Everyone dreams of their ideal life, graduating from a well-reputed foreign university and posing with a bunch of friends across international borders. Few passionate people like you turn it into reality. As you sit with the offer letter in your hand all geared up to make your mark in the world, pat yourself on the back. You have earned it!
Well, if you thought that was the hardest part, you are bound for some unpleasant surprises. As you check off things in the pre-moving list, you will realize that finding student housing near University is a tough row to hoe. Though well-known Universities like the University of Nottingham, the University of Leeds, and the University of London have affordable student accommodations nearby, international students often find it hard to keep up with all the research and paperwork. To save you from the hassle, we bring to you the essential tips to consider while moving to a new place that you can call home.
● Start early
The first thing to do once you have the admission letter is to ensure a secure and friendly place to stay. Do your research in advance and get a confirmation on the housing at least two months in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. Keep an eye on different sites and Facebook pages and be up to date about different student accommodation near University since properties are added and removed frequently.
● Know your housing options
Research about the different options for student housing like University dorms, private student hostels, homestay, and more. Learn about each in detail and choose what fits you best. Student dorms are great for getting to know more people and for easy access to libraries and other facilities on campus. However, If you can’t compromise on your privacy, moving to private housings either alone or with friends would be a better option.
● Take a tour of the house
Once you shortlist a student accommodation, you can make an appointment to view the house before finalizing it. A friend or a relative who is local can also do it on your behalf through ‘Skype viewing’ is an option these days. If the place already has residents who will be your prospective housemates, they would have a say in whether to accommodate you or not. You can also find housemates online through relevant sites or social media pages.
● Enquire about sublet options
Subletting refers to the tenant leasing the property to another person. This means you can take over someone else’s lease for some months till you find a suitable place to move in. This option is two-fold: First, you can have a backup option with first-hand knowledge of the place to look for better options. Second, you can sublet your place when you are away, and therefore do not have to pay the rent. Learn the possibility and rules regarding this.
● Have all the documents ready
Make a list of all the official documents and transcripts you may need—passport, valid visa, passport-sized photos, proof of permanent address, recent bank statements—and make sure you have them prepared. In some cities, you need a guarantor for renting an apartment. A guarantor is a person who agrees to cover your rent payment if you fail to pay on time. Preferably a homeowner, it should be someone you can trust; be very clear of all the conditions and formalities.
● Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
Read all the clauses carefully before you sign a contract and clarify any doubts you may have regarding the tenure of stay, renewal of the contract, payment obligations, damage covers, the possibility of subletting, maintenance, waste disposal, allowance of pets and visitors, timings, or vehicle parking. Have all the official intimations either via email or on paper; keep a copy of the rental agreement with you. Landlords demand a security deposit in the starting to be returned if you leave the place undisrupted. Be aware of the extra expenses—TV cable, kitchen items, washing tools, furniture, or linen—which the rent does not cover.
● Cross-check the inventory while moving in
An inventory is a detailed list of available goods in the property. Use this as a checklist to cross-check all the goods in the apartment when you move in, and immediately report if you spot anything missing. Test the switches, the locks, geyser, heating devices, oven, bathroom tap, smoke detectors, stove, refrigerator, and take note of any repairing or polishing works to be done, along with proof of your claims. Ensure you know how to proceed in case of any future damage.
● Stay away from frauds
According to the latest reports, UK finance lost a total of 16.2 million pounds to housing scams. In big cities like the UK, you must be extra vigilant when it comes to student housings and hence secure your booking through trusted accommodation providers in the UK. Refrain from providers who provide vague descriptions and demand money in advance. Make sure the address is valid by doing a Google search. Do not pay anything in cash; always have an online transaction that can be tracked with the option to cancel the transaction in case of any doubts.
● Turn it into a home
Finally, a home is where you long to come back to every day. Give the room a personal touch with plants, polaroid pictures, paintings, cozy bedding, warm lamps, and anything that turns it into a home. You can rely on thrift stores for some cheap yet pretty decors to add to the vibe.
Because the HRDP is a strategic initiative, we carefully consider each bid for its impact and alignment with both the HRDP’s overarching plan and our country’s human rights agenda
How can Amberstudent help you?
We at AmberStudent are devoted to giving you the best experience and option for student accommodation worldwide because we apprehend its value. We have upgraded ourselves continuously with the COVID policies and would be more than eager to assist you in those.
