Four of the most important things to check when looking for a student house in Sheffield

It’s typical – you’ve just started first or second year, only recently finished decorating your new room, and you’re still figuring out how to navigate uni life. Then, not even a month in, you’re suddenly expected to start house-hunting. It’s slightly stressful but can be an exciting time, and as someone who’s recently been through it, here are a few things you should look out for when finding your next student house:

Location

This is probably the most important thing to consider when looking for a student house. It really depends on your preferences: some people love being right in the middle of the student areas for the social buzz – places like Crookesmoor or Ecclesall Road are perfect if you want to be surrounded by other students and have plenty of options for spontaneous gatherings or house parties.

On the other hand, some prefer being closer to campus or the city centre – areas like Broomhall or City Centre – meaning those dreaded 9 a.m. lectures are just a quick roll out of bed away. Both have their perks, but personally, I’ve loved the convenience of living just five minutes  away from my classes. Another factor I made sure to consider was how close my house was to my part-time job, after all, those student loans won’t pay themselves!

The lake in Crookes Valley Park

Safety

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With location, there also comes the question of safety – especially if you enjoy Sheffield’s nightlife and need to think about getting home safely after a night out. Something to be aware of, particularly for University of Sheffield students, is the recent increase in vehicle-related crimes and house break-ins in areas like Crookesmoor. So, while it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a house, it’s worth doing a bit of research and staying cautious as you’ll be spending a whole year living there.

Rent and Deposits

This is a very important step after confirming location and is something that needs to be clearly conveyed with your housemates. Make sure you determine your budget and find accommodation that suits this and your other requirements. Check if there are any other expenses such as utilities, Wi-Fi and parking fees. Will you need a TV license?

Once you’ve settled on a location, rent is the next crucial consideration and it’s something you should discuss clearly with your housemates. Work out your budget and find accommodation that fits both this and your other requirements. Don’t forget to check for additional costs like utilities, Wi-Fi, and parking fees. And yes, if you plan to watch live TV, you’ll also need to factor in a TV licence.

Platforms like UniHomes can be a huge help when it comes to considering the additional bills. They list vetted student properties across Sheffield, making it easier to compare prices, check what’s included in the rent, and avoid any unexpected surprises.

The majority of student housing tenancies will also require deposits and these can range in price. And don’t forget: if you want to get your full deposit back at the end of the year, make sure you follow any decorating or house rules set by your landlord.

Questions, questions, questions!

Once you’ve considered all the points above and are viewing potential houses, ask as many questions as possible and don’t be shy! For example, some landlords won’t allow blue tack on the walls (mine didn’t), so some helpful alternatives might be command hooks and strips, Glu dots, or even a cork board – all easy and cute ways to make your room feel like yours.

Some landlords will also make it clear straight away if parties aren’t allowed, so it’s worth being careful if that’s important to you. Another thing to check is what comes furnished: a few student houses may include a TV and kitchen equipment, but some don’t – like mine. this is something I wish I had checked as I ended up needing to buy a microwave, kettle, and toaster! Luckily, my housemate had a TV from the previous year, so we were sorted. That said, I know someone whose house came with a cinema-sized telly, so who knows – you might get lucky!