Finding the right place to stay in college can be a stressful affair, but it doesn’t have to be! If you watch out for tell-tale signs during the selection process, you’ll be able to avoid any nasty surprises after you move in! All you have to do is ask the right questions.

1. What does my rent include? A good place with seemingly low rent may cost you more in the long run. Ask your landlord for a list of things included in your rent to avoid any surprises. Most PBSAs (purpose-built student accommodation, silly!) have all utility bills included in the rent. Some may even offer free access to the internet, gym, swimming pool, and grab ‘n go breakfasts.

2. How far is my university? When Monday morning rolls around and you’re nursing a hangover from hell, you’re going to wish you lived as close to the lecture hall as humanly possible. Places within 15 minutes’ walking distance of campus are ideal, so you can simply roll out of bed and head to your lecture. You’ll also save on transport costs in the process!

3. Who are my roommates? The people you live with will shape your university experience in a major way. If you’re sharing a room, make sure you and your roommate(s) are on the same page about cleanliness, noise levels, and having overnight guests. Even if you’re only sharing communal areas like a kitchen and living room, it’s still important to find like-minded housemates in order to avoid unpleasantness in the long run.

4. How will I travel? Find out the nearest public transport links from your student accommodation, including the frequency of buses and trains as well as the cost of travel. Don’t settle for a house at a great price if it’s in the middle of nowhere – you will soon find yourself forking out excess cash just to cover your commute.

5. Are the current tenants happy? No one can review an accommodation as accurately as the people who’ve lived in it! Speak to current tenants about their living experience. If there are any issues with the landlord, the neighbours, or even the area in general, they’ll know it all. Chat to them to know just what you’re getting into before signing the lease.

Remember to ask yourself these questions the next time you’re house hunting. Good luck!

Written by Yashodhara Trivedi, Content Strategist for www.universityliving.com – A global provider of quality student accommodation in the UK, Australia, European Union, USA, Canada, Dubai, Singapore, and more.