Searching for student housing to rent in St Andrews University has the potential to be extremely exciting, but at the same time the importance of what you are doing cannot be overstated. This is after all not only the place you will be sleeping for around nine months at least, but also the place that will play a critically important role in your studies in general. Suffice to say, therefore rushing into a decision without plenty of careful thought is never a good idea, which is why you need to ask yourself a few important questions before making your final decision.
So from the experts who specialise in advising on student accommodation, here is a quick overview of some of the most important questions you need to ask yourself before signing on the dotted line:
Why Did I Choose This Place?
First and foremost, have a quick think about why exactly it is that you chose the place you are thinking of choosing. The reason being that there are certain determining factors which generally should take a backseat while others are far more important. For example, if you chose the place only because the area is posh, the block is in high demand or it simply appeared to be a bargain, these are not necessarily the best reasons for jumping into a place. So think about why it is you like the place and be realistic before making your final decision.
Can I Afford it?
In terms of costs, you also have to be entirely realistic when it comes to whether or not you will be able to afford the place. You have to bear in mind that there is a big difference between being able to pay your bills each month and still having enough to live off. Blowing your entire budget simply on rent and bills might seem like a good idea in order that you can choose high quality accommodation, but you will regret it if you find yourself living on a shoestring every day of every month.
Is the Location Ideal?
Never forget that location is of the utmost importance when it comes to student accommodation not only for convenience but also for costs. First of all, you will soon get sick of the place if it takes you a ridiculous amount of time to get to and from the university campus every time you need to attend lectures. Likewise, it will end up costing you a fortune if you need to rely on public transport every time you want to head out for a loaf of bread. Location therefore should be a crucial determining factor in your decision-making process.
Will It Be Up to Par in Winter?
One of the biggest mistakes so many students make is that of evaluating any given accommodation in accordance with how it is at the time of the visit rather than how it will be in the future. Chances are you will be checking out the accommodation during the summer, but much of your time studying will be spent during the cold months of the year. So while it looks and feels OK now, how will it be when the winter arrives? Think of things like the condition of the building, the windows and the heating systems along with heating costs.
Is the Landlord Trustworthy?
Aside from the property itself, perhaps the most important thing to take into account is the landlord. Even the best property on earth cannot make up for a shoddy landlord who really does not care about either their building or their tenants. By contrast, having a great landlord can make your time at university so much more enjoyable and simple. So unless you are arranging your accommodation through an agency, it is up to you to check out and vet each landlord accordingly.
What Kinds of Contracts Do They Offer?
Pay close attention to the contract as the last thing you want is to end up signing up for something you wish you hadn’t. For example, some landlords will only offer 12-month contracts which means you’ll probably be paying for at least three months of the year when you will not be staying at the accommodation. Likewise, some landlords make their contracts needlessly complicated to cover their own interests rather than those of the tenants. Again, it is therefore a good idea to book via an agency which can help you with things like contracts, though if you go it alone, the responsibility is yours.
What Do Past Residents Say About it?
Last but not least, be sure to take at least a little time to take a look into what previous tenants have said about the place by way of feedback and reviews. Chances are you’ll be able to find plenty of information with a quick web search, or by the agency if you choose to arrange your accommodation this way.