Everything you need to know about house-hunting as a student in Notts

It’s that time of year again – and no, I’m not talking about Christmas. Before we can all get into the festive spirit, there are decisions to be made about where to live next year.

For the majority of us, house hunting doesn’t come naturally. As someone who’s been in the trenches before, and is in them again, here are five things to think about before any commitments are made.

Know what you want 

This might seem obvious, but trust me, I’ve known plenty of people who do house viewings for houses they just won’t get.

While it can be a benefit to see as many houses as possible, it can get a bit demoralising after a while.

Want to live in Lenton? Don’t go to viewings in Beeston. Out of your budget? Not worth going to see it. Looking at a four person houses when there’s only three of you? Not worth the mystery-housemate risk.

There are plenty of houses out there for every (reasonable) requirement, so stick to places in the realm of possibility.

House-hunting becomes a draining experience if you don’t.

Bills included can be the way

I know this one isn’t always possible, and it’s dependent on who you’re renting with and what you can agree on.

Just take it from someone who lives in a bills-included house – it’s an absolute godsend.

Heating disputes and shower-timings are classic ways to fall out with your housemates, and I’ve seen the frustration more than once.

So definitely opt for the bills package where possible – just for that extra bit of peace in the house and sometimes takes the weight off doing your own.

Think about who you’re living with

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This one might be harder for the first years who haven’t known people for long, but it’s still something to think about.

If you’re an early night person, you don’t want to be living with people who go to Crisis every week.

If you’re a neat freak, you don’t want to be stuck in the stereotypical ‘boys house,’ where the dishes are done once a month at best.

Obviously, you want to be living with your friends—and I’m not saying that’s a bad idea. But finding a house together means you’re stuck in the same environment together for a year, so it’s worth being a little picky.

Go through a letting agency

There are good landlords out there. But for every good landlord, there’s a terrible one who will do something helpful exactly once in a blue moon. We’ve all heard the horror stories.

While going through a letting agency isn’t going to solve all of your problems, it’ll make life slightly easier.

Having professionals managing your maintenance means your broken washing machine, for example, is likely to get fixed quicker.

Just make sure you do your research—some agencies are a lot better than others.

Get on it early

And last but certainly not least, the holy grail of housing advice: Start looking as early as you can.

The details might not all be worked out yet, but getting an idea of what you want is the best move.

You don’t want to start looking in January when a lot of the best houses are already snapped up.

If you want dibs on the best deals, now is the best time to get them.