What to do once you've found a room in student accommodation
Cath, Assistant Lettings Manager, points out a few things student tenants should do once they've found suitable student accommodation to secure the property and make the move as stress-free as possible...
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
After many weeks or months of seeking a room in student accommodation and attending viewings across Cardiff in student houses or student flats, you’ve finally found the perfect room! So, that’s the first step sorted, but now what?
Now you’ve found the student place you want to call home for the next year or two during your university journey, it’s time to ensure final preparations are in place so that you’re ready and raring to go with your studies.
Below we’re put together a step-by-step guide to help you out with those preparations so you know what to do next.
Are all student housemates happy with the decision?
Unless you’re fortunate enough to have the funds for your very own private student flat in Cardiff, you’re likely to be sharing the space with other student housemates. You may already know each other through your study classes or other university social get-togethers, maybe you’ve even been friends since school – either way, it’s important to make sure all students that’ll be living in the household are happy with the choice.
Some students are more vocal than others, especially if there’s a group of you, so make sure each student has their say so that you know you’re all on the same page and as enthusiastic as each other about the move.
A happy student home will lead to a far more enjoyable experience for all of you.
Confirm your decision with the student letting agent
As soon as you’ve all reached a positive decision about the property, give each other a high-five and contact the letting agent who is marketing the property as soon as possible. Demand for student properties can become very competitive so although it’s imperative you take the time to ensure it’s the right student home for you all, it’s also important to not dawdle over the decision for too long.
The last thing you want to do is agree on the house or flat and then discover it’s no long available because you waited a few days before contacting the letting agent!
Read: Check out our “How To Guides” for student living
Sign the contracts
Once the letting agent is aware that you want to secure the student property, they’ll guide you through the process that leads you to signing the tenancy agreement, and if necessary, any guarantor paperwork.
You can only be completely sure that you have secured the property once the tenancy agreement has been signed. Take the time to read through it thoroughly and ensure you fully understand it. Don’t hesitate to query anything that doesn’t make sense with the letting agent and consider taking someone along with you who has experience of tenancy contracts, such as a relative.
Agree the moving in date
One of the most exciting parts of sorting student accommodation for any student is finally agreeing the move-in date. This will all depend on when the property is vacant so your letting agent will advise you on suitable dates. It could be that the property is awaiting the current tenants to vacate and there could be additional days to wait if the landlord wants the property thoroughly cleaned with maintenance jobs carried out before you move in - such as re-painting walls etc.
Put a plan in place for bills
Many student tenancy agreements include some or all bills, so refer to the agreement so that you know exactly what your rent payments cover. If you find that the tenants are responsible for arranging and paying any or all utility bills such energy, water, internet etc. then you’ll have to get together and map out a plan that suits everyone.
It’s extremely useful to have as much of this in place as possible as early as possible so that you can act upon your plan as soon as you move in. It’ll save you spending time having the conversations before you’ve even had chance to empty all of your boxes of belongings.
Read: Learn more from our student FAQs section
Get your own checklist at the ready
As you await the moving in date with your handy bill plan at the ready, you can go ahead and create your own checklist so that you have all of your own personal belongings ready for an easier move. Think about what you’ll want to take with you, things you still need to go out and buy, and how you’ll transport your belongings to your new student home. Consider how furnished the property will be - for example, is there cutlery and other kitchen equipment? Will you need to purchase new bedding? Contact the letting agent if you need to refer to the inventory so that you know what will already be provided.
Following these tips should ensure a much easier move compared to how it would be if you weren’t prepared at all.
Here at CPS Homes, we’re perfectly equipped to offer you guidance and support with your search for a new student property. We know the best places in Cardiff for a student to live, and our team of letting staff have the knowledge and expertise to help you every step of the way. Find out how we can help by calling 02920 668585, e-mailing enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk or by dropping into one of our three Cardiff based branches.
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
