Tips for Moving into Your First Student Flat

Moving into your first student flat can seem both extremely exciting as well as slightly intimidating, whether you're moving straight out of your parents' place or from student halls.

The prospect of slumming it out with other people your age is something to look forward to, but you should ensure that you secure a flat in the most advantageous way possible, from choosing what kind of flatmates you want to live with, to which of the many broadband packages you should opt for to suit your needs the best.

Start looking early!

A critical error most students commit is failing to start their flat hunt early enough. You'll encounter these unfortunate individuals by the truckload at university. The last thing you want is to have to desperately choose from the last few remaining flats which, unsurprisingly, are not likely to be the best of the bunch.

The secret to snagging a good place quickly is to indulge in some high-intensity viewings. Instead of seeing one place every few days, try and fit in 5 to 6 viewings per day. This way, you'll be able to compare the flats you're seeing much better and come to a more informed decision, ultimately.

Do your inventory immediately

If you want your deposit back safe and sound by the end of your tenancy, it's pretty vital that the flat is returned to its owner in the state that it was rented out in. To avoid false claims of damage to the property, you should do a thorough inventory check on the day you move in.

Take photographs of any damaged surfaces or objects you can see, so your landlord doesn't assume that you were the one who actually inflicted the damage.

Save money for your flat stuff

Before you go on a spending spree at Ikea, it's a good idea to ask your parents for any unwanted house items that they are willing to give to you. This can include: crockery, linen, pots and pans, old kitchen knives and so on.

You should also be plundering charity shops for all kinds of cheap goodies for your new home.

Get on top of the utility bills

It's important to get an understanding of how much money you're going to be saving with energy providers before you get that first thumping bill. The previous tenants probably had an account already, which you will be expected to pick up.

But before you give them your bank details, go online and figure out which provider is going to save you the most money. Don't ever feel obliged to pay for their services if you can find others that offer better value.

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