Study in Style

General

Choosing your accommodation for college or Uni is exciting – there’s no denying that! Did you know that 1 in 8 groups of students sign up for the first house they view? Most of us know that shopping around is the most sensible thing to do for any purchase so why are students so keen? It could be that their excitement gives them rose-tinted glasses or they’re worried that places will get snapped up quickly. Remember, it’s an important decision so make sure it’s the right decision with these handy tips:

  1. Take a camera with you. These days, almost everybody has a good camera on their phone so gets shots of every room and the surroundings so you can reflect on them later without having to use your memory. This is a good way of being able to take it in when you’re calm and more able to make a rational decision.
  2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the person showing you around. You’re the one who will be living here for at least up to a year so you’re well within your rights to ask about any aspect of the property or neighbourhood. For top quality Hartpury Student Accommodation, visit http://studentaccommodationgloucester.co.uk/

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  1. Important things to check for include damp. Regulations for student accommodation are always improving but damp can happen anywhere and black mould is a serious problem. Damp that has been hidden by wallpaper can cause serious health problems as well making anything in your room smell terrible too. Check for flaking wallpaper or paint, around window sills and have a good sniff for that tell-tale musky smell.
  2. Look around kitchen surfaces and don’t be afraid to check in cupboards for any signs of infestation. Some student accommodation can suffer from issues from slugs, mice and even rats – especially if previous tenants have been a bit sloppy with clearing away rubbish and food. Look for droppings or traps and listen out for any rustling from the attic for nesting pigeons.

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  1. Find out about security systems. Is there a burglar alarm for example? Does the main door have secured entry? You’ll also want to check that the fire alarms are working and where the extinguishers are located.
  2. Take note of what’s on the inventory and ask if any electrical appliances are in good working order and have been tested. Be aware of any loose sockets or dodgy looking wiring as this spells danger.
  3. If the accommodation is being supplied furnished then check the bed! Trust me, there’s not much worse in life than an uncomfortable bed or broken springs poking through! If the property is being specifically advertised as student accommodation then it should be supplied with a suitable desk and chair for every student in the property.
  4. The best way to find out about a property is to talk to people who have lived there. Try to talk to them, if they are present, and ask what the pros and cons are. Many places will have websites with online reviews so you can check these out before or after you view to get a realistic picture of what living there will be like.
Written by suNCh8

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