One of the main challenges university students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation close to their learning institutions. A new accommodation means meeting new people, starting a new chapter, and finding a new place to call home. However, this excitement can be short-lived, primarily if you don’t research or inspect your new accommodation.
It’s advisable to take a step back when choosing your new home to find a housing solution that works best for you. Below are a few viewing tips to help you decide when choosing your accommodation.
Signs of Damp
One of the main things to look out for is signs of dampness when viewing your options. For example, a damp room, hostel, or apartment can damage your furniture and clothes and pose a health risk.
Damp buildings are easy to spot as they are characterized by:
- Mold or mildew on the wall, floors, or ceiling
- Peeling paint or discolored wallpaper
- A musty smell
- Damp or cold walls
- Excessive condensation on windows and windowsills
Location
Location is more of a personal choice. You need to ask yourself if you are comfortable living in the area. To make better decisions, it’s advisable to walk around the neighborhood to get a firsthand experience of the area. Be sure to look out for factors such as safety and if the area is well lit, especially at night.
It would help if you also looked at the transport links to find the most convenient and affordable means of transport to ferry you to and from school. The area should also mirror your lifestyle; for instance, you can’t host parties in an area full of families. Location is one of the primary determiners when choosing an auburn student housing, as it offers convenience and proximity to the learning institution.
Safety First
Student houses are prone to attacks and burglaries because of laptops and other electronic devices. Before moving into the building, it’s advisable to find out how safe and secure it is. Check if the door and windows have quality locks, not forgetting to check if the building has a burglar alarm system. There is no legal requirement for landlords to put in place these measures.
However, it’s advisable to take the necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to burglary. It would help if you covered all your bases, including fire safety, when it comes to safety. Check if the building has a fire alarm system that includes smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Furnishings and Appliances
When viewing your options, take note of the appliances and furnishings offered by the building management. For example, the appliances and sofas you may have seen may belong to the previous tenant, and they are preparing to move out. It’s best to ask the building management to know what is offered and what you will have to bring with you.
The set-up offered should also meet your and your roommates’ needs. Check for the kitchen size, bathroom size, fridge, or cooker, especially if you want to enjoy home-cooked meals. If any of the items offered are damaged, you should raise the issue with the management and have it fixed before moving in.
Water
Water is an essential part of choosing your student housing. You need water to cook, clean, and do other bathroom activities. You should check if the building has a good water supply supported by enough amenities. For example, the number of bathrooms should be proportionate to the number of tenants. When checking for your water supply, turn the taps on to check the pressure, and do the same in the bathroom.
Speak to Existing Tenants
Having adequate information on the building can help you make an informed decision. The best way to learn more about the building besides the good stuff from the landlord is to ask the existing tenant. If lucky, you can find at least one tenant during your viewing. This way, you can ask questions and get unbiased answers. Be sure to ask questions such as security, landlord-tenant relationship, and the best or worst things about living in the building.
When choosing your student housing, it’s advisable to take time and weigh your options. This way, you can make an informed decision based on convenience and current needs.
