Make the Smart Move

Hey

Looking for a house can be the most exciting experience you can get at University. You snoop around other peoples houses and you decide on who you want to live with. However it can also be a journey of many pitfalls. That's why the Student Advice Centre, Welfare Committee and PropertywithUS have come to bring you the Smart Move housing campaign.

So next week throughout the whole week we will be in the Residences and out and about giving out information and advice on how to avoid those and make finding the right house an experience you'll never forget.

One thing you should remember though: THERE ARE MORE STUDENT HOUSES THAN STUDENTS. So don't rush. So even pick up a pace make sure you make the right steps to finding the right house.

And what are those steps? Well..

1. Choosing who to live with. What a massive question and make sure you know exactly who is going to be right for you and don't worry if you haven't decided yet because loads of people in that situation and there are events in the Union next semester to help you out.

2. When should you look? Well January is the best answer as that's when the accredited houses come on the market and they are the ones checked by the University to make sure they are OK.

3. Where should you look? Loads of different places, from PropertywithUS to online groups and agencies, newsagents and the accommodation board in the Union by reception.

4. Victorian terrace or modern apartment? Know what type of property you want to look for and make sure you set clear boundaries that all of you can agree to. Like setting a maximum rent you could all afford, or even listing the things you want in the house like a bath and double beds. It helps to narrow things down.

5. Location, Location, Location. Really look around the whole of Sheffield from Broomhill, Crookes, the city centre, Walkey, Sharrowvale, Ecclesall Road, Crookesmoor. Think about how far it is from lectures but also whether its the right house for you.

6. Choosing the Right House? Check the whole house from security to locks on front doors and make sure you know what your looking for.

7. Signing on the Dotted line. Don't sign anything you haven't read and understood. The Advice Centre run a housing contract checking service and can go through your contract with you to identify any problems to you that you might have.

Above all enjoy yourself. Watch out for the step by step guide in the Union and pick it up and have a read. The Student Advice Centre sees loads of problems with accommodation every year and we really want to make sure you don't suffer the same fate. Check the website for more information www.sheffieldunion.com/housing

Remember the most important thing however is that to find the right house, you can make the right home.

Take it easy