Preparations to Make When Moving Out to Study

Moving out to study can be an extremely daunting thought. After all, for many of us, it will be the first time that we have ever lived outside of our family home. We are likely to be unfamiliar with the process and may end up feeling a little lost. But not to worry. We’ll help to guide you along the path when it comes to moving out in the pursuit of higher education!

Where Are You Going to Live?

First things first, you need to determine where you are going to live. Securing a contract is the most important step of the moving out process, as it ensures that you have a roof over your head. This can be a complex process and may prove time consuming. If you live far away, it’s more than worth visiting to conduct viewings, as pictures can often prove misleading or overly flattering and it’s best to know exactly what space you will be moving into.

Finding Student Friendly Accommodation

Generally, students have to seek out student friendly accommodation. Standard private landlords tend to be skeptical when it comes to renting to students, as we tend to depend on loans and don’t generally generate a large income independently of our studies. Student friendly accommodation is specially designed for students and landlords or companies running these types of property actively seek out tenants just like you! Take a look at University Accommodation Iglu Student Accommodation for an idea of the high-quality student accommodation you should be keeping an eye out for.

Location

Remember that location can have a profound impact on your study experience. You want to find accommodation in a spot where you can easily access the campus, but where you are also close to amenities that will provide you with a flourishing social life. Ask current students their advice on the atmosphere and vibe in different locations.

Cost

Of course, you do need to consider cost when choosing accommodation. Figure out your budget and make sure to stick within your means. Sure, it can be tempting to opt for something out of budget and to take out loans or use an overdraft to cover the costs. But you don’t want to spend your entire summer break working to clear your debts!

Forking Out for Essentials

The majority of student housing tends to come furnished. So, you needn’t worry all too much about buying the bare basics that you require to live a comfortable lifestyle in regards to furniture. Your landlord will likely provide a bed, a table, a sofa, and maybe a few other bits and pieces. It’s also highly likely that appliances - such as a refrigerator, oven, washing machine, toaster, and kettle - will be in place when you arrive at your student home. (Of course, make sure to confirm this with your landlord before signing any tenancy agreement or moving in.) So, when it comes to forking out for the essentials, chances are that you won’t have to pay out quite as much as people who may be moving into their own unfurnished place. However, it is advisable that you invest in various other things before moving into your new home. Here are some things to add to your list that you might otherwise forget.

Kitchenware

So many students fail to realise the amount of kitchenware that the average person uses to prepare and consume their day to day meals. You should seriously consider investing in:

• Pots and pans - be wary of the lowest cost, budget options. These may not have non-stick surfaces, meaning that you are more likely to burn your food and need replacing pretty quickly. You’re generally better off investing in better quality options as a one-off purchase.

• Baking trays and dishes - these allow you to make many low-cost meals, such as pasta bake, casseroles, or oven food.

• Plates and bowls - what else are you going to eat from?

• Glassware and mugs - avoid buying large quantities, you only need a few.

• Cutlery - so many people forget this and end up having to rush out to source cutlery once they’ve already cooked their first meal.

For the Bathroom

You will need to take along your own toiletries, but these can generally be purchased once you’re moved in and can put them out in the bathroom straight away. You may want to purchase small additions to make the bathroom feel more homely, such as toothbrush holders and soap dishes. You may also need to invest in products for the sake of hygiene, such as a toilet brush.

Moving out to study is no small feat. But being prepared can make the whole process run a little more smoothly. Preparation really is key!


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