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Moving out of our home may seem attractive; the freedom very alluring however you must be careful as to where and with whom you choose to live to ensure that it does not turn out into a nightmare experience. Below gives you an insight into various stages and options available

The different types of accommodation	You have a number of options when it comes to selecting what type of accommodation you would like. They can be broadly classified into University owned accommodation Private renting University owned accommodation This is the most preferred option for first-year and foreign students. Information for these can be obtained by contacting your college accommodation office. Typically colleges will send you information with regards to this but not always so ensure that your proactively contact your college to get the relevant information. Accommodation can either be within the campus or nearby the university may own flats/houses. They can present quite a cheap option and be in good locations, but as usual there will be exceptions. You will not have to find others to fill the flat as your institution should take on this responsibility (you will also have the added advantage of not being held responsible, should one of your flat-"mates" leave part the way through the year). Private Renting There are various options available if you want to make your own arrangements for living Sharing a flat/house with friends Without doubt this is most students' favoured option. You can live amongst your friends of similar age, view and with a degree of independence from your family and university. However choose your co-sharers carefully and before you take a decision to form a group to go house hunting, have a clear and frank discussion about everyone's expectation in terms of cleaning, lease period, payment of bills rent, having guests', washing-up, cooking, food etc. Having this discussion upfront will avoid future small problems which can escalate to big issues which cannot be salvaged. Bed-Sit This is very similar to sharing a flat however you may not know the people you are sharing the place with. This is a cheap option and generally you share the kitchen and bathroom with our lodgers. You can find information about such places through letting agents, online property listings, notice boards, newspapers and your accommodation officer also might be able to help. Studio apartment If you are looking to live all on your own then studio apartments are ideal, they have their own private kitchen and bathroom with a bedroom cum lounge. It generally appeals to couples or single students who want to live independently and by their rules. However, this can be expensive and quite lonely unless you have a very active social life. Renting a room in Someone's home Living in someone's home as a private lodger suits those that either miss out on university accommodation or can't find group of students they would like to share with. Post-graduates are also quite keen on this option. The primary advantage is that invariably you will be living somewhere comfortable and the cooking (if offered) tends to be better than your alternatives. The disadvantage is that the families' timetable will be different to yours. They won't appreciate you coming in at 3.00 a.m. and you won't appreciate the screaming kids at 6.00 a.m. You will also have less freedom to bring home friends or guests and this could leave you feeling isolated.
Selecting a property	If you decide to go for private renting, then it is important that you choose the right property to live in. Location is important, you may have late classes and/or practical so a property nearby to the university is ideal. As you farther away from university, student specific accommodation may be slightly cheaper but do take into account the travelling expense, time spent and it would work out same. Property should also be located in a safe neighbourhood where you can come back at midnight or later with no fear. Also look how near is the local and take away shops. Check out the local transport and how easy it is for you to travel around if required. Your local university accommodation office may also be able to guide in looking for a private property or you can search for properties by: Local newspapers or loot Letting agents Online property websites such propertychart.co.uk Notice boards and newsagents windows Word of mouth It may also be worth trying to establish if the agent or landlord is fussy about the make up of the group. Occasionally some landlords will only accept a mixed group of men and women or non-smokers for example. Check out both the internal, external safety and security of the house. Check all the appliances are in working order. It is worth checking that all taps and shower are in good working order. Once you have decided on a property and you are ready commit. Inform the agent or landlord, at the earliest opportunity, that you would like to take the property. Sometimes the landlord will be delighted to have an offer but frequently you will be in competition with others. First come first served will apply in some cases but there are exceptions to this. The landlord is completely within his or her rights to deny you from having a property as long as it is not discriminatory on the basis of race etc. Bear in mind that the house is not yours until the contract is signed, however do not feel forced to sign the contract straight away. Review the contract carefully and if possible get your accommodation office to go over it once. When signing, make sure you get everything in writing e.g. commitments to do repairs. Get a receipt for everything you have paid and get a copy of the contract.
Before Moving In	Once you have signed a contract and have some time before you actually move in consider the following: You may want to get insurance for your personal belongings It is also worth finding out who is currently supplying the electricity and gas and then informing them that you will be moving in. You could also call BT to arrange for the phone to be connected for your arrival. You should also let your University/College know your future address. You may also want to inform other organisations e.g. loyalty card providers etc.
After Moving in	As soon as you move in, read your electricity and gas meters and inform the suppliers. You may also need to inform the water and sewerage companies that you are the current occupier. If you have water meter then check that also. If not already done, you will probably also need to inform BT to get your phone connected. Most importantly get your inventory sorted out, you will normally have a week to check it and make any amendments. If you haven't been issued with one make sure you ask for one and follow up in writing. Ensure you set up some kind of arrangement to share the payment of the bills, either it could be a joint kitty managed by one of the flatmates or each flatmate ha responsibility of paying one or two bills and is responsible for collecting individual bill shares from rest, or have a joint bank account.
Final word	Finally, some important tips for you to make sure your experience as student living away from home is positive: Do Choose to live with like-minded people. If you like the family atmosphere - move in with people who like to cook together. If you prefer a little more time on your own, a bed sit might be more appropriate Clean up after yourself and contribute to the general maintenance of the house Save some hot water for the rest of your household first thing in the morning Supply some general household furniture or kitchenware for everyone to use Ensure you pay your share of bills on time Talk to the people you live with and go out with them - they can be handy when you have nothing planned on a Saturday night! Don't Play music in your room so loud, everyone else can hear Leave your dirty plates or clothes for someone else to do Spend the entire evening in the only bathroom painting your toenails Invite the entire household out except for one person Clip your toenails (or fingernails if your flatmates are especially sensitive) in the living room Be late on your share of bills.

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