House hunting doesn't have to be something you figure out alone. We’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind to help you get the most out of house hunting season!

Make the most of Unipol’s support 

Unipol offers support and advice to help students navigate the rental process. Register for one of Unipol's House Hunting Webinars here. By attending a webinar, you'll also be entered into Unipol's Halloween Jellycat giveaway!

Write down your requirements

How much can you afford? What are your non-negotiables? And what are your nice-to-haves?

When working out your budget, think about how rent fits into your overall spending. Remember to factor in bills, your deposit and other moving costs. Just because you can afford to spend more, does that mean you want to? Look around at different properties in your preferred area to get an idea of what a fair price looks like. Need a bit of guidance to get started, check out Unipol’s house hunting check list for students here!

Research, research, research

Found a property you like? Before booking a viewing, take some time to research the area.

Check the location on Google Maps and use Street View to get a better idea of what the surrounding streets look like. How far is it from campus? What are the transport links like? Are there supermarkets, shops and other essentials nearby? If you can, ask other students about their experiences renting in the area. Friends, course mates and Unipol and Our Advice Service can be useful sources of advice.

Go and visit

If possible, always view a property before agreeing to rent it. Photos in online listings can be outdated, and it's much easier to spot potential issues in person. Check for signs of damp or mould, make sure windows and doors work properly, and look at the condition of the kitchen and bathroom. Don't be afraid to ask questions about repairs or anything that doesn't look right. It's also worth paying attention to the surrounding area. If you can, visit at different times of day to get a feel for the noise levels, traffic and general atmosphere.

Top tip: Take photos or a video during your viewing, with permission. If you're looking at several properties, it can be difficult to remember which house had what. Make a note of anything you want to ask about later, too. You can also check out Unipol’s guide to help you rent with confidence here!

Finding your next flatmate

Moving in with friends can sound like the dream, but living together is different from spending time together socially. Before deciding to live with someone, have an honest conversation about budgets, cleaning, guests, noise and splitting household responsibilities. You don't have to agree on everything, but it's important to know what to expect from each other. If you're looking for housemates, ask around your course, university communities or student groups. You can build a friendship group and social network by joining our Community Organising team and directly network with students to find out what they want to change at Uni, or you can join a Student Group or Student Community, and find like-minded people. 

Remember, you'll be sharing more than just a kitchen. Finding people whose living habits work with yours can make a huge difference to your experience!

Ask questions before you commit!

House hunting can feel overwhelming, but remember to ask for advice when you need it. Don't forget that Our Advice Service provides free, confidential and independent help to all Leeds Beckett students; support is available if you need a helping hand along the way! 

Actually read your tenancy agreement

So, you've found a place that feels right. The next step is understanding your tenancy agreement before signing it. Make sure to double check that your tenancy agreement is all inclusive; check the rent, deposit, tenancy dates, notice arrangements and responsibilities for repairs and bills. Make sure you understand the terms and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.

For many students, this might be your first experience of renting your own place. Understanding your rights as a renter is important, so take the time to familiarise yourself with them before signing anything. Unipol has put together a useful guide to renters' rights for students, which you can read here.

Happy house hunting!