Looking for a place to live next year?
Published on 29 November 12
Choosing where to live can be a daunting task. Before booking viewings, choosing housemates and signing contracts, read our advice about finding somewhere to live.
There are plenty of options open to you when it comes to finding accommodation for next year so it's a good idea to look around - but don't feel pressured to sign up to a property straight away.
Who to live with
The first thing you'll probably want to decide is who to live with. Living with friends can be a brilliant experience, but sometimes things don’t always go as smoothly as expected. Before you move in together, think about how well you really know each other and how reliable your friends are. Most contracts will be 'joint and several,' which basically means you will all have joint responsibility for the property and for paying the rent, so it helps to move in with responsible friends.
Places available in University accommodation
Living in a hall of residence isn’t just open to first year students, there are plenty of rooms which are available for returning students, but you need to get your application in early. Applications will open in December and the closing date for current students applying for halls is Friday, 15th February 2013.
Don’t forget, if you're an international student you are guaranteed a place in University accommodation for the duration of your studies provided you re-apply by Friday, 15th February.
Here are just some of the benefits of living in University accommodation:
- Hall life - you’d be living with fellow University of Manchester students
- 40 week let length – take a close look at the private sector let lengths and overall costs – some are as long as 48 weeks!
- The contents insurance provided gives greater cover then that offered in the private halls
- All bills included – no extra costs for utilities or internet connection
- Flexibility – the vast majority of our residents are happy where they live. However (depending on vacancies) we can help you move between university halls if you aren’t happy where you are
- Dedicated support – we have an extensive network of residential tutors/on-site administration teams/domestic and maintenance teams with many years of experience at supporting student residential life.
For more information about University accommodation, click here.
Private renting
House shares are still a popular choice for students. Fallowfield is the most popular student area followed by Victoria Park, Withington and then Rusholme. Expect to pay approximately £67pppw (per person per week) for a 4 bedroom house in Fallowfield, in Victoria Park and Withington the average is around £65pppw and Rusholme is usually a little cheaper with rent at around £60pppw. Larger house shares can cost between £80pppw and £90pppw.
Try to budget at least £15 to £20 each, per week, for utility bills in a shared house. Private halls are also a common choice for students. The cost of Private hall accommodation varies and can range from £75pppw to over £150pppw depending on location and what type of room you choose. The rent, however, will normally include all your utility bills but it is always best to check exactly what is included.
Manchester Student Homes - a FREE, university-run housing service for students - can help you when it comes to private renting. You can look at the accommodation it has available here, and access more advice about finding somewhere to live.
Accommodation Fair
Manchester Student Homes will be hosting an accommodation fair on Tuesday 4 December, University Place, 10am-4pm and Wednesday 5 December, Owens Park, 1pm-7pm. The fairs will give you an opportunity to meet approved landlords and private hall providers face to face and get expert housing advice.
As mentioned, Manchester Student Homes is owned and run by the University, and staff can give you all the information you need to know about finding privately rented accommodation. It runs a landlord accreditation scheme which means all the landlords are approved and should provide you with good quality student accommodation. At the accommodation fairs, housing advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about; where to live, how much to pay in rent/deposits, how to check if the landlord is approved and what to look out for when house hunting.
General house hunting advice
Make sure you don’t take signing a contract lightly – you are signing a legally binding document. It is better to take your time and seek advice before signing, than get a surprise later on. Make sure you know what you are liable for, and what the landlord must provide. If you have any problems during the tenancy Manchester Student Homes can help, and is also happy to check your contract before you sign on the dotted line.
When you start looking for accommodation, please remember to think about your own safety and security – you should never go to view a property on your own. If you view a property during the day, be sure to properly look at the area, will you feel safe walking to your front door at night? Would you trust your belongings were secure in the property when you weren’t there? No matter your budget, or if you are only living in the property part time, you deserve a safe and secure home you feel happy in.
If you want anymore advice about what you should look out for when viewing a property, or the rights and responsibilities of your landlord, visit http://www.manchesterstudenthomes.com/Help