100 Things I Wish I Had Known... Housing
When to look
It's not mandatory to get housing sorted by December.
Not to be in such a rush to find a house as decent places are still around later in the year.
Don't fall for the 'houses are going quick this year' - it's not true!
You don't have to decide in November.
There are always loads of houses after Christmas.
Housemates
Take time in choosing both the house and flat mates.
I wish I had known I didn't have to live with my flat mates from first year.
Don't rush into getting a house. You might love your flatmates at first but even after Christmas things change.
Think carefully about who you want to live with.
Have an honest chat with your housemates about their budgets.
Get involved with societies and your course mates so you have a bigger selection of potential house mates.
Best friends don't always make the best housemates!
Areas
Stay in student accommodation, you'll have fun.
Check whether your weekly rent includes utility bills.
I wish I had known more about the type of area I wanted to live in.
Look at all the different areas of Sheffield - they are all lovely and really diverse.
Landlords
Call landlords directly if you see an advertisement - you might be able to get a discount.
Make sure you know the emergency contact details of your landlord.
Don't listen to everything the letting agents say - a lot of them are just trying to make money.
Check your landlord is registered with the university.
Ask the current tenants what they think about the landlord or house.
Check the reputation of your landlord.
Viewing housing
Keep things organised otherwise you will feel overwhelmed when things get on top of you.
To check all housing facilities such as the microwave or security light and make sure you know where the fuse box is.
Make sure you check all the boring things - e.g how the central heating works.
Don't panic and pick the first house you see - there are plenty of better ones.
I wish I had know how big my room actually would be - it's tiny! Make sure you look at all rooms before you sign the contract so you'd be happy in any of them.
Don't rent the first house you see!
Look for mould - my house really smells!
Don't trust photos on the internet - go and have a look!
Contracts
Check your contract check by the Student Advice Centre.
Try and get individual contracts so you aren't responsible for your housemates' rent- if you can't see if you can get an extra clause put in.
Moving in
Don't let your housemates do it all.
Heating makes life so much happier.
Don't worry - all issues can be sorted out in the end.
Take pictures of anything damaged when you move in and pass on to your landlord.
Bills
Sort out a council tax exemption form - students don't have to pay council tax.
Sort out your internet out before Intro week.
Some landlords can sort the bills out for you.
Make sure everyone pays their bills and you aren't making yourself liable for their money issues as even your best friends can let you down.
Get your broadband and bills set up before you move in.
Check how many TV licenses you need.
Check whether the rent includes water rates.
