The house hunting frenzy is part of student life. In university areas, properties come and go in the blink of an eye. But this doesn’t mean you have to settle for the first property you see. Don’t become one of the many students who believe their home is not worth it. To find the right place, check out our 10 student accommodation tips below.

Private Rental Is More Flexible

Living in a university hall sounds tempting, but it can be daunting. You don’t get to choose your room or flatmates and might have to get used to a constantly noisy environment.

Renting from an agency or private landlord can be affordable if you share the accommodation with some mates; you get to choose who you live with and can set your own household rules before moving in.

Check Out The Condition Of The Property

One of the main mistakes you can do when looking for accommodation is not checking out the condition of the property.

Even if it looks nice overall, don’t be afraid to check if there are leaks under the sink or mold in the bathroom.

Also, check the kitchen cabinets and look for pest infestation signs such as droppings, slug trails, or traps.

3. Consider The Location

The property might be awesome, but if it’s located inconveniently, you’ll start hating it sooner than you’d expect.

Transport and amenities should be your biggest concerns.

Ideally, you should leave within a short distance from a bus or underground station and have at least a grocery store nearby.

4. Don’t Overlook Security And Safety

If all’s well up to this point, check out the neighbourhood.

Signing an agreement for cheaper accommodation could be tempting, but it’s definitely not worth it if you have to live in a poorly rated area.

5. Always Check the Appliances

Before you sign any tenancy agreement, make sure to check what appliances are included in the price.

Don’t be afraid to ask the agent or landlord what white goods will remain at the property once the current tenants vacate it.

6. Also, Check The Water Supply

There is nothing worse than the poor water pressure in a household full of students.

That’s why you should check it before agreeing to the tenancy. Besides the taps, also check the toilet flush, as well as the presence of any leaks.

7. Ask About Insulation

Energy bills can take up a good share of your student budget.

That’s why you should make sure that the house is well insulated.

Some essentials are double glazed windows and secure doors, alongside a good heating system.

8. Get An Inventory

The golden rule of visiting a property is asking for an inventory.

Keep in mind that furniture, white goods, and even some fixtures may belong to the current tenants, and it’s a good idea to know beforehand what will stay when they leave.

9. Be Cautious Of The Freebies

Some landlords may offer free TV or included bills, but that’s often a trick to rent the property at a higher price.

Check out the prices in your area and compare the costs to make sure you’re really scoring a deal.

10. Talk Finance

If everything convinces you, talk finance as quickly as possible.

Go into every detail with your agent or landlord, and make sure that all your financial duties and obligations – as well as any included freebies – are clearly mentioned in your tenancy agreement.