Come and cook with student Elodie Commissaris who shares her perfect recipe for finding accommodation after the first year at university.
Finding a place to live for your second year at uni can be a bit like cooking a meal. Here’s the perfect recipe to make it easy and stress-free!
Ingredients:
- Research: Info on neighbourhoods and rental prices
- Flatmates: Potential housemates from Flatmate Finder events
- Priorities: List of what’s most important to you (price, location, people)
Method:
- Choose Your Dish: First things first, decide what kind of “dish” you’re going for. Do you want a one-bedroom flat, student accommodation, or a private house with friends? Figuring this out is like deciding whether you’re making a quick snack or a fancy dinner. The options are explained on the Students’ Guild website >
- Gather Your Ingredients: Once you know what you want, start gathering info about neighbourhoods and rental prices. Think of this step as shopping for ingredients from the supermarket.
- Balance the Flavours: Now, it’s time to prioritise. Is it the price, the location, or the people you live with that matters most? Make a list of must-haves vs nice-to-haves, like choosing between adding chocolate chips or raisins to your cookies.
- Find Your Tribe: If you’re planning to live with others, it’s time to find your tribe. Go to Flatmate Finder events to meet potential housemates. It’s like finding the perfect combo of ingredients that complement each other. Find top tips on the Students’ Guild website >
- Stick to the Recipe: Set a realistic budget, schedule house viewings, and prepare questions for landlords. Following a plan is like sticking to a recipe to make sure your dish turns out just right.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Taking baked goods out of the oven too early can ruin them. The same goes for rushing into a housing decision. Despite what you hear, there are plenty of places in Exeter. Don’t sign a contract until you’re sure. Patience is key, just like waiting for your cake to bake perfectly. Take a look at the Contract Check info on the Students’ Guild website >
- Serve the Meal: Once you’ve found the perfect place, secure it by signing the lease and paying the deposit. Just like carefully plating and serving your meal, make sure everything is ready for a smooth transition.
By following this recipe, you’ll find a student house that suits your needs and makes your second year at uni comfortable and enjoyable. Happy house hunting and bon appétit!