Finding the perfect property

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Accommodation Tips

So it's the start of college and you're ready to take the big step of moving into your own place. The prospect of independence and meeting new people have you counting down the days until the dream become a reality. While it is undoubtedly an exciting time in your life there are a few things you should know before you sign that lease to ensure the dream does not becomes a nightmare.

1) Finding a house / apartment

Make sure you find a place near your college. Our Daft search box here on stuff4students can help you with this. If the trip is too far, those rainy Monday mornings in bed will become too hard to resist. Also, if you can nip home quickly this can save money on lunches and bus fare. It is important to remember that first years in most colleges have bigger gaps in their timetable. So you might have more free time during the day.

When viewing the property online make sure to look for the following on the listing:

Furnished

Parking

Electric or Gas (Ensuring the bill starts from the time you rent)

Internet access

Dryer

Dishwasher

Microwave

Alarm

2) Once you make an appointment

Have a good look around and do a little stress test. Turning on the taps, heat and ensure the cabinet doors are secure.

Discuss the rent and when it is due. Make sure to have a specific date and request a date that suits you. (Just after you’re paid or which ever date suits your parents.)

Don't be afraid to haggle. If you look at similar places you can get a sence of the price in that area and see if someone will beat a local price. If you don't ask you'll never know.

Ask about bin charges are they included and if not how much? This will come out of your budget. (Might mean a Spar roll or two less)

Have a look at the property at night as well. This way you will be able to see how well lit the area is.

Ask for an inventory list

Print off the advert if you can and bring it with you. Make sure that all is described as it was in the advert. Use it as a check list and write questions you plan to ask as well.

3) Sharing an accommodation

If you're planning to share you can use our Daft search box here on stuff4students or contact the college about shared accommodation. Some handy tips are:

Get the Landlord's full name and address and give him/her a call to make sure that he knows you are sub renting a room

Meet all your new potential flatmates first before you decide to take the room

Pay the booking deposit by a traceable method such as a cheque or a bank draft

Agree to pay the deposit at the property you are renting and check that the keys fit

Discuss the bills, when they will be taken over and what the average amount is

Look at the bedroom, if you are sharing a bathroom ask with how many

Get a landline number as well as a mobile number (if possible)

4) Careful of those bills!

Once you have moved out of home, it will soon become very clear why your parents were obsessed with turning off lights and other electrical appliances. Well fear not, we can give you a rough guide to how much you should expect to pay. Click here to read Value Vera top-tips to make sure your first electricity bill does not give you a real shock.

Also, for more information on accommodation and student finance, please take a look at

PTRB is the Private Residential Tenancies Board. TMS (Tenancy Management System) is the online service provided by the Registrations section of the Private Residential Tenancies Board to Landlords and Agents acting on behalf of Landlords.

5) Finally

Make sure you're happy with your lease and read it in full before signing it. Also, why not use our budget planner here on stuff4students to see what your budget will look like when you take into account all of your expenses. After all you don't want to run out of money during freshers week ;)

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