What to Look For When You’re viewing Student Accommodation

If you’re about to become a student, you’ll probably need to look for somewhere to stay. However, when it comes to viewing student accommodation there are a few things that you need to look for. Failure to look for these things could result in you staying in unsuitable student accommodation.

Signs of Damp

When you’re looking around student accommodation you need to be on the lookout for signs of damp. You’ll spot these signs easily as there will be a presence of black mold. Damp has a real potential to make you ill and make your clothes smell so you’ll want to avoid it.

Take a look in the corners, at the ceilings, and if you can, behind wardrobes. You should also be on the lookout for paint that’s flaking or wallpaper that’s peeling as these are signs of damp.

Signs of Pest Issues

Cockroaches, mice, and other pests can cause a lot of problems. Take a look in the kitchen cupboards and around trash cans. You should also be on the lookout for signs of pigeons in the attic. You will hear them moving around if there are any.
Don’t be afraid to ask the landlord what they’re going to do about the issue or any other pest-related issue you come across. If the issues are not fixed by the time you move in you can sue them.

Location

The location of your off campus student housing is hugely important. This is because it will affect how much time you have to get to college. It will also impact how much money you’ll spend on traveling there. When you’re looking around an apartment, for example, take a look at how many stores there are in the local area. Ideally, you won’t be in the middle of nowhere and you’ll have access to at least a few stores.

The Electrical Appliances

When looking around student accommodation, check if there are any electrical appliances in the kitchen and utility room. Are they in good working order? Who fixes the appliances if they break? View the rental agreement before you sign so you know what is included and what isn’t. You might have to shop for a toaster, microwave, and any other small items.

The Water Supply

Is the water pressure affected when someone uses the bathroom? If the dishwasher is on does it mean you can’t have a shower? Turn the faucets to see how much water pressure there is. You should also flush the toilets to make sure they are working well.

Tip: Please look for signs of leaks or damps around water pipes and the toiler. Water damage can be expensive and cause you a lot of problems. If you come across anything that concerns you don’t be afraid to speak to the landlord about it.

The Fittings and Furnishings

Take a look around at the fittings and furnishings. Are they in good condition? Will they be there when you move in? Check the beds to see how well they work. You don’t want a bed to sag and give you a bad back.

You should also check to see if there’s a chair and a desk in your bedroom. If there is, ask if they will be there when you move in. If they’re not going to be there you’ll need to provide your own.

Related: 10 Top Tips for Finding Student Accommodation

The Insulation

How much are the energy bills? How often are they paid? If you live in a cold part of the country you’ll need to ensure the bills are not too high. With this in mind, you should ask about the accommodation’s insulation. If it is well insulated the apartment or home should not get too cold during the winter months.

You might also want to make sure that there are ceiling fans in every room. If the weather gets hot how are you going to stay cool? Do the windows open wide enough? Can they be locked safely at night? These are all things you should look out for.

Speak to the Tenants

If you’re moving into a property that is already partly occupied by some tenants ask them what it’s like to live there. Chances are they will be honest with you. If you can, ask them a few questions when the landlord isn’t around. If you do this they are likely to tell you if they’re concerned about anything.

Use the above tips to help you find student accommodation that will work well for you. You’re about to spend at least a few years working towards your future, you’ll need to stay somewhere safe, clean, and pleasant to live in.