{"id":12402,"date":"2020-02-05T12:40:52","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T12:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/2020\/02\/05\/what-to-look-for-when-finding-your-perfect-student-house\/"},"modified":"2020-11-24T12:05:08","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T12:05:08","slug":"what-to-look-for-when-finding-your-perfect-student-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/cy\/what-to-look-for-when-finding-your-perfect-student-house\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Look for When Finding your Perfect Student House"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, it\u2019s that time in your first year of university that you\nbegin to get bombarded by student letting agents telling you that they offer a\nwhole load of tempting perks \u2013 no agency fees, competitive rents, free prosecco.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Halt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t get sucked into the mad rush which normally comes as\nearly as October of your first year. Yes, merely a month after you move into\nyour halls. Agencies will fear-monger you into signing a contract with one,\npeople you may not like a few months down the line, and two, a house that doesn\u2019t\ntick all the boxes. Don\u2019t be that person. In both my first and second year, I\ndidn\u2019t sign for a house until February time despite being repeatedly told that\nthere were going to be no houses left and that we should make a decision the\nvery day we made our viewings. There are in fact more houses up for rent in Cardiff\nthan students, and you will absolutely not be left homeless if you do not sign\nbefore Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So what should you look for in your student digs? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-1024x582.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10367\" width=\"318\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-1024x582.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-768x437.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-70x40.png 70w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-170x96.png 170w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-270x152.png 270w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-370x208.png 370w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-570x320.png 570w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-770x433.png 770w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-870x489.png 870w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280-970x545.png 970w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/map-1272165_1280.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 318px) 100vw, 318px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Location<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Firstly, make sure the house is in a safe area. If there are\nlots of other students living in close proximity then it is likely to be\nabsolutely fine. For Cardiff, Cathays is the main place that students live and\nit is also very close to uni buildings, libraries and town. You don\u2019t\nparticularly want to be making a 40 minute trek to your lectures everyday so\nsticking as close as possible to the uni is recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/age-1238316_1920-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10369\" width=\"246\" height=\"174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/age-1238316_1920-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/age-1238316_1920-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/age-1238316_1920-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/age-1238316_1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 246px) 100vw, 246px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Mould and damp<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No-one wants to live in a mouldy, damp house and plus, it\u2019s\njust another issue that you don\u2019t want to be left dealing with. In the very\nworst case scenario, it can also affect your health so keep a look out when you\nare doing your viewings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/kitchen-1085990_1920-1024x396.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10371\" width=\"431\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/kitchen-1085990_1920-1024x396.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/kitchen-1085990_1920-600x232.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/kitchen-1085990_1920-300x116.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/kitchen-1085990_1920-768x297.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/kitchen-1085990_1920.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Inventory<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you know exactly what is included in the house.\nThings such as microwaves, kettles, hoovers, and even things like desks and\nbeds have been known to not be included in the house inventories. It is hidden\ncosts like these that can build up when you move in so have this clarified by\nthe letting agent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10373\" width=\"342\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-170x96.png 170w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-250x141.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-550x309.png 550w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-70x40.png 70w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-270x152.png 270w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-370x208.png 370w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-570x320.png 570w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-670x376.png 670w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-770x433.png 770w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-870x489.png 870w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280-970x545.png 970w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/child-3327374_1280.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Happy tenants<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If they are around, have a quick chat with the current\noccupants of the house to see what they have to say about it. They are the most\nlikely to give you an unbiased opinion and tell you the ins and outs of the\nplace. If there are major issues with it, or the landlord themselves then it is\nbetter off finding out sooner rather than later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/mixer-tap-413745_1920-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10375\" width=\"362\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/mixer-tap-413745_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/mixer-tap-413745_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/mixer-tap-413745_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/523\/2020\/02\/mixer-tap-413745_1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 362px) 100vw, 362px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Working appliances &nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t be afraid to give things like the oven and taps a\nquick check to make sure everything is in perfect working order. If it\u2019s not,\nyou can then make an agreement to have this sorted before your move in date so\nyou won\u2019t get caught out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, just ask lots of questions when it comes to\nmaking house viewings. Take plenty of pictures too and if you want any more advice,\nthe university offers an advice and money service that can assist you with things\nsuch as living arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Happy house hunting!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"So, it\u2019s that time in your first year of university that you begin to get bombarded by student letting agents telling you that they offer a whole load of tempting [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":1499,"featured_media":10372,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[717,311,245,402,714],"tags":[458,459,1266,1267,1268,1269,650],"class_list":["post-12402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice-for-students-cy","category-second-year-cy","category-living-away-from-home-cy","category-renting-a-house-cy","category-student-life-cy","tag-cardiff-accommodation-cy","tag-cardiff-university-accommodation-cy","tag-house-rent-cy","tag-rent-cy","tag-renting-cy","tag-renting-a-house-cy","tag-student-accommodation-cy"],"meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1499"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12402"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12404,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12402\/revisions\/12404"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10372"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/insiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}