For many freshers, as their first term at university starts to draw to a close, many will be starting to think about their accommodation and arranging their second year house.
That said, it is important not to do so until you feel you have found the right people to live with.
This is due to friendships changing from the first week you get there.
It is, of course, important to start thinking about this. For ease perhaps deciding the group/ location/ house before the start of the Christmas holidays would be a sensible idea.
This is so you can enjoy the rest of your first year without any fear and anxiety about all the good houses going.
Below are some of the best tips to stay calm and ensure you are getting what you want from your accommodation. After all, you will be there for one academic year minimum.
See also: The Pros And Cons Of Living In A Studio Flat At University
Research Which Housing Agencies You Can Trust
It is of vital importance to know what agencies are best for your area.
Sadly, there are some companies that take advantage of students who are looking for housing, along with other agencies whose customer care just isn’t up to scratch.
If you have a person you are shadowing in a year above, someone from your sports socials, or even a personal tutor, bringing up your anxieties around housing to this individual can leave you with some insightful advice and help.
Have A House Meeting
When you have decided which agency to go to, have a meeting with your future housemates and decide what is most important to you.
This could be having more than one bathroom, double beds, a garden, or the location. Writing a list to know what type of houses you wish to look for will really assist in your search.
Have One Person Spear Heading The House Hunt
Instead of having multiple people emailing the same agents and trying to organise viewings at the same time. If one person feels comfortable doing the job, it makes things a lot easier.
Ensure it is someone you trust to get your hopes across. You don’t want to end up with a house they want but no one else does. But, seriously, having this approach makes things a lot easier.
They can then report back to you and everyone can make the final decision together.
Arranging your second year house doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With careful planning, it can actually be a lot of fun.
Read next: Student Guide To Staying On Top Of Packing At University
