7 Things You Should Look for Before Renting Student Accommodation

1. 7 Things You Should Look for Before Renting Student Accommodation

2. Here at Ocxee, we are your one-stop-shop if you are looking to study abroad, and we have put together some tips and tricks you need to know before you decide which accommodation is right for you.

3. One of the most stressful parts about moving to the UK to study is finding the right accommodation to suit you and your needs. • It is extremely difficult to know how you are going to feel about a place until you visit it, and often you won’t see it until it’s moving-in day, if you live abroad. • There are also other hidden factors about student accommodation that you might not even have considered, such as fees, location, and contracts.

4. Here at Ocxee, we are your one-stop-shop if you are looking to study abroad, and we have put together some tips and tricks you need to know before you decide which accommodation is right for you. • Don’t worry, we will be here for you every step of the way – we just want to give you a little head start to make sure you can find the perfect place to call home whilst you are studying.

5. Types of Property • One of the first things that you will need to decide on is the type of property you would like to live in – and there are so many options!!

6. Halls of Residence – This is accommodation usually reserved for first year students and can either be catered or self-catered. Halls can be located on or off the campus, and they are a basic room with a bed and a desk to study at. You will normally have to share a bathroom, and if you are self-catered there is a shared kitchen space as well. • Shared flat – usually used by second or third years, these are flats that you share with other friends and students.

7. Solo flat – if you really want your privacy and your budget will allow it, you can opt for renting a full flat on your own. There are a lot of options out there, including student bedsits if you want to keep costs low. House Share – Here you rent a room in another house that has a spare room, either with other students or professionals – the perfect option if you are not sure who you want to live with! Whether you are looking for private student accommodation in Bristol for a bit of privacy, or you are thinking of shared student accommodation in Leeds city centre, Ocxee has a wide range of rooms and flats for you to choose from.

8. Contract • A contract agreement is something that every tenant must sign, and it will outline the guidelines and rules surrounding your rental.

9. These should be followed strictly by both the tenant and landlord, and you need to make sure that you read it carefully a few times and ask for a copy to keep. • You don’t want to sign for your new Leeds university student accommodation and then find out that you aren’t allowed to stay over the holidays! Make sure that you understand what you are agreeing to, and if you aren’t comfortable with the rules you will need to look for somewhere else.

10. Location • You need to research carefully and make sure that your new accommodation is ideally located. You will want somewhere that is close to the university (or that has good transport links!) so you don’t have to worry about being late to lectures. • Other factors to think about include if there are any bars and restaurants nearby, and the area that you are living in. • You don’t want to choose somewhere that is not student friendly in case you are keeping odd hours due to studying or socialising and end up with angry neighbours!

11. Security • Unfortunately, student areas are highly targeted by burglars who see student accommodation as easy pickings. • A great location would be near public areas such as in the city centre as this will put off potential robbers. • Many of our student accommodation in Leeds city centre and all over the UK come with lockers and sometimes on-site security to make sure that your belongings are safe and sound. • Some quick research and reviews from previous tenants will help to give you a better idea of the security in your chosen area, and don’t be afraid to ask if you need any help!

12. Is it legit? • You have all heard the horror stories of international students paying deposits etc and then turning up and it has all been a con. • Sometimes they have been sublet illegally or the worst-case scenario – the accommodation doesn’t even exist! • Make sure that you do your research properly, and if you can have someone visit on your behalf if you can’t get over before your big move. • Don’t worry, all the private student accommodation in Bristol (and the rest of the UK) that we advertise have all been vetted carefully and are trusted and reputable student rentals.

13. Don’t worry, all the private student accommodation in Bristol (and the rest of the UK) that we advertise have all been vetted carefully and are trusted and reputable student rentals.

14. Quick Tips for Student Accommodation • Start looking early – the time slot for getting student accommodation is normally extremely small, and you will want to make sure that you have the best chance at getting the place that you want. Do you research early so you are not panicking, and make sure you keep an eye on our website, so you don’t miss out!

15. Research all your options – while you might think that you want a certain type of Leeds University accommodation (or wherever you have been accepted to study), but you may not know all the options. Try reading our other blog – Impact of accommodation environment on students’ mental health and wellbeing – for more tips and make sure you are certain of your accommodation before you sign anything.

16. Check the inventory before moving in – make sure that your landlord gives you an inventory of items before you move in, and if you don’t have one make sure that you insist on it. This will be a detailed list of all the items that are included in the property when you move in, and you need to make sure that they are all there and in good order when you move out otherwise you are likely to be billed for replacements. Check the list off as soon as you move in and bring up any discrepancies with the landlord.

17. Check the property over as soon as you move in – as soon as you move in, you will need to do a thorough inspection of the house checking for things such as damp, mould and damage. If you do find anything, note it down and take a time stamped picture and bring it up with your landlord. You don’t want to be paying for someone else’s damage when you move out or compromising your health if there is any damp. Other things to check for include the fridge, light switches, carpets, smoke detectors, oven, toilet, taps and door locks. All should be in good working order when you move in.

18. Don’t bring all your stuff – less is most certainly more when you are moving to a foreign country to study. Whilst you might think that you need all your home comforts, chances are you will be able to share a lot of things with your flatmates, especially kitchen items. Other items such as duvet, towels and blankets can be bought once you are here. Only take essential items and a few personal things (such a photo’s etc). You will thank us once you start to move!

19. Thank You For More Information Visit: https://www.ocxee.com/