Whether you’re moving into your next student house, or you’re graduating from uni as a young professional and looking for your next property, moving into a new home is an exciting time. You’re going to be in a new place, with new people, so there’s lots to take in and think about!
When you’re moving into a new home, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you get fully settled in. Here are just some of our top tips for moving into your next place and the things you should check to make sure the move goes smoothly.
Before you start unpacking properly, thoroughly check the property and see how it compares to when you viewed it or signed the contract.
If you notice any damage or anything you think shouldn’t be there, take photos and send them to your landlord so you have proof of the property’s condition when you took over the occupancy.
Here’s the things you should check:
When checking all of these elements, it’s really important to take photos and send them to your landlord straight away. Not only should they come and fix anything that could be a safety hazard as soon as possible, but it’ll also help you to avoid disputes when you move out.
You’ll have probably already signed a tenancy agreement before your move-in date, but it’s worth refreshing it and sitting down with your housemates to make sure everyone understands the terms.
Most importantly, know the amount of rent you need to pay, when it’s due, and what’s included. Make sure you know which bills are definitely included and which ones you’re responsible for (we’ll cover more of this in the next section).
You should also double-check your tenancy agreement, so you know what your responsibilities are when it comes to maintenance and repairs at the property. This can help avoid any unexpected surprises and might prompt some of your housemates to respect the property, and its fixtures and furniture a little more!
Lastly, ensure you know exactly who to contact for repairs or in an emergency. Make a list of important numbers and put them somewhere so everyone can see them.
As soon as you get the keys, take meter readings of your gas and electric meters immediately. We recommend you do this whether the bills are included in your rent or not. If bills are included, it means you have proof of what the readings were when you took over the property’s occupancy. This can help to avoid any disputes later down the line.
Utilities
If you’re taking care of the bills yourself, you will need to register with the relevant utility companies and decide between you and your housemates who’s going to be the lead tenant and how you’re going to split and pay the bills.
Alternatively, you could opt for a bill splitting service that allows you to choose a package that suits your house and means everyone pays one fixed monthly bill.
Internet and TV Licence
It can take time to get your internet package turned on and installed so make sure you do this as soon as possible – preferably before your move-in date. Plus, if you’re planning to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you’re going to need a TV Licence.
When you use Split The Bills, both can be included in your bill package so you don’t have to worry about them.
Council Tax
Most full-time students are exempt from paying council tax, but to avoid any unexpected bills, make sure you provide proof of your student status to your local council.
For more on this, read our blog: How to apply for council tax exemption as a student.
Living with your friends or other students is one of the best things about university life. But to avoid arguments and ensure everyone’s happiness in the house, it can help to sit down and chat about a few things first.
In some student areas, security can be a risk – thieves often know where student properties are and know they have access to multiple high-value items if they break into a student home.
Here are just a few of the things you can do to reduce these risks and keep both you and your housemates safe:
You might have already sorted this out in your first year in student halls, but moving into a student house can come with extra costs so budgeting is a must! For example, your utilities might have been included in your student halls, or if you were living in catered accommodation, you wouldn’t have had to factor in food shopping costs.
Create a budget that includes rent, bills, food, travel, and leisure activities. And then stick to it as closely as you can! Don’t forget to make the most out of your budget by taking advantage of student discounts on travel, shopping, and dining – every little helps!
You might also want to think about having an emergency fund. Set some money aside for any unexpected expenses. This can help you avoid getting into financial difficulties in case of an emergency.
Finally, once you’re unpacked, you’ve got to know your housemates and you’ve got your budget sorted, you can start exploring the local area. Here are some of the most important things you might want to consider:
Moving into your student house is an exciting time and following these tips will allow for a smooth transition so you can enjoy student life to the full.
Services such as Split The bills can ease the burden of managing your finances and bills, giving you more time to focus on your studies and social life.
Split The Bills is a bill-splitting service trusted by thousands of students across the UK. Our team will set up utility accounts for your student house so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of ringing suppliers, setting up direct debits, or calculating how much everyone owes.
Our bill package includes the freedom to responsibly use uncapped energy and water, your choice of broadband and an optional TV Licence (if you plan on watching live TV). All you need to do is pay one monthly bill, which automatically covers all your household bills.
Get a monthly price for your household bills today and make moving into your new student house as hassle-free as possible.
When you move into a student house, everyone suddenly becomes an energy expert. Read our blog on energy myths to understand what will really save you money.
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