An age-old dilemma faced by many students who move out for university is where they are going to live. This may seem like a tough decision at first glance, however, if you do your research, you’ll reveal that one option is much more convenient and makes a lot more sense than the other.

Read on to find out!

Finding suitable accommodation

Looking for a student house isn’t as simple of a process as looking for a suitable purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The process for booking a student house goes something like this:

1. It’s best to find your housemates in advance.
   1. You will be sharing things such as bills and likely bathrooms – so you’ll want to be sure you can trust those you’re living with to pay their way and do their bit.
2. Find a suitable estate agent.
   1. Ensure they are legitimate and compliant with the necessary tenancy laws.
3. Go to viewings
   1. You may have to view more than one property to find the most suitable one for you. You may also need to work around the agents or current tenant’s schedule.
4. Consider any upfront payments that will be due and when they need to be paid.
   1. Once you find a house, you’ll likely have to pay a deposit and perhaps a holding deposit upfront.
5. Sign the contract
   1. Make sure you’re happy with the contents and question anything that doesn’t quite look right.
6. Move in!
   1. This may be on a date that in line with the previous tenant’s departure, not always when your term starts.

The process for purpose-built student accommodation:

1. Research the properties that are in the area and decide which one ticks all the boxes for you
   1. PBSA websites are usually very straight forward and list the rooms by size or type - so you know what you’re getting.
2. View the properties
   1. As there are usually staff based in the properties themselves, walk in viewings are usually not a problem and even virtual viewings are very common, if you don’t fancy travelling.
3. Apply to your chosen accommodation and sign the contract.
   1. You usually have a period of time that you can hold a room for before you are required to pay any deposit (if you are waiting for a specific date before you can pay then this can usually be arranged if you let them know).
4. Pay the required deposit.
5. Move in!
   1. These dates are usually in line with when term starts.

The biggest differences between the two is that student houses require more effort and organising. You’ll have to put extra time into arranging and moving into one. Whereas, the process of finding and moving into purpose built student accommodation is a lot smoother.

Bills, bills, bills

The only time you want to hear “bills, bills, bills” is in a Destiny’s Child song. Apart from then, those words are never very pleasant! Another difference between a student house and accommodation are usually the bills you need to organise and pay between you and your hou