LIVING IN A STUDENT HOUSE

Living in private rented accommodation can be an experience of a lifetime. You can come and go as you wish, do what you want and live with a bunch of Just4Graduates mates! It couldn't get much better.
Private landlords own most student rental accommodation outside of halls, these people sometimes look upon students as 'easy money', give them a run-down, unfit-to-live-in, crappy house and demand a considerable amount of money for the privilege – nice, and it happens. It pays to be careful and have a look around before making a decision on accommodation.

Bringing a parent or guardian with you can be very beneficial - landlords or estate agents tend to be wearier if there is someone older with you. In most cases landlords will ask for a parent to be a guarantor for the accommodation - in case you do a runner!! If you can't bring anyone with you check out what you should look for when house hunting i.e. traces of damp, electrically appliances in the house, method of heating etc. Always try to give the impression you know what you are looking for!

If you follow the Just4Graduates.net accommodation guide you'll be one step ahead of the rest!

Private/Rented Accommodation - Good Points

• You can share a house with friends that you know.
• You can choose between a number of houses and different areas.
• Private accommodation is sometimes cheaper than halls.
• Most 'Student Areas' are close to the city centre where you can enjoy everything the city has to offer you.
• You can often keep the same house for all of the time that you are at college/university.

Private/Rented Accommodation - Bad Points

• You could end up with a grumpy or awkward landlord.
• You might not get on well with your housemates.
• You could live next door to 'non-student loving' people.
• Loud parties could be a problem as neighbours may complain - unless you live in a street full of students in which case you just invite them in.
• Learning to live and tolerate others is part of the student experience - when sharing accommodation you have to clean up after yourself and that goes for everyone in the house!! (Rotas are always a good idea if the house is constantly a tip).

NB. Always ask for a copy of the lease and read it carefully. Know your rights as a tenant to avoid being sharked by a landlord. If you do have problems contact the University/College (or Student's Union) Welfare Office for help or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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