Securing the right accommodation can have a major impact on your university experience though, so be prepared and start your search early.
Find out how to get organised, where to look and what to keep in mind with our handy guide.
Know your options
After first year, when the majority of students live in university-owned halls, there are various different options available to you. From rented, shared accommodation in private housing to living in the increasingly popular private halls, it is important to consider what will work best for you.
If you’re looking for a bit more independence, renting a property with a group of friends could be the best option. However, beware of a few potential pitfalls. It is essential to rent from a reputable estate agent. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for students to face complications with landlords when it comes to paying the bills and fixing repairs. Make sure you ask your university or students’ union for a list of recommendations if you’re unsure.
If you don’t feel comfortable signing contracts for shared accommodation or keeping on top of your bills, private halls are the ideal solution. The great thing about living in halls is that all the paperwork is handled for you, meaning you can cut out on any potential problems from landlords or letting agencies.
Work out your budget
Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, certain options may not be practical. If money is tight, living by yourself is obviously not the most sensible option. Don’t forget all the hidden costs from bills, including internet, TV licence and every student’s nightmare: the central heating.
Teaming up with friends for a shared rental allows you to split the bills and potentially save some money. You need to keep in mind the initial admin costs though which really can add up, as well as any damages that may incur a hefty bill from your landlord.
Some areas of the country are notorious for poor student rental experiences, so if that’s something you are worrying about, private halls might be the perfect match. Dispelling the myth that private halls are super pricey, there are plenty of affordable options in many major cities across the country. These student housing companies often take care of your bills for you, also providing a nice little internet package included in the price of your rent.
Pick the people
Avoid those petty arguments about whose dirty dishes have been on the side for the past week by carefully picking the people you want to live with. There’s no denying that student properties can get a little bit on the messy side, so try to avoid this by ensuring that the people you want to live with will all abide by house rules.
Choosing your friends early on can be scary though. Often the start of the new calendar year is when students secure their accommodation for second year, and if you’re still not feeling settled or haven’t built a strong friendship circle yet, this can be daunting.
Private halls have a fun community vibe which can offer a great way to meet new people and make some amazing friends. This is also a bonus if you’ve been living at home for your first year and are looking to move closer to the university for their second year.
Check the location
You may have found the ideal house share or flat but if it’s miles away from campus it will make that morning commute to lectures a bit harder. Whether you’re at university in one of the UK’s major cities or somewhere slightly smaller you’ll need to know your way around.
For those with a fear of missing out who like to be in the middle of things, private rentals are normally situated close by the university. If you’re looking to save on costs, living a bit outside the centre may help but you’ll need to make sure there are strong transport links to get you in on time.
It’s also worth thinking about the positioning of the property. If you’re a light sleeper or you’re easily distracted, you might not want to live somewhere that’s on a busy and noisy main road or close to train tracks.
Check out the local area too. You’ll regret not having a supermarket just down the road when you run out of milk or bread in the morning.
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Top 10 Tips & Tricks...
FOR MAKING A MOVE SIMPLE
5 hacks for dressing your house to sell1) Define your rooms
Rooms are more appealing to buyers if they have a specific purpose. Make sure each room is set for its designated purpose – if it’s a three-bedroom house make sure it is just that, as bedrooms add more value to properties than studies or store rooms.
2) De-clutter and clean
Clutter can make your home seem small and disorganised, so de-cluttering will help buyers to visualise how the house will look when they’ve moved in. Minimise lotions and potions in the bathroom, put excess clothes away, thin out books on the bookcase and clear surfaces in the kitchen. Then it’s time to give everything a thorough clean and light some scented candles to make your home even more inviting.
3) Natural colours
Most buyers prefer natural colours to bold tones as they can make a room feel brighter and more spacious. Splashes of colour can be added with accessories and the right lighting can also help to enhance the space.
4) Make an impression
First impressions really do count. You can maximise your home’s kerb appeal by making sure there is no litter in the front garden, pathways are clear and the front door is painted. Plant pots can add a splash of colour and you can always take them with you when you go. The hallway is equally important – a mirror can make it look bigger and create that wow-factor as people cross the threshold.
