Are you preparing to become a student next year?
If so, congratulations! No matter where you’re studying, many people find that their university years are the best of their life. However, in order for them to be enjoyable, it’s vital to find quality accommodation. This can seem overwhelming when you start looking, but we can help make this exciting part of your university life that little bit easier!
The key to a stress free house hunting experience is firstly, deciding on who you want to live with, then deciding on exactly where you want to live in the City and finally knowing your budget. For example, do you want your rent to include your bills as well. Many of our tenants prefer all inclusive rents as this gives them certainty about their monthly outgoings and prevents any nasty surprises from big unbudgeted energy bills (and the uncomfortable arguments with house mates which may follow).
Our rents are all-inclusive so you’ll never have to worry about any hidden costs. It’s always our aim to provide high quality student housing at fair prices.
If you need help finding the perfect student accommodation in the UK, here are seven tips to get you started:
Start your search as soon as possible. ‘The early bird catches the worm’ definitely applies to student accommodation. Popular accommodations tend to get booked quickly, especially in popular parts of a city. If you’re looking in Manchester (Fallowfield), Nottingham (Lenton), Sheffield (Ecclesall Road Area) and Stafford, Orange Student Properties has a range of quality properties that are furnished to the finest standards.
Choose who you would like to live with.
Whilst it can be difficult to establish your group of who you want to live with, this is the vital first step to successful house hunting. There is no point in looking at 4 bedroom houses if you end up being a group of 5 wanting to live together (Orange Student Properties have houses which can accommodate a range of group sizes – Nottingham – 5, 6 and 7 bedroom houses, Manchester – 6 bedroom houses, Sheffield – 5 and 6 bedroom houses and Stafford – 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses).
Choose what location you wish to live in.
In each city there are popular locations where students wish to live. For example, in Manchester this is Fallowfield, In Nottingham, it is Lenton and in Sheffield the areas are more dispersed, but include the Ecclesall Road Area. These locations offer a good balance between distance to your university campus and the City Centres. They are also well located in terms of access to good transportation links nearby. You don’t want it to be difficult to access a supermarket, libraries or public transport. We have student accommodation in many sought after locations so you can enjoy university life to the fullest.
Set your budget
Agreeing a budget which is affordable for all group members is very important and will allow you to focus your property search. Whilst we’d all love to live in a property with ensuite bathrooms in every room, this may not be practical with students' budgets and so it is a waste of time looking at such properties if no one can afford the rent.
Orange Student Properties rents are all inclusive of bills. With ever changing energy costs, which only appear to be going in one direction – up, this provides certainty to our tenants as to what their outgoings will be. Your payment covers your rent, gas, electricity, water, broadband and TV licence (Students are exempt from paying Council Tax). Not only does it prevent arguments and uncomfortable conversations between the group, it also means that we set everything up for you and so you don’t have the hassle of being on the phone to energy companies.
Decide how many on what type of accommodation you want. Do you want to stay in a student hall, a shared house or a private apartment? Each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, privacy and social experience. You might want to read reviews from previous or current residents to get insights into the quality of accommodation, management, and any potential issues.
Look at the facilities and amenities available. Let’s face it, internet access is indispensable nowadays. However you also need quiet places to study and to feel safe and comfortable in your new home. All our student properties in Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Stafford meet the finest standards and are lovely places to live.
Visit in person or take a close look online. If possible, it’s always best visit the accommodation in person to get a feel for the place. Alternatively, many accommodations offer virtual tours. Orange Student Properties make this process extremely easy, whether in person or online. You’ll find a wealth of details on every single one of our properties on our website, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and other features.
Ensure the place has good levels of safety and security. It’s vital to have accommodation that has adequate safety measures in place, such as secure entry systems and emergency procedures. We have strong security measures at all our properties including burglar alarms, security lighting, smoke detectors on all floors, and much more.
Ask plenty of questions regarding a property. Orange Student Properties is always happy to answer any enquiries you have regarding rent, bills, maintenance or any other concerns you may have before making a decision. It’s quick and easy to browse the different properties on our website, with plenty of information and photographs to explore.
As a small family business, Orange Student Properties make the application process much easier.
Our team have all lived in student housing at some point, so understand the unique challenges and joys it can bring. We have 25 years experience of providing quality student housing to our tenants. Something we are extremely proud of.
We appreciate that the perfect accommodation can vary from person to person. It’s vital to prioritise what matters most to you – whether it’s location, price, facilities, or the type of social environment you want to live in.
Our team is always happy to offer more details on any of our accommodations. We look to build genuine relationships with our valued tenants and offer exceptional support throughout your time living in our houses.
If you’re looking for help finding the perfect student accommodation, Orange Student Properties are happy to help, .simply get in touch with our team today.
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