The question of where to live at university is one that most students will have to face during their course.
Young undergraduates across the UK have traditionally gravitated to privately owned student houses in their second year. However, research by consumer publication Which has revealed sharp regional disparities in how soon first year ‘fresher’ students start thinking about second-year accommodation.
There are, therefore, a few important factors to consider if you are an undergraduate considering your future accommodation needs, and specifically when you should ideally start your search.
Thinking ahead
Many undergraduates will already be thinking about where they will live in their second year as soon as they have settled into year one.
‘Fresher’ students starting their degree often live in halls of residence and build intense relationships with the people down their corridor and, as such, close bonds will develop.
Unless someone has the means or willingness to live alone, they will usually turn to trusted friends to share ‘digs’ in year two (although deciding on exactly whom may be a sensitive topic for those excluded from immediate social circles).
There will be natural nervousness about ensuring the property is the right one in terms of comfort, hygiene, affordability, safety and proximity to the university.
Factors to consider early on also include the number of bedrooms, specific personal needs, space requirements, the most suitable type of accommodation for the number of people sharing and each tenant’s personal budget allowance.
It is important to initiate honest and candid discussions about each of these in order to avoid any awkwardness at a later stage. In many instances, it will be the first shared flat or house students have ever lived in outside of the family home.
Which’s research took a sample of 3,000 students and identified early planning as a common characteristic amongst students living in university cities and towns in the South West, Wales and the East Midlands. This usually takes place as early as the autumn, whereas in London, with more housing to choose from, many students leave it until February or March.
According to Save the Student’s National Student Accommodation Survey in 2023, a quarter of students started looking for flats or houses before December.
Why so early?
With limited housing stock and rising rents, competition for accommodation is fierce, resulting in a race to land the best properties or most affordable rents.
Most students will strive to finalise their second-year accommodation plans before the start of the new year academic term. This is why it is critical you start your search early to find the best deals.
Make full use of property comparison websites and, as soon as one comes up that matches your collective requirements, set up an immediate visit. Landlords and letting agents for student-oriented accommodation publicise vacancies early on for the next academic year, and will be only too happy to arrange viewings.
When is best?
The autumn may seem early, but October or November is actually a great time to start viewing properties, and you should be on the lookout for occasional ‘early bird’ discounts.
If you leave it until January, many of the best properties will have gone. The longer you leave it, the less desirable your eventual home will be in terms of cost, quality or ever further distance from the campus, meaning costly journeys, and physical and psychological detachment from university life.
A late search may lead to panicky decisions for students living in increasing fear of homelessness. In such a situation, it is important to stay cool.
Whilst it may be tricky to find a whole house by the spring, some students may still require an extra tenant to take over a contract and help reduce the shared bills. Occasionally, tenants drop out or fall out, can no longer afford student life or transfer to other universities.
Anticipating other expenses
Once you have secured that house and signed contracts, be aware that that is not the end of the matter. You will need to work out each utility bill and how you will share them with the other housemates.
Contacting multiple energy providers can create serious stress of its own, and there are now online bill-splitting services available to help students to reduce hassle With these, you can customise your utility package of gas, electricity and water, plus broadband, and even your TV licence into one bundle – and, therefore, one bill per month.
So, don’t hang around. Here at Bed Student Rentals, we offer student accommodation in Chester city centre, so reach out today.
Written by Kate
