Top tips for finding accommodation
Published on 24 November 16
It may feel like you have just arrived but people are already talking about accommodation for next year. Some of your friends may have already started to view houses.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to sign anything now or even start looking but it’s never too early to think about your options.
Manchester Student Homes can help you find University Approved Accommodation. They provide FREE information advice and guidance to you and also carry out contract checks.
So what are the things you need to know before looking for your first house?
- How big is your group?
- What kind of accommodation are you looking for? A shared house, flat or private halls?
- Where do you want to live? City Centre, Victoria Park or further south?
- What is your budget? Does it include or exclude bills?
- How far are you willing to walk, cycle or get the bus?
Once you’ve decided on these important factors you can consider when’s a good time to start looking.
- Individuals, groups of two or groups of six or more - start looking sooner rather than later; one and two bedroom flats and larger houses have a greater demand than supply.
- Groups of three, four or five - you could start looking but generally more properties will become available around Christmas/January.
- Do you know your friends well enough to live with them next year? Don’t forget you will most likely be in a joint contract, which means you will be tied together financially.
- ‘Bills inclusive’ contracts are great but it will mean that you are paying someone an ‘administration fee’ to sort your utility bills. Bills tend to be between £10-£20 per person per week (depending on the energy efficiency of the building), but when someone else is handling your bills it could be between £15-£25 per person per week.
- Think carefully before signing or handing over any money; you won’t be able to just cancel your contract afterwards.
Manchester Student Homes are running Accommodation Fairs this week, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of their landlords (and also to pick up a few freebies). More information can be found on their Facebook Event page.
If you’re ready to house hunt, or are already house hunting, download Rent Right Top Tips and Checklist and take it with you when you view properties.
Don’t forget, they can check your contract for free. Drop them an email at: manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk