No Place Like Home...

Is finding a house a quiet surburban walk or a battle?

No matter where you are in your university career, there is bound to be something that panics you when choosing a house. Last year, as a slightly ignorant fresher, we avoided the university advice not to rush in. We went to see four houses and picked the nicest (and most luxurious) one. It was also the most expensive one. Though I don’t regret picking the house as it is lovely, it must be said that there are properties with just the same luxury and comfort but for a much more reasonable price. This year I have been much more careful when choosing my house, wanting to pick something nice, yet affordable.

So here are some useful tips for what to look for in a student house:

1) Good housemates:

This might seem obvious but you will be spending the next year living in a house with them so don’t let yourself be led into living with people that you just don’t want to or that you barely know. Try to live with a house of four or five friends so you have a happy and stress-free year.

2) Not too expensive:

I’m not saying pick the cheapest house you can find as you will end up in a house with every wall being a different colour and having your living room in the conservatory and freezing prospects of a Yorkshire winter!

Pick a house that is a reasonable price but still works for you. Most students that I have spoken to have houses between the £65-68 pppw which seems reasonable. Also don’t forgot to ask whether the price includes any utilities as this can also be very helpful. If you aren’t going to use your house over the summer it might be worthwhile to look for a later let to save money over the summer. Afterall, we always need alcohol money!

3) That it has everything you need:

Some letting agents don’t supply things like TVs, hoovers, ironing boards, etc, so it's best to ask what belongs and what doesn’t when you go on a viewing. You don’t want to have to buy in everything for the house.

4) Ignore the mess:

When you are looking around the house, don’t be put off by the mess current tenants. We are all students after all! A little mess is expected. Instead, take note of room size and appliances and things that will stay after the tenants have moved out.

5) Ask questions:

If the current tenants are in the house during your viewing and you want to know something then don’t be afraid to ask. They will probably be willing to help. Ask whether the house is too cold or warm, whether they have had any major problems with the house. The more you know, the easier your decision will be between houses.

6) That its close to both uni and town:

It's always more preferable to have a house that is close to uni for those painful 9.15 lectures. It is also nice to have a house fairly near to town or near a bus stop to town.

7) Take pictures:

It’s very hard to remember everything you have seen if you are viewing four or five houses at once. Don’t forget to take a camera. Take pictures of each room as you go through the house (and possibly of the front door so you don’t get confused between houses). If you are feeling really organised it might be helpful to make some sort of checklist which covers the number of single to double beds, ensuites, to note down the pros and cons of the house.

Once you have looked at a few houses, sit down with your housemates, look through the photos and deliberate over lots of wine/beer/epic amounts of vodka and pizza. Although be warned, if you snooze, you will lose...

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