Going away from home to study at university is an exciting time with new friendships, a new city to explore and fascinating things to learn.
Students often follow a pattern of staying in halls of residence on or near to the university campus for their first year and moving out into private sector accommodation for subsequent years. The students share with friends, with a bedroom each and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
For the most part, renting like this is above board, and going through an estate agent – particularly one which specialises in student lets – is a great way to ensure you are protected while renting. But unfortunately, there are some chancers who seek to take advantage of students, so it’s always best to be aware of potential rental scams and avoid them.
How Can I Protect Myself While Renting?
Again, ensuring you go through an agent or a trusted landlord can protect you against any scams. Your deposit is also protected thanks to the Deposit Protection Scheme, according to Gov.UK.
When you are looking for student properties Exeter or your choice of university city, using a reputable accommodation provider such as https://www.exeteruniversityaccommodation.co.uk/student-flats-exeter can protect you against unscrupulous landlords or would-be scammers.
What Else Should I Be Wary Of?
Unfortunately, some people have fallen victim to signing up for a ‘house’ which they haven’t viewed in the flesh – and even sending money for deposits or the first month’s rent to a scammer who isn’t really a landlord. Always make sure you view any properties in person, preferably as a group. Never send money if a landlord is unwilling to show you the property.
Similarly, it’s important to inspect the property to make sure it’s fit for purpose – is it clean and safe, and are the plumbing and electrics all working well?
Likewise, unusually low prices can be a red flag that something is amiss. While no one wants to spend a fortune on accommodation, look for a place with rent comparable to other local properties.
The benefits of living in student halls
Dedicated student halls offer a good number of benefits over private house shares or one bedroom flats, especially in the first year. You meet your flatmates before you meet anyone on your course, so making friends starts from day one, and being among other students helps prevent the isolation and homesickness that can affect academic work.
Halls also take care of some everyday jobs. Most include cleaning of the communal areas, although you will still do your own washing up and laundry. Catered halls include meals at the university canteen in the rent, which suits anyone who is not yet confident in the kitchen or will be short of time to cook.
There is usually something going on, from parties to film and gaming nights. Halls are mainly for first years, but some second and third year students choose to stay on, particularly in student apartments with no first year requirement.