How to find the perfect student house

5 top tips to find your perfect student house

At first glance, house hunting might seem stressful, especially if you’re on the hunt for the perfect student house for you and your friends. Perhaps it’s the first adult thing you’ve had to do that wasn’t making your own beans on toast for the first time.

Sometimes life can get in the way of things you really want to tick off the to do list, but house hunting shouldn’t be one of the things you put on the backburner! Here’s our handy hints to help you with your house hunting.

Get in early

The early bird gets the worm, or the best bedroom in fact! Compared to lounging around in the common room or down the SU, getting the gang to sign their tenancy agreements might not sound like the most fun time.

However, the best time to secure a house is between November and January. You’ll have a lot more choice of student accommodation compared to the end of the year when everyone has snapped up the good houses! If you’re sold on your dream place, make sure you get your retainer down as soon as you can. You’d be surprised by how many times students get turned away because someone has beaten them to it!

Chances are, if you love a house, someone else will too. You can ask your agent if other people are looking – though at the heart of letting season, the answer will be yes.

Purple Frog has got a page on its website about how to secure your new student place, so you don’t miss out.

Shop around

You may not be a picky person, and if you have four walls and a window you’re sold on a property. However, even if you think you’ve found “the one” make sure you shop around and look at another two properties, at least. That way, you can get a feel for what is “average” for student houses and compare your new dream home with the rest on the market, before making your decision.

Your letting agent will be able to give you a choice, based around your criteria. Don’t be afraid to tell the agent exactly what you’re looking for when organising your viewings. Maybe decide the one thing that is most important to you – are you a cost-conscious saver looking for a low rent; 24-hour party person who needs to be near the nightlife; or a reluctant traveller who wants to be as close to the university as possible?

Be nosey

The saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ has never been more correct in this scenario. Would you get married to someone who you’ve only seen a selfie of? Probably not, so don’t slap a deposit down without at least taking a look around!

Make sure you have a proper look at the amenities on offer: what’s the mattress like? Is the boiler new? Does the shower work? How far away is the university? Where’s the nearest supermarket? I’m sure you’d rather ask the questions now than when you’re running late for university and you can’t remember how to turn the hot water on…

When you book a viewing, write up your list of questions to ask the agent beforehand. That way you’ll know you are asking all of the questions you want to. Your agent will be happy to answer them!

Get your bearings

Especially if you’ve never been in the area before, it’s a good to get to grips with the neighbourhood before you potentially move in. Perhaps ask your potential neighbours what the street is like or, if you know who they are, maybe ask the tenants living there now? Whilst you’re scoping out the area, check how local your new potential pad is to bus stops and train stations, supermarkets, emergency services and of course your university!

Get everything in writing

It may seem excessive to have a copy of everything, but it could come in handy when it comes to moving out of your home.

Keep any records of documents you have signed and written evidence of any agreements. Purple Frog will make sure that you are sent copies of all the documents you need, including your tenancy agreement, the Gas Safety Certificate and inventory. There’s also information on things like how your deposit is protected and things you can do through your tenancy to make sure you keep your deposit.

And of course…

On the less serious side of things, having a group chat with your flatmates  will help when it comes to agreeing on your tenancy, organising who buys what and debating who’s turn it is to brave taking the bins out…

If you need advice on finding the right place, you can always speak to one of the Purple Frog team.