late to do anything after uni.

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

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Understanding Your Way Around University in Birmingham

Understanding Your Way Around University in Birmingham

Let us start by saying welcome to a whole new world, where careers are shaped, bonds made and memories built; some that last forever. Our starting point will be to affirm your choice of joining the ‘student city’ of Birmingham and let you know why studying at a university in Birmingham is the best choice for you.

The overall standard of education in Birmingham is very high. It is known for having some of the highest-ranking universities in the QS World Rankings, Times Higher Education Ranking, and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Below we have listed some of the information you will need to understand your University and your course a bit better.

What Are the Term Times for Universities?

The majority, if not all, of UK universities, usually split the academic year into three terms across two semesters. Semester one runs from the start of the new academic year in September and ends before Christmas, while Semester two tends to start in January, running until the start of the summer break, which is normally in June.

For most universities in Birmingham, term one will start in the Autumn at the beginning of the new academic year, and finish in the middle of December after which you will have a winter break. Term two, or spring term, starts in January and ends in late March. And lastly, term three, the summer term, starts in April and ends in June.

Just like other universities across the UK, universities in Birmingham also tend to have reading weeks part-way through a term to give you time to catch up on your course reading and projects. 

What Is Studying at A Birmingham University Like?

The most common type of undergraduate qualification studied at any major UK university is a Bachelor's degree. This can usually take up to three years of full-time study to complete, but there are exceptions, in courses such as Medicine and Dentistry.

During each academic year (Stage), you are required to complete several different modules as well as completing a dissertation in your final year. At the start of each stage or academic year, you will get a timetable showing your modules and the classes for those modules. These classes can include lectures, seminars, workshops, or tutorials.

What Do University Assessments Look Like?

While at the university, each module that you study has a credit weighting. The majority of modules are worth 20 credits each, however, if you complete a dissertation as part of your third year this is usually worth 40 credits.

As a full-time student in an undergraduate degree program (Bachelor), you must complete 120 credits in each academic year of study. For a full honors degree (MA), you need 360 credits throughout your three-year degree.

Although each course is different, prepare to be assessed on what you have learned in each of the modules. These won’t be abrupt and you will be notified ahead of time about when the assessments are coming up, which should usually give you ample time to plan well and revise. Your work is marked and there are moderating processes in place to make sure marking is fair and consistent.

University assessments can be in the form of coursework, examinations, group work, essays, reports, presentations, dissertations, etc. 

How Does the University Grading System Work?

Generally, your final university degree will depend on the results from your assessed work, and the results from each module in an academic year combined. At most universities, the mark you get at the end of your first year (Stage One) doesn’t count towards your final degree. 

This allows new students to have the time to understand the way their course works, perfect their academic skills, and to enable them to get in the right mindset to study at a degree level. Your final degree is based on Stages Two and Three of the 'Honors Stages' of your degree program. Your overall marks from these two stages are combined to give a final score that leads to your degree classification. The majority of students tend to step up their energies and efforts to be able to excel at the highest level.

What Other Activities Can You Do at University?

If you are someone who gets drained from ‘over studying’, why not consider trying other activities alongside your studies. Many universities have sporting events, social events, clubs, and summer programs that will pique your interest. Make the most of these by meeting new people and above all, enjoy the experience.

“Since Birmingham is a student city, if you feel like socializing then you’ll always be able to meet new people. The most common situation was to go out for dinner and then a couple of drinks in the bar, and the locals are always happy to start up a conversation. There’s always something to do and the music events here are fantastic.” – Student.

Student Accommodation with 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!

Tips on Getting Your Tenancy Deposit Back

Tips on Getting Your Tenancy Deposit Back

Summer is here and it is that time of the year when you’ll be thinking about moving out of your rented flat, house or apartment. Let us help you address the elephant in the room; how do I get my deposit back? Here are a few ideas to help you assess whether it will be a smooth ride or one mountain to climb regarding getting back your tenancy deposit.

Understand Your Tenancy Agreement

Understanding your contract is key in any contractual undertaking, and tenancy is no exception. Read and understand your tenancy agreement with all the terms and conditions before you sign. Once you’ve signed, you are legally bound by the details of the contract. Understanding the important parts like what you are responsible for, what your landlord is responsible for, the terms regarding the deposit, the notice period you need to give, etc. Once you’ve understood these details, you are in a better position to know the procedure for how to get your deposit back.

