Getting ready for university

Before even thinking about applying to University, the first question that needs to be answer should be "Will I be staying at home?, if not should i find a university accommodation or a pricent rental?"
This definitely hs to be sorted out before the start of university.
Other question will be..."what should i take to University?

University Accommodation

This is often referred to as Hall of residence and is usually offered to first year students although other student tend to apply for them reason being that :
* You won’t have to go house-hunting in a town that you don’t necessarily know that well
* With loads of other students around, it's easier to make new friends
* It can be good value compared with private accommodation, with bills often included in room rates
* Living in halls sometimes has the benefit of being nearest to the university, so you don’t have to allow so
much extra time for the journey to campus each morning.

Many universities and colleges offer halls of residence, and sometimes self-catering flats, to students who want to ‘live in’. These varies immensely between different universities and colleges.

If you decide on this option it’s best to apply as soon as possible. To find out what’s on offer at your place of study, find their details on the UCAS website, or get hold of a the university's prospectus.

If you do go for accommodation in your university, make sure you complete and return the application forms as early as possible, as demand is often high.

If you live in an university owned accommodation you are likely to be a common law tenant. This means your rights are limited. To find out about your rights and advice when living in a Hall of residence please

Your Right

Click here.

Private Rentals

Where you live at university or college is likely to have a major impact on your time there: the friends you make, the places you get to know, and your costs. It can also be the first time you deal with private landlords, or have to tackle issues such as deposits, bill-sharing and housing management and safety. Knowing where to look can help you find the place that’s right for you – and knowing your rights can stop you being ripped off.

If you’re planning to move out of halls in your
second year, you’ll probably need to start
looking for private accommodation in the
spring term of your first year.
Remember that as a student, you have the
same rights as any other private tenant.

If you live with friends, check with your local
authority to see if your landlord needs to get a
‘House in Multiple Occupation’ (HMO) licence
for your property.

Your house must be specially licensed as a ‘House in Multiple Occupation’ if it has:
* five or more unrelated people sharing and:
* three or more storeys

Some local authorities may also choose to license houses with smaller numbers of occupants or storeys.

This licence requires landlords to be capable managers, and to ensure the house is occupied by a limited number of people.

Once you’ve found a suitable place to rent, most landlords and letting agents will need you to pay a deposit, and may also ask for a guarantor before they draw up a contract. They may also ask you to pay rent in advance. Don't hand over any money until you've had a good look around the property: check for obvious signs of disrepair, damp, badly fitting doors or windows, or anything that could compromise your security.

It might also help to take someone else with you to get their views on the property.

Landlords often ask for a deposit to cover missing rent or damage made to the property. Always get a written receipt for money paid to a landlord or letting agent. Ask your landlord if they will provide an inventory of the contents of the house, including kitchen goods such as a kettle and toaster.

Your deposit should be returned to you if all fees have been settled and the property has not been damaged beyond normal wear and tear. If you feel that it's being withheld unfairly, see 'Problems with rented student accommodation' for tips on getting your deposit back.

Your landlord may ask students to provide a guarantor who agrees to cover costs if you don’t pay the rent, or cause significant damage to the property. A guarantor will usually be a parent or guardian. If you have a joint tenancy, any guarantor will also be jointly liable for overdue rent or damage caused by the other tenants.

Guarantors can try and limit their liability by writing it into their guarantor agreement - to do this, seek independent legal advice.

Tenancy agreements help to protect your rights as a tenant and outline what your obligations will be. Whatever your type of tenancy, read any paperwork involved carefully before you agree to move in or sign any written agreements. Whatever type of agreement you sign, you will be required to look after your property in a reasonable way - for example, emptying bins and keeping the house tidy and clean.

If you break any terms of a tenancy agreement - for example, if you cause damage to the property or fall behind with your rent, your landlord may be entitled to begin eviction procedures against you.

This could include having people to stay for long periods of time if you are living in a licensed house in multiple occupation (HMO). Check to see if the agreement limits the number of people allowed to live in the property.
Problems after you've moved in.