So, you’re about to start university. A new city, new friends, new hangouts... It’s a truly life-changing experience! With so much to think about, one of the most important decisions you have to make is where you’re going to be calling your new ‘home’.
Finding the best property to suit your needs will make a huge difference in getting the most out of your student life. It will determine everything from how well you study and how happy and safe you feel to how much travelling you have to do each day. Needless to say, with so much at stake it’s normal to find the whole process of finding student accommodation in Sheffield quite daunting.
Which is why we've made this handy list of things to remember and look for when searching through properties.
Don't Leave it to the Last Minute
Such a big decision should be a top priority, so it's important to give yourself enough time to conduct an adequate search. Putting it off will allow other students to nab the choice accommodations and you might end up feeling pressured to sign up for a house that doesn't quite live up to your standards. By searching early, and being informed during that search, you give yourself the best chance at success. Plus, it makes the process far less stressful. Looking for a home should be fun!
Your Accommodation Shouldn't be Damp
It's important to make sure your new home isn’t going to impact on your health and wellbeing. One of the first things you should check for is damp. This issue can be found in the walls, ceilings, around windows, and even in wardrobes. Damp is a problem you want to avoid for many reasons. It's unsightly and causes a musty odour, but most importantly, it can lead to mould. If it hasn't already. Black mould can lead to a variety of health issues. If a property you look at shows any signs of damp then cross it off your list!
Energy Efficiency Will Save You Monthly
When looking for your new student accommodation you should consider how the place will cost you after any rental charges. Gas, electric and water bills are a huge part of your monthly costs. To ensure that your bills aren’t’ too costly check to ensure that your new property is energy-efficient and well-insulated. Look to see if the windows are in good shape, the doors are secure, the appliances aren't too old, and that the house has a good heating system. You can also check for any drafty spots that could cause problems later on.
You Should Always Feel Safe
One of the most important things to consider when choosing your student property is safety and security. Even the most beautiful house in the world isn't worth living in if you don't feel safe inside it. Unfortunately, crime is something even students have to think about. So it's important to check the crime rates in the area and make sure your new accommodation is well-lit and has safety measures put in place to keep you safe. Another extremely important thing to check is to ensure that the house meets fire safety standards.
Location, Location, Location
The location of your accommodation can make life much easier or much harder. It's important to look at traffic in the area and figure out how much time you'll need to allow yourself to get to university each morning. Another thing to consider: are you close to local shops and other amenities like bars, cafes, libraries and gyms? Is the neighbourhood friendly? Take a look at our Sheffield Student Accommodation guide.
Keep it Clean
Another thing to consider when looking for accommodation is cleanliness. We don’t mean how tidy you and your housemates are – that’s totally up to you. However, you should check to make sure your new place doesn't have a pest control problem or any odd odours or leaks. No one wants to wake up and see a cockroach or mouse scurry across their bedroom floor! So, when you're viewing properties, check kitchen cupboards and around bins for any animal droppings, and take a look around the sink and bath for leaks.
Updates are Important
It's important to learn when the property you're considering was last refurbished because you want the property you choose to be up to date with all modern safety standards and requirements. This also shows how dedicated the staff are in keeping up with the property and maintaining it while you call it home. No one likes to call about a plumbing emergency only to discover that your landlord isn't willing to help.
Appearance Does Matter
It might not be the most important thing on this list, but it is something to consider. If you're looking to get a furnished place, you want to make sure the furniture is in good shape. Check for tears or sunken spots on the couch and broken bedsprings. These might seem like little problems to start with but after a few months, they might impact on your day-to-day comfort. It's also important to check that appliances are in good working condition and clean.
Customer Service is Vital to Happiness
When something goes wrong you need a fast response. Whether it's a plumbing leak, an appliance has broken or the heating has packed up, you want a dedicated team that cares about their tenants' comfort and happiness. A good landlord should provide exceptional service and genuine care for your well-being and the upkeep of their property. So, when viewing a property, ask about their management team and their maintenance policies. If possible, talk to other tenants who can give you more information about response time and quality of service.
It's important to love where you live, so remember these tips and important qualities to look for when you're searching for the perfect student accommodation in Sheffield.
We would love for you to call one of our properties home. We take great pride in providing you with a safe, energy-efficient, and clean place to call home while you further your education. Come view one of our student properties available now or contact one of the team to find your new home today.