Check The Inventory 

An inventory is a document that usually contains all the items that are in the property when you move in and their condition. Always carefully check the inventory at the beginning of your tenancy, and if possible, ask the landlord to share a copy with you. This will be useful when you finish your tenancy, as you will be able to see all of the items that are owned by the landlord. Where possible, take photos as backup evidence for yourself, to show how the accommodation looked when you moved in. If any items from the list are missing or damaged, this might have an impact on your deposit.

Make Preparations Ahead Of Time.

Most properties have a time-frame in which you are supposed to give notice of your intention to end your tenancy. For most tenants, it should be at least a month before you move out. This time frame gives you enough time to prepare yourself but also allows the landlord to ensure their property is ready for the next tenant. If this notice period is respected, then your chances of getting your deposit back are higher.

Report Any Kind Of Damage

Try and be as open, honest and communicative with your landlord or letting agent regarding any damages to the property during your tenancy. If it is damage resulting from your negligence, you’ll likely want to repair them and notify the landlord of these repairs. If it is something like a TV antenna falling from the top of the roof, then that is nothing intentionally caused by you and is therefore the landlord’s responsibility. Having constant communication will help you work through any potential issues very quickly.

Pay Off Your Outstanding Rent and Bills

Ensure that all your pending bills are paid up before your tenancy ends. This will give the landlord no chance to hold onto your deposit on the grounds of uncleared rent or bills that relate to the property.

Keep Hold Of All Documents

Any communication and documentation between you and your landlord should be stored safely as you will likely need this for reference when asking for your deposit back. These can include the tenancy agreement, the inventory, photo records and other documents that you might deem crucial. You should keep hold of all these documents at least until you’ve gotten your deposit back.

Understanding Fair Wear and Tear

Ideally, your landlord should not withhold your deposit for fair wear and tear. Examples of fair wear and tear can include faded paint, minor scuffs on the walls, dirty curtains, worn-out carpet on the stairs in a house, etc. Your deposit can only be deducted for actual damage such as broken furniture resulting from negligence or even failure to pay your rent. 

Look After The Property

Take good care of the property. In all fairness, you live in it, so this should be something you do often. Landlords will sometimes use a lack of sufficient cleanliness as one of the reasons for withholding the tenant’s deposit. They claim to use the deposit in restoring the property to a reasonable and rent-worthy condition. To avoid the pain of a withheld deposit, you better take good care of the property, and keep it clean, ventilated and tidy, for yourself and your pocket. 

Be There When The Check-Out Happens

Just like you attended the viewing and inspections, attending the check-out will help you be on the same page with your landlord or letting agent regarding the condition of the property, the damages, the unpaid bills and more. This will also give you a clearer picture regarding the status of your deposit; if there are any cuts to be made to cover damages caused by you or whether you will be getting it back in all its fullness.

If you and your landlord fail to reach an agreement, there are provisions for you to be able to use a free dispute resolution service offered by the deposit protection scheme. They usually ask for evidence from both sides which guides them in making their final decision. If this fails, then either party can choose the option of going to court to resolve the dispute.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

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

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

Why Unihousing Has The Right Student Accommodation For You

Why Unihousing Has The Right Student Accommodation For You

Finding accommodation after you have moved away from home can feel daunting and scary at first. As your student accommodation will be your home away from home, it is crucial to make sure it’s a place where you’ll feel safe and comfortable in. 

At Unihousing, we have something for everyone in our range of properties, and our accommodation offers comfort, style, and function, with a choice of solo or communal living, depending on your preference. We know that choosing accommodation that best suits your wants and needs is very important, so have a look at our top tips on finding the right student accommodation for you! 

1. Have A Budget

It is important to have a working budget from the start so that you know how much you can afford monthly for your student accommodation. Don’t forget to calculate your other expenses such as food, transport, student fees and anything else aside from the cost of the property. Unihousing has affordable accommodation that fits the majority of student budgets. This will leave you with a bit of money to spare, allowing you to be able to afford other necessities. Check out our website to see what properties fit into your budget.

2. Decide On The Type Of Accommodation

Now that you have an idea of a budget, it’s important to figure out what type of accommodation you are looking to stay in. We have a variety of accommodation options ranging from shared flats, houses, studios and apartments which are all well-maintained. If you love the company of others, our shared houses and flats could be a great fit for you. For those who would prefer living independently, it is worth considering our studios and apartments. Once you’ve made your mind up, get in touch with us and our dedicated team will take you through all the necessary steps to getting your accommodation sorted.

3. Accommodation Location

As a student, you would typically want to have accommodation that is not too far away from your university, but also gives you the flexibility to connect to other amenities such as public transport, hospitals, supermarkets and social places. Unihousing has this in mind, which is why our properties in Selly Oak are ideal for most students. All of our accommodation is in a prime location within a short walking distance from the University of Birmingham and Selly Oak train station.

4. Security

Assess the security of where you intend to stay. There will be times when you stay out late, so living in a safe neighbourhood will give you peace of mind knowing you can get home safely. All of our Unihousing properties are located in safe and secure neighbourhoods with CCTV camera surveillance 24/7. You will also find locks located throughout the property and in each tenant’s private bedroom.

 5. Check The Wi-Fi Connection

We understand how vital the internet connection is for a student, with all of the research projects, video chats, social media, emails and more. The ideal accommodation should have reliable, stable and fast internet. We understand that having good Wi-Fi is paramount, which is why we offer a baseline of 100Mb broadband for all of our studios and flats at no additional cost.

 

6. Ask What’s Included In The Rent

It is important to find out what the rent cost includes, as this helps you know how much additional costs may be involved. This information is usually displayed in the advertising, but you can also contact the property managers for these details. Our rent costs at Unihousing include utility bills for most of our properties. This makes the move-in process much easier for students, as they don’t have to worry about setting everything up when they move in.

 

7. Carry Out A Property Inspection Before Committing

Check the state and quality of the property as much as possible. If visiting the property is not a possibility, ask the letting agent as many questions about the property as possible so that you do not end up with a space that does not meet your expectations. Make your choice based on how impressed you are with the property. Luckily, all our properties at Unihousing are clean, well maintained and have a dedicated team of specialists to help with any issues that might come up regarding the property.

8. Understand The Details of The Contract

Important details such as the length of the contract, payment terms, the penalties for delayed payments and deposit refunds are crucial to know before signing the final contract. You might need assistance from anyone who knows more about these things than you do. Also, be sure to ask the landlord or letting agency all the questions you are still unsure of. This will help you avoid any future misunderstandings between you and your landlord.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

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

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

 

While at university we all know how hard it can be to spread finances evenly till the next payday. Here are some tips to make sure your money takes you further while studying at university.

Home Cooking 

While maybe not as exciting, you can save a good amount of money making your own lunches and dinners for university, especially since cafés around the campus cost a fortune for anything! And while meal deals from Tesco are great, in the long run, they will be much more expensive than making yourself some sandwiches or pasta to take with you.

 

Allowance

It may seem silly as an adult to have an allowance; however, it is really helpful when saving money to know how much you can spend a week so you don’t run out of money before the end of the month. The beauty of this is that it is incredibly easy to start and it will instantly help your savings when done right. All you need to begin is to know how many weeks you have until your next payday. Then you can spread money as evenly as possible throughout those weeks, which will let you know how much you can spend each week and plan accordingly.

 

Cost vs Benefit

This can be harder than it seems, however, if you stick with this rule, you can save yourself a whole lot of money on things you may not use or need. Instead of buying something that may leave a big dent in your money, first think about the pros and cons of having the product:

-        Do you need it right away?

-        Could it be paid in instalments?

-        How will having it help your day-to-day life?

While it doesn’t have to be life-changing, make sure it is something you will get full value out of and will be used long-term.

 

Consider Making Coffee At Home

While coffee shops have a plethora of choices of the most excellent coffees, buying coffee or other drinks regularly will add up over time and harm your savings. If you need that morning ‘pick-me-up’ it might be worth getting your own coffee supplies to make drinks at home, as it’s far cheaper and much easier to manage your money.

 

Choose Unihousing For Your Student Accommodation Today

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

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

 

Choosing Shared or Solo Living with Unihousing

Choosing Shared or Solo Living with Unihousing

Whether you are looking for independent living in your own space, or you prefer community living with others, here at Unihousing we cater to both. With various ensuite and self-contained studios, students who want more privacy and space can benefit from our solo accommodation. For those seeking community, our shared houses and apartments could be a brilliant fit. Still unsure? Keep reading to find out more! 

Why Choose an Ensuite Student Studio?

