I took on the enormous task of locating a room to rent throughout the course of the previous month. I looked wildly on websites like Easy Roommate and Spareroom to find a place that would work well for my needs as a student. Thankfully, I have come to the correct spot, and I have some advice for a student who could be beginning a similar quest.
Setting up filters for what you want and do not want is crucial; the more specific your search, the better the results will be. I started out with a rudimentary understanding of the house/apartment’s size, desirable location, cost, and availability. But after hundreds of results from different searches, I realized how important it is to be as particular as possible. Based on my own experience, I advise you to consider these other factors when you focus your search:
1. The proportion of residents to bathrooms
When you try to figure out everyone’s schedules and prevent conflicts, having more than three people in a bathroom will almost always cause you difficulties. Additionally, unless cleaning services are included in your rental, it will be challenging to maintain the room’s cleanliness. It is extremely improbable that the bathroom will be clean when you need it to be, even with cleaning services (which are typically offered once a week). Therefore, if it falls within your budget as a student, search for an en-suite room or a bathroom with a maximum of three persons per room for your hygiene and peace of mind.
The Bloggers Room for International Students
Source: 2. Agency fees, Huffington Post
In order to avoid agency fees and to have control over the leasing arrangement, I personally preferred working directly with homeowners. But there are risks associated with this, particularly as a contract without an authorized letting agent would not give you the legal protections you need as a student. You might wish to search for properties with agents and filter based on the amount of agency fees you will have to pay just to be safe. It is crucial to have this information before to scheduling a viewing because there are frequently numerous unstated administrative costs both before and after check-in. As you search online for a rental, it is a good idea to look for agency fees or to email the agency to ask for this information.
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Huffington Post, the source
3. The distance to your university
As you go over your selections, it will be quite helpful to open a “Google-Maps” tab or any other trustworthy navigation website or application. This will assist you in focusing your search on accommodations that are reasonably close to your university. To decide which travel zone you want to reside in, take into account the kind of transportation you will want to use and the monthly travel budget you are ready to spend. As a student, you must determine how much you are willing to pay overall because the cost of housing increases as you approach central London.
4. The nature of roommates
You will find it useful to focus your search on the kind of house or apartment mates you would like, depending on your social life and general living preferences. Many websites include further details about the residents’ lifestyles and their personal preferences for “perfect” roommates. To assist you choose the type of individuals you would like to live with, take the time to carefully analyze the type of environment you thrive in. Therefore, before choosing to move in, you must meet your potential roommates in person.
The Bloggers Room for International Students
Tutor Hub is the source.
5. Recreational Facilities and Nearby Amenities
Once more, this is dependent on your lifestyle choices and how much you value various conveniences and leisure pursuits. You should definitely look at the location map for parks in the area if you are an outdoor enthusiast who appreciates wide spaces and the peace and quiet of nature. If you enjoy sports or want to go out in the evenings, you might want to choose places that do not require you to go far. If you value places of worship and convenience stores, it is also useful to see how close they are. It all depends on your lifestyle decisions and how you handle the pressures of college.