This is a guest blog post written by Frances Hand, a Maths and English tutor on the platform.
So, first term has been a blast! You’ve made some new friends, tried your hand at a couple of societies and pulled your first all-nighter (thank you Redbull). However, there is still one big decision looming over you…
In my opinion, the one major point of confusion and stress for me during my first year was sorting out my second year house… and this was definitely not made easier by the fact that everyone around me was as completely clueless as I was! So I’ve decided to compile a list of all the things I wish I had known about housing. In other words, I’ve made the mistakes so that you don’t have to!
Before you even start looking…
You’ve got to work out who you want to live with. Firstly, try not to be dragged into the craziness of ‘panic housing’. We’ve all been there, a friend of a friend will tell you that they know someone who got their house sorted in Freshers Week and you’ll start to feel that growing sense of dread. But in all honesty, this is either a rumour or an incredibly terrible decision on their part. Very few people find their best friends for life in Freshers Week and it is very likely that this newfound friendship group will drift apart or find out they are actually not as compatible as they thought by second year. So, take your time. Unless your university has said otherwise, there are no deadlines for housing – so give yourself the time to make your decision carefully.
Also, don’t feel you’re confined to the people in your accommodation block. Some of my closest friends have come from my university course and societies, so make sure to keep an open mind.
The all-important decision
The group is assembled. So now it’s time to see what’s out there. Before even stepping through that first front door, it’s always good to have a chat with your new housemates about what is important to you. How far do you want to be from your lectures and transport links? Do you mind sharing a bathroom? Most importantly, how much are you willing to pay?! Everyone will have a different opinion so be prepared to compromise a little.
Once this is sorted, you can start looking! When searching for your dream house, make sure to shop around a little. Don’t be lured in by landlords who will try to amp up the pressure; chances are the property is not going as quickly as they say and this is simply a tactic to get you to commit. Make sure you have a proper look around and ask all of your burning questions before putting down that deposit.
Bills, Bills, Bills…
One of the most important questions to ask your landlord before you commit is what the situation is with bills. Now, whilst not necessary, I would suggest searching for properties that have bills included within the tenancy price. Although some of my friends thought that this might hike up the overall price of rent, in my opinion, this pales in comparison to the amount of potential arguments which could arise over shower length, fairy light electricity consumption and whether you really need the heating on in November.
Another thing to clarify is how exactly your bills will be paid, be that rent or utilities. Some places have an app, others ask for a bank transfer, and some even request half the rent upfront. Make sure this is clear in order to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Signing on the dotted line
Spoken like a true law student, if there is one thing you take from this entire post, please please read your contract! By signing, you are agreeing to whatever that paper says, so don’t be that person who signs away their firstborn child because you forgot to read the small print! Whilst, in all fairness, the conditions on your contract will never be that extreme, make sure to double-check the length and price of your tenancy.
Additionally, make sure that you are clear about what standard the accommodation must be left in, in order for you to claim back your deposit. Know your rights: since 1st June 2020, it is now illegal for your landlord to require you to pay for a professional cleaner at the end of your tenancy. Equally, since 2019, landlords cannot charge you any extra letting fees – you can check out more about this here.
Finally, if there is anything within your contract that makes you feel uneasy DO NOT SIGN IT until you have discussed it with someone you trust.
At the end of the day
Whilst having a great house for next year is the goal, remember that no houseshare is ever perfect. Therefore, it is important not to place too much pressure on yourself. At the end of the day, you’ll only be living there for about 9 months and chances are that you’ll spend most of your time outside the house anyway; be that for lectures, societies or socialising. Instead, see your house as a place to rest your head… with the added bonus of being a few steps away from your mates!
… and remember, if things don’t work out, there’s always next year!
As always, if you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach us on tutors@mytutor.co.uk or 0203 773 6024.