Top tips on moving and choosing accommodation as a seasoned uni student
By Shirley, studying History and Politics MA (Hons)
As an international student who’s spent the last two years in Edinburgh and moved through three flats and counting, I’ve had my fair share of moving days, flat viewings and packing chaos. Along the way, I’ve picked up some tips that might save you time, stress and maybe even a bit of money. Whether you’re thinking about switching flats or just settling into a new one, here are four top tips from one fellow flat hunter to another.
Tip one: be strategic about your search – start early but not too early
In university, timing can make or break the success of your flat hunt. Start taking mental notes of the opening of listings for private flats or student accommodations by browsing their websites and pages. For instance, you can start looking around two to three months before you plan to move. That is when most listings for student accommodations start popping up. If you start any earlier than that, you might find yourself relying on outdated information or doing research and committing to a flat you have not even seen in person. Same goes with flatmates: be careful about committing to living with someone when you barely know them or their living habits. Any conflicts you have in the future about budgeting or even cleaning schedules can either make or break your pre-existing friendships.
Leave it any later, and you might be fighting over the last few options with 20 other desperate students at the viewing. So, it is important to keep track of the listings early so you know what is out there, roughly what time it is out, but hold off signing or committing to something until you are sure it is the right fit.
Tip two: list out your priorities (is it location, safety or budget?)
Once you have found a few flats you like or have started hunting, this is the time to ask yourself what your priorities are and make a note of them to filter out any flats that do not meet the standards.
This can be whether you value budget, location, safety, commute time, access to public transport or whether utility bills are included. Make a list of your non-negotiables, e.g. I need to be close to campus because I have morning classes. Then have a second list of ‘nice to haves’ like natural light, extra storage or being close to specific public facilities like a gym or shopping centre. As an example, I had a lot of morning classes during my second year of university, therefore I prioritised location and commuting times as my top requirements, and managed to secure a student accommodation 10 minutes away from my lecture hall by walking.
Tip three: stay informed and active
When you have secured housing, do not skim the housing contract, especially when you are renting privately. Actually, take some time to read and understand what the terms and conditions entail. Check for details like the length of your lease, notice periods, deposit protections and the terms and conditions for repairs, insurance coverage etc.
If something feels unclear, reach out to your landlord or your student accommodation provider for clarification before signing. You can also reach out to The Advice Place for additional support. They can walk you through your rights and options.
Learn more about The Advice Place.
That being said, there is always the possibility of potential scams and false advertising when it comes to accommodation hunting season. Making yourself aware of how these scams are carried out and how to protect yourself against it can be very useful.
Find out more potential accommodation scams.
It is also worth knowing the range of options you have and your own personal preferences. From antique older private flats, to more modern student halls, or even knowing the differences between rooms like ensuites, studios, shared studios and single rooms. This would allow you to expand your search options, and also what to expect in terms of size, heating and included services like laundry or having a common room. I really enjoyed the idea of having a private gym and common room in my first year, therefore choosing a student accommodation for my first year also meant I had access to included services like gym, study rooms and laundry within my housing contract.
Tip four: don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth
Some of the best flats in Edinburgh never even make it onto the big rental websites. They’re passed on quietly through friends, flatmates or society group chats. Let people know you’re looking and be specific about what you’re after: your budget, ideal location and when you want to move.
You’d be surprised how often someone knows a friend of a friend who’s moving out soon, or a landlord who prefers to rent to students they can trust through a personal recommendation. Post in your course group chats, mention it to people at society events and keep an eye on your network. Even casual conversations can lead to early viewing opportunities before the listing goes public. In a competitive rental market, that head start can be a gamechanger.
I hope you have found this guide useful and good luck to anyone on the flat hunt quest. If you have any further questions about finding accommodation as a student, consider visiting the University accommodation webpages.
