It’s that time of year again when many new international students arrive in the UK and start a new term! For many new international students, renting their first apartment in the UK would be challenging. We hope this article will help you find an excellent student accommodation in Lancashire.
Quick facts about Lancashire
- Lancashire, located in the North West of England, is known for its rich cultural heritage and industrial history. The county played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.
- Lancashire boasts a rich educational heritage with some of the top universities in the UK, such as Lancaster University.
- The county provides a thriving cultural scene. Literature enthusiasts can explore the literary trails of famous authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, whose stay in Lancashire influenced the creation of Middle Earth in his ‘Lord of the Rings’ series.
- The county is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Lancashire is the birthplace of the famous Lancashire Hotpot, a hearty dish that is well-loved across the UK.
Tips for Finding Student Accommodation in Lancashire
Finding suitable student accommodation is a significant step towards a successful and enjoyable university experience in Lancashire. For renting an apartment in the UK, there are many and varied things to remember.
Plan Early
Lancashire’s student accommodations are in high demand, so be proactive to ensure you have a wide choice. Starting your search ahead of time can help you avoid last-minute stress and secure the best options.
Starting your search early could give you wider range of options to choose from. This is especially important in popular university cities where accommodation may be in high demand. You’ll have the opportunity to compare different types of accommodation, and find something that suits your needs best.
Another advantage of reserving student accommodation in advance is the potential for rent savings. Booking early can help you secure a better deal. Because listings often increase in price during the peak season. If you select a property before the peak season, you can save a lot of money on rental expenses.
Location is Key
The closer your accommodation is to your university, the less time you’ll spend commuting. This saves valuable time that you can use for studying, socialising, or relaxing. Universities in Lancashire, such as UCLan, are surrounded by various student accommodations, making it possible to find a place within walking distance.
Finding a flat in a good location will also help your social life. After all, your university experience isn’t just about academics; it’s also about making friends and enjoying social activities. Accommodation near student hotspots, such as cafes, pubs, and clubs, can enhance your social life and provide opportunities for relaxation and fun.
In addition, areas closer to the university campus tend to be safer, as they are often well-lit and regularly patrolled by campus security. When choosing a location, consider the neighbourhood’s safety, especially if you’re likely to return home late from the library or social events.
Understand Your Tenancy Agreement
Read the contract carefully before signing and ensure you understand the terms. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If anything in there strikes you as unreasonable, you should take it up with your landlord or agent. In addition, reading the contract carefully can sometimes avoid some unexpected costs.
For example, it may be written in the contract that if the tenant moves the furniture in the house, they need to move it back to its original position when checking out, or else they will be deducted money.
In addition, when you are ready to move in and hand over the house to your landlord or agent, you should always take an inventory of the equipment and items in the house and their operating condition with your landlord or the agent in charge. And you should have to take some photographs, the more you take and the more detailed your records are, the better. In case of a dispute, these can be used as evidence when you have to check out of the property and can better protect the tenant’s deposit from being deducted later on.
If the tenant discovers something is broken or not working well during the move-in inspection, keep a special record of it. This will prevent the landlord from charging the tenant when they check out.
Conclusion
Finding the house of your choice will be challenging. But with adequate preparation and enough patience, you will eventually be able to discover that perfect option and start your study abroad journey smoothly!