5) Do those DIY jobs
If there are DIY jobs that you’ve been putting off for ages, start working your way through them. Dripping taps, broken blinds, peeling paint and squeaky hinges are all off-putting to buyers and can be fixed quickly and easily.
Five hacks for packing and moving1) Separate the essentials
Pack an overnight bag for each family member and use a clear plastic box to keep your daily essentials together (kettle, mugs, teabags etc) so you can access them easily during and after the move.
2) Label Label Label
Buy a pack of parcel labels in different sizes, colour coded if you’re really serious, and label every box with the room and main contents. You can also use labels on chargers and cables to remember what goes with which device, as well as labelling items that are to be donated to charity, binned or sold.
3) Invest in good boxes
Decent boxes can be used time and time again, folded down or used to keep your loft tidy. So buying good quality boxes is always a solid investment. You may even be able to source these for free from shops but make sure they’re strong and not too large otherwise you won’t be able to move them once they’re full.
4) Save bags of time when packing clothes
Save time when packing your wardrobe contents by keeping all of your clothes on their hangers and placing a tie top bin bag over the bottom. You can then tie the tops around the hangers and your clothes are ready to be hung up as soon as they are in the new house.
5) Ask your friends and family for help and offer a ‘reward’
While moving can be stressful, having friends and family to help can actually make it fun. And if you sweeten the deal, perhaps with the offer of a takeaway at the end of it, you may find you have even more willing volunteers.
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5 Decorating Tips for Renters!
Here are our top five ways to make your rental property feel more like home, where the only limitations are your imagination!
1. Removable wallpaper
Who knew removable wallpaper was a thing!
Easy to apply, remove, reposition, and reuse without leaving damage or residue, contact paper is a top tool for any renter wanting to jazz up their home. Available in a never-ending selection of colours, styles and patterns. Either use it to cover entire walls, or get creative and use it to add simple accents.
If you’re fed up of your housemates conveniently forgetting whose turn it is to do the washing up this week, chalkboard versions are also available!
2. Washi tape
This little Japanese gem is a must-have tool for every creative renter out there.
Super cheap and available in all the colours of the rainbow, it’s easy to remove and re-apply without leaving adhesive residue or destroying the surface it has been applied to.
3. Wall Stickers/Decals
Add movement with a tree, or show off your playful side with a wall decal. Unlike some of the other rental-friendly decorating ideas out there, these are a great option if creativity isn’t your strong point as all you need to do is figure out where you want to position your sticker.
4. Fabric
If you’re fond of texture, you could also try using fabric as an alternative wall covering that will also be super hard wearing. There are endless step-by-step tutorials out there explaining how you can create this look yourself, otherwise you can also purchase pre-adhesed version as well.
5. Command hooks
Last but by no means least, Command hooks are an item every renter should have at hand.
Easy to put up and take down, use these nifty hooks to hang your towels, bathrobes, coats and bags without the need for nails or screws. Genius!
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Check out this hidden little gem!
If you paid a visit to the quaint town of Bridgenorth in Shropshire, you’d find a bustling riverside town with a traditional market, cobbled lanes, some great afternoon tea locations and even a little funicular.
But tucked away down a side street, this two bedroom terrace home has come up for sale and has been causing quite a stir!
On the market for £199,950, what looks like a simple two bedroom home from the outside offers a pleasant surprise once you walk through the door. The description claims, “Dracup’s Cottage is a simply unique home that must be seen to be believed,” and we’re certainly first in line to get a taste of this stunning and elaborately designs interior!
Entering the home into the lounge, you then walk through the kitchen and utility room, then into ‘Dracup’s Cave’. With orate pillars and arches, the room is currently used as a lounge and dining area. What would you do with this space?
The rest of the home is decorated in beautiful and elaborate patterns, giving the whole property a sense of imagination and fairytales! And to top it off, check out the garden, set over several layered balconies.
