Student housing: what’s the rush?

With November now upon us one of Exeter’s more irritating trends is likely to kick off: the mad rush for student housing. I remember well enough from my first year that after being at university for only a month, the race to find Exeter’s finest domiciles began to dominate student consciousness.

For some unfortunate students, giving into the pressure of the housing rush meant being landed in a house with people who, as the year progressed, turned out to be a bunch of randomers. For others it can be perfect, with the greatest drama being the odd argument over washing up. Either way, this does develop the problem of having to decide who you want to live with in 3rd year, and could make for an awkward conversation at an early stage of all living together.

House from Hell, or Home Sweet Home?

The student letting companies try to slow down the rush for housing and the university does its best to push people away, but year after year the charge continues. Plenty of other universities do not have this problem, so why does Exeter? Unfortunately it has become the status quo for freshers to jump on the bandwagon so early, and this in turn forces the rest of the students to hurry for the best houses. Is it really too much to hope that this year, unlike every other, freshers will slow down the process and give everyone a chance to enjoy a bit more time in their house? Exeter is not short on houses, after all; in the end, there’s no need to rush and slowing down the race will probably lead to a better long-term result.

Exeter is also known for its overpriced rent and sometimes ‘less than helpful’ landlords. Exeter is the second most expensive place for housing outside of London, with the average rent cost currently standing at £95.42 per week (and you don’t need me to tell you what sort of property that could get you). Were you looking for a close-to-campus house with all mod cons and decent sized rooms, you could end up paying up to £129 per week.

Saying this, our housing isn’t below par, and compares very well in relation to the likes of Leeds. Good houses can be found for the average price, but with the accommodation rush, it is too easy to settle for a house which ends up being overpriced in comparison to others in that price bracket. Unfortunately, Exeter landlords realise this, and many offer a poor service; on turning up at a house a fellow student of mine was greeted by the door falling off and a mouldy shower. They are not all terrible, of course: my own is very easygoing and quick to sort out any problems.

In the end, until the housing rush slows it is unlikely the overpricing will give in. Maybe, this year, The Tab can help slow down the race and give all students the chance to get exactly what they want!