It can be easy to leave looking for next years' student home to the last minute. Searching early on means you have a better chance of finding somewhere you really like, so it's better to get looking early!
Here are some tips to prepare for your property search!

Know your group size

Have a chat with your future housemates and make a list of 'must haves' for your student home.  Figure out your group size, so you can start looking.

Emergency points of contact

It could be the letting agent, an external contractor or even the landlord themselves, but finding out who to contact in the event of an emergency is vital.

Consider your commute



It’s always worth considering your campus commute when viewing a property. You might fall in love with a house the minute you walk in, but that feeling can quickly turn bittersweet when you realise that the transport links are poor, especially when those harsh winter mornings begin to roll in.

Scope the local area

Regardless of how perfect a property might seem, it’s important to find out if the surrounding areas are up to the same standard. What's the neighbourhood like? Is there a decent supermarket close by? Are there nice places to eat and drink within walking distance? It’s a good idea to get off the bus a stop early so you can take a walk around and get a feel for the area and the local amenities.