This home’s space and traditional features stand it apart from anything we’ve seen in a long time – so why not take the plunge and get yourself a Hobbit-style pad now?
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Running you family home & saving money
Kitchen
How many times have you wasted food this year? Whether it’s the soggy salad you’ve forgotten about at the back of the fridge or a loaf of bread that’s gone mouldy, it’s easy to throw away food without thinking about it. But this can add up.
Love Food Hate Waste found out by making the most of the food you already have the average family with children can save around £700 a year – an amount not to be sniffed at.
Remember, the freezer is your friend – if you’re not going to use something freeze it to be used later. Meal planning, correct storage and knowing your date labels can also help. Use-by dates must be adhered to for safety, but best-by dates indicate food quality, not safety, so you can still eat food after this date although it may not be at its best.
Food waste is even more pressing at this time of year. Always think of what you can do with leftovers before you throw anything away.
Living room
Have you switched your phone or broadband deal yet? You can make great savings this way. Take a look at Ofcom accredited switching sites such as broadband.co.uk and Broadband choices for an overview of your options.
If you’re considering switching, phone your supplier first and ask for your MAC code. This code lets you switch suppliers easily and quickly, and you’ll probably find once you ask for this code you’ll be transferred to the retention department and may find you’re offered discounts or other special deals to stay.
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Should you do removals yourself?
Removals isn’t rocket science and many people opt to do it themselves rather than hire a professional removals firm to move furniture and other household items to a new home or self-storage. The question is, is it worth doing it yourself?
Which option you go for is likely to be determined by the amount of belongings you have to move and how far you have to move them.
If you have the contents of a whole house to move, it’s likely you’ll go for option 1. If you have a smaller property or flat, or are in furnished rented property you may prefer option 2 or 3. Whichever option you are taking, if you have enough notice about moving there is one thing you can do that could save you time and money – have a good sort out! There is no point in paying for space in a removal van (or self storage unit if having to store short term between moves) only to get to your new property and immediately throw things away. Clear that garage, loft and garden shed before you get your quotations. Now a couple of important questions to ask yourself if you’re still not sure about which removals route to go down.
Q1 – Can I fit everything in the one van?
The answer will of course depend on the size of the van, but to be sure about what fits, you need to be clear about how much stuff you have and also have an idea about how to pack it. A 12ft x 12ft room full of furniture and belongings does not require transport or storage of the same proportions. Things can be boxed or stacked. If using a removal company the number of rooms you have will help them estimate the size and number of vehicles required.
Q2 – How far do I have to travel?
Can the removals be completed in one journey? If you’re travelling a long distance and you’re moving yourself it’s not likely to be cost effective if you have to make multiple journeys, but may be achievable if you’re only moving a few streets away. For removal companies, the distance you are moving will factor in any quotation given.
Q3 – Have I got anyone to help me?
This may be relevant if using a removal company and will depend on the service option you have taken. But if moving yourself it’s quite important. What if things don’t quite fit? Is it worth the cost of another van or trip, or can friends or family members take the overflow? In terms of time, a few friends helping could be the difference between the ability to move yourself or not and could save time and money.
Q4 – Is insurance included?
When using a removal company there should be a level of insurance cover for your belongings included but check the small print. Exactly what is covered? Does it matter where (if any) the damage occurs; in transit or while being unloaded etc. If you have valuables, is the level of insurance cover provided enough? If moving yourself or using a man with a van, is there any insurance at all? Will your existing house contents insurance cover your move?
Q5 – Will I need storage?
This may seem an odd question as we’re talking about removals but with more people self building there is often a need to store some house contents. People take some of their belongings to a rented property while storing the rest until the new property is completed. In addition, we are finding that more people are not willing to risk losing the sale of their existing property if they can’t find their dream home. More and more people move into smaller rented accommodation while continuing their search.
Once you’ve decided on which removals option you are going to take, make sure you avoid damage by packing and transporting your belongings safely!
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The best times to move house
When looking to move house here are a few tips you might need!