For students looking for a more independent lifestyle, a studio could be the best fit. Our student studios showcase an open-plan living area and come fully furnished with all the essentials that students need during their stay. This includes a double bed with storage, desk area and chair, clothes storage, food prep area with fridge-freezer, ensuite bathroom and even a flatscreen TV. 

Not to mention that all utility bills and 100Mb broadband are also included in the price of rent! In a separate room, you will find a shared kitchen which is fully stocked with high-quality appliances and extra storage for dishes and food. This will also give students the option to socialise when they choose with other students in the complex.  

Our student studios also offer a great deal of privacy and are brilliant for students who want to have their own space to get away from the busy life at university. All of our properties are also within walking distance of the University of Birmingham, making travel to and from university quick and easy. 

Why Choose Shared Accommodation?

One of the brilliant parts of sharing accommodation with friends/other students is the community living that comes along with it. Having a group of people around who are going through the same thing as you, can be incredibly helpful and fun. Our student houses offer both great community areas, whilst also providing each tenant with their own private space.

These properties will include a good-sized communal kitchen which is fully fitted with appliances and storage, 1 or 2 shower rooms, a dining/living area with plenty of seating and sometimes even a patio space, making hosting and having friends over very enjoyable and easy too. Each tenant will also have their own private double bedroom, with a desk area, double bed and ample storage throughout. 

Other benefits of shared accommodation include sharing bills and splitting food costs and other household essentials too. By cooking and shopping together, you and your housemates will be able to save money and also enjoy spending time together. 

For students who have never lived away from home, being in shared accommodation could be a great way to have community and feel less lonely in a new city. You can also develop relationships with people who are experiencing the same thing as you. 

Where We Come In

Whether you are looking for solo or shared living, we are here to help you find accommodation that best suits your needs and budget. We take pride in all of our properties, as we have spent the time and effort to create spaces for students to live comfortably, without worry. With modern fittings and high-quality appliances and furnishings, our student properties are designed with students’ needs in mind.  

Find Your Ideal Student Accommodation with Unihousing

Here at Unihousing, we have some of the best properties all around Selly Oak with varying prices and sizes depending on your needs and budget.

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!

Must Try Food Hotspots in Selly Oak

Moving into a new city can be daunting when surrounded by shops and food places you may not know anything about. Or maybe you want to know the best place to eat while living near university. We’ve got you covered, with the list of our personal favourite places to eat around Selly Oak.

 

Paprika Grill

This Middle Eastern restaurant goes above and beyond with its carefully cooked saffron-infused rice and beautiful cuts of meat on skewers. Paprika Grill provides a traditional taste with a large variety that you simply can’t get elsewhere in Selly oak.

 

Yakinori

Over the past years in the UK, there has been a surge in the popularity of Japanese food and culture, with 1 in 5 adults living in the UK actively enjoy sushi and Japanese-style foods. Yakinori does it better than anywhere else with its wide range of food that’s cooked to perfection, making this place a must-try for residents of Selly Oak.

Nando’s

Based in South Africa, this restaurant became a staple food hot spot around the UK with its unique flame-grilled chicken that guarantees to provide that fiery satisfaction while still being delicious. Nando’s gives off an exotic feel as soon as you are welcomed at the door, making it a top pick for anyone living in Selly Oak.

 

COCOBAB

Within close proximity to Paprika Grill and the Dolphin Fish Bar, this Korean restaurant is quickly becoming a favourite among the community with its unique, yet familiar foods that will sure to appeal to all. While this Cocobab may be newer than most on this list, it is sure to stay with put with its fantastic foods that locals can’t get enough of.  

 

 

Ciao Bella

Looking for something sweet? Look no further, as this authentic Italian dessert shop has you covered and much more. Ciao Bella provides a range of desserts including; cakes, milkshakes, waffles, cookie dough, gelato and much more. This dessert shop is located in the heart of Selly Oak: making it the perfect spot for students looking for a treat.

 

 

Dolphin Fish Bar 

No place in the UK is complete without a fish and chip shop, and the Dolphin Fish Bar is definitely one of the best. With their beautifully cooked fish and quality chips, it's sure to be an experience for anyone trying their food for the first time. Not surprisingly, this food place has been incredibly popular for many years with their top-notch food at reasonable prices, becoming a weekly tradition for anyone in Selly Oak.

 

Choose Unihousing For Your Student Accommodation

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

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

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!