Finding the perfect place to live while at university can sound daunting. With so many options available, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free living experience. Here’s 10 things to look out for to help you make the best choice when selecting your student accommodation.
1. Safety & Security
Your accommodation should feel like a home away from home, and security plays a big part in that. Before signing a contract, check the accommodation has:
- Secure entry systems, such as secure gates or CCTV
- Well-lit entrances and hallways
- Fire safety equipment, including smoke alarms and extinguishers
- A supportive landlord or staff who can assist in emergencies
2. Affordability & Value for Money
Budget is a major factor when choosing accommodation. Look beyond just the rent and consider:
- What’s included (e.g., bills, Wi-Fi, communal cleaning)
- Deposit requirements and whether it’s protected by a government-approved scheme
- The cost of transport to and from university
- Any hidden fees that may arise
3. Location & Transport Links
The best accommodation is one that balances convenience and affordability. When choosing your place, think about:
- Distance from campus – is it walking distance, or do you need transport?
- Nearby amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants
- Good public transport links for ease of travel
- Safety of the area, especially if you’ll be returning late at night
4. House Rules & Responsibilities
Living with others means respecting shared spaces and responsibilities set out by the landlord. Check:
- Whether there are rules on noise levels, especially at night
- Cleaning responsibilities for communal areas
- Policies on candles, Blu-Tack, or wall decorations
- What happens if someone in the house breaks the rules
5. Communal Space & Facilities
Your living space should be comfortable and functional. Look for:
- Well-equipped kitchens with enough storage for everyone
- A communal area to relax and socialise
- Reliable Wi-Fi for studying and entertainment
- Laundry facilities on-site or nearby
6. Fire Safety & Maintenance
A safe living environment is crucial. Ask about:
- Fire exits and fire extinguishers in the property
- Regular maintenance checks and how repairs are handled
- Whether there’s a point of contact for emergencies
7. Noise Levels & Neighbours
Nobody wants to live in a place where they can’t focus or sleep. Consider:
- Whether the accommodation has quiet hours or noise policies
- Proximity to bars or nightlife venues that might cause disturbances
- The reputation of the area for student living
8. Cleanliness & Upkeep
Shared living means everyone needs to pitch in. Check:
- Who is responsible for cleaning communal areas
- Whether inspections take place to ensure cleanliness
- Policies on rubbish disposal and recycling
9. Damp & Mould Issues
Damp can cause health problems, so make sure:
- There’s good ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom
- The heating system works properly
- The landlord addresses any mould problems promptly
10. Moving Out & Deposit Protection
Damp can cause health problems, so make sure:
- There’s good ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom
- The heating system works properly
- The landlord addresses any mould problems promptly
Here at Unihousing we strive to provide top-notch accommodation to students at an affordable price and close to the University of Birmingham campus. Our accommodations are refurbished every year to maintain freshness which comprise of a wonderful double bed, large storage area, high quality white-goods and super-fast 100Mb broadband. Additionally, you can rest at ease as we have a large selection of properties with CCTV and secure gates, ensuring high levels of security when you stay with us!
Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!
Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.
Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.
