If you are a student moving away from home into rented accommodation, it can be an exciting and overwhelming prospect at the same time, and there is a lot to consider when choosing the right home for the next 12 months.
University students and parents often believe that student accommodation is financially and socially the most beneficial option, but do not consider the pros of private student housing.
Here we provide further information about renting a private house and what the pros of private student accommodation can be.
What is private housing?
A property owned by a landlord – either by an individual or a property company – which is then let to tenants. Usually, the tenants will work with an estate agency, who is acting on behalf of the landlord, or directly with the individual landlord.
Costs/ budgeting:
Living in private housing could lead to utility bills being cheaper, as you have the flexibility to set your bills to reflect how much you roughly use. Your supplier will help you find the right package based on an individual's daily usage.
Living with your friends can also cut the costs of bills and helps when budgeting. Remember too that full-time students are exempt from council tax, but you must let your council know that you are an eligible student for this to avoid receiving a bill you weren’t expecting.
For some of our properties for University students, bills are included in the rent. Isn't that a relief! You will not have to worry about finding the cheapest energy supplier or great deals on broadband, just your rent!
Location:
When first looking for properties, it's natural to be attracted by the low prices for student housing and get carried away booking viewings, but if the property is miles away from campus you will spend a sum of your money on travel and time on the commute alone.
It may take a toll on your social life as your friends may not want to travel the long distance, and you may feel left out on the spontaneous nightlife. Also, with your University schedule, you will need all the time you have.
Often there will be private student accommodation available to rent within close proximity to university campuses, shops, and nightlife all within different price ranges.
It only takes the right search, and of course your local Your Move branch will be able to help.
Who you will be living with:
The unsettling feeling of not knowing who you will be living with can be scary. Moving into university-managed student halls, you'll have to play roommate roulette, and it can be difficult if you end up stuck with a bad roommate.
Moving into private student accommodation means you have the freedom to live by yourself or choose who and how many people you would like to live with.
Quality of private student accommodation:
The quality of private student homes for rent has changed throughout the years. Many landlords offer a modern, secure, and homely feel compared to the often more sterile environment when living in student halls.
You can often find properties with a lot more character, and you could also have the freedom to decorate your house to your liking (subject to the landlords approval).
And why not take a look at our special Guide to Student Accommodation? This provides a great step by step guide to renting as a student and could help you in finding your perfect pad for the next year, or even more.
Find your perfect Private Student Accommodation
The Your Move Content Marketing Team
