Student Hope Kennedy offers her top tips on finding the right place to live after university accommodation.
When someone talks to me about the October of my first year at university a shiver still goes down my spine. Between the looming deadlines, mild homesickness, and – worst of all – the chaotic rush to get the following year’s accommodation, my head was in a spin! If I could go back and tell my first-year self not to panic, I would. Sadly, I am not a time-traveller, but I can pass that message onto you “Things are going to be ok!” However, I understand that if you are anything like me you will need an action plan on how to navigate finding your next home, so, without further ado, here are some of my handy tips below.
- Speak to current second/third years and ask advice– Whether it be a friend you made in a society, course mate or sibling, asking for advice was one of the best things I did when I was in this kerfuffle. My dad works with someone who’s son went to Exeter and when I started first year, he gave me his number in case I needed anything. So, when I realised that I knew nothing about renting a uni house, I called him up and we met in the ram for lunch (well I would call it lunch, he would probably call it an interrogation). I spent the whole time asking him questions about housing locations, the best websites to look at and what sort of price range is the average. By the end of lunch, I had felt a lot calmer and knowledgeable about the basics of house renting, so this is something I would really recommend.
- Do not worry if you do not feel close enough to live with anyone yet/you feel that you have too small a friendship group to be able to afford a house (as yes, some of those 2 bedroom houses are pricey)– If any of you are familiar with “overheard” on Facebook, you will see that people are still looking for housemates/houses are being advertised way after the rumoured “reading week deadline”. Take your time to find people you would be comfortable to live with! For my third-year house my friend and I found the perfect apartment, however, it was three bed and there were only two of us. We advertised on Facebook and found a lovely girl who is officially our third housemate!
- Deciding to go into purpose-built student accommodation for another year will not isolate you/stop you getting a house with people in third year– One of my friends decided to go into purpose-built student accommodation in the city for her second year, as it suited her better. She has made many lovely friends there and has now signed on a house with some of those friends for her third year! She also said that she was glad she had another year of accommodation as she still had access to circuit laundry (when you move into a house you will miss this)!
- Set a budget with the people you are looking with– It is ok not to be willing to pay the same amount for a house, as some of your group. Everyone has different financial situations so deciding on a house that is within everyone’s budget helps you avoid unnecessary viewings, arguments and awkwardness!
- Prioritise your mental health- If the housing situation is really weighing down on you, talk to someone! Whether it be a phone call to your family, a coffee debrief with friends or speaking to university support staff, know that you are not alone!
To support your search for second- or third-year housing, I have included some handy links below that I would highly recommend checking out. These resources should help make your accommodation search more informed and straightforward.
- Studentpad – to find accommodation or flatmates. There’s even a message board where you can advertise for a housemate or post about what accommodation you’re looking for. Plus, it’s free to use!
- Accommodation in Exeter map – A radius map showing the locations of university, private student accommodation and example rent prices in the city.
- Students’ Guild Advice Team or the Residence Life Team – To talk to if you have questions or concerns about finding somewhere to live.
- Move Smart website – A wealth of resources, events, tips and advice for finding somewhere to live after the first year.