The best days of the week to move are during the middle week — from Monday to Thursday — most people plan their moves for the weekend. When they are not working. This is especially true with do-it-yourself movers who rent their own vans.
Try to avoid moving on a weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays). The reason being most people tend to move on weekends when they are not working. That means movers already have plenty of reservations on those days, so you’ll have a difficult time reserving a haulage company. Even if you make the reservation ahead of time you’ll be paying more than you would on other less popular days.
The best day of the month to move is mid month (on or around the 15th). There are typically no major holidays during that time. Fewer people moving means better prices and more services & supplies available to you when you need them most.
The worst day of the month to move is on the 1st of the month. This is typically when everyone else will want to move. Most people try to make the most of their money by living out their lease until the last day.vHowever, if you move a week early, you will save money by getting a better deal on your moving supplies and a haulage van.
If you can move during the winter, when few people are moving, you will save the most money and have the most resources available to you. However, the choice is all yours.
Be different and go against the grain, it will work in your favour!
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Reasons why buyers prefer a new home vs used
Design Your Dream Home Your Way:
Why settle for someone else's choices when you can select your favorite cabinets, countertops, appliances, carpets and flooring? While you're at it, you can choose gorgeous bath and kitchen fixtures, lighting and other options that you love. Your new home will reflect your style, not someone else's taste it's a win win situation.
Choose a Floor Plan and Room Layout that Meets Your Needs:
Want a master bedroom on the first floor? It's all yours. With massive his and her's walk-in closets? Done! Want high ceilings and a luxurious, resort-style master bath? Perhaps you'd like a sitting room with a fireplace! It's easy, when you build your way.
It's Low Maintenance:
Building a house from scratch can be tough to begin with but once thats out of the way you should be in for an easy ride! Today's new homes have open floor plans and high ceilings that reflect the way we live today. They're also made of cutting-edge building products that require less care and maintenance. Another plus? The latest building systems and components are designed and engineered to work together. Ultimately leading to less problems and lower cost!
A used home was someone else's dream, but not yours. It reflects their choices and family memories, not yours. You may learn to love those pink peace appliances (and you may be willing to scrub stained countertops or grease-encrusted ovens and cooktops)!
All in all, new homes offer the latest design, equipment and comfort, something you can tailor to suit your individual taste and needs, it would be all yours.
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A few reasons as to why...
YOU SHOULD BUY A NEW BUILD!
Your home will be green, clean and more eco-friendly
Developers are beginning to construct new build homes to help the outside whilst you stay cosy on the inside. With rising concerns about climate change and preserving local wildlife, developers are forced to conduct an environmental study of any possible construction site to evaluate any impact on surrounding nature and wildlife. Also with the introduction of tougher regulations, new build homes are 60% more energy efficient than period homes. Features such as solar panels and insulation are essential to ensure that energy is sustainable and that warm air is kept inside, meaning a much lower energy bill for the happy homeowner!
Your home will be stylish and affordable
With new build homes come new, up to date features. Being able to observe the structural problems of period homes, developers have been able to cover all angles to create luxurious yet practical abodes. Hayman's new builds are build so that you can make the most out of the space you have making it a social environment to be in.
Your home will be in a great location with connection to great transport links on your doorstep
When looking for a new home, it’s important that we stay connected with friends and family no matter how far away they may be. Many new build homes are designed to accommodate and eradicate the hassles that are put upon commuters by developing sites close to easy transport links. Mansfield Woodhouse train station is less than a 10 minute walk and operates a regular direct service to the centres of Nottingham, Worksop, Lincoln, Grantham and Loughborough.
Now we know that us Brits are a nation obsessed with period properties – the character, the fireplaces, the bay windows – but as we’ve shown with the reasons above, buying a new home has some serious advantages! Especially for home hunters who may be struggling to buy on the open market, new build properties offer a viable and affordable alternative to period homes and you can put your own touch on them, they're like a blank canvas, with high quality of the fixtures and fittings, coupled with the significant savings on energy bills, should convince more and more people to explore their options when it comes to buying new homes.
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