Halls to Houses: Your Ultimate Guide For A Smooth Transition to Student Housing

Moving from student halls to private accommodation is a big step in university life. It offers more freedom but also comes with new responsibilities. Many students find this change exciting but challenging. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

Understanding the Differences Between Halls and Private Accommodation

Student halls usually provide a ready-made community with shared facilities and support from hall staff. Private accommodation, on the other hand, often means living with fewer people. This change affects daily life in several ways: you manage your own bills, cleaning, and private places differ widely in size, quality, and location.

Budgeting and Managing Finances

One of the biggest challenges when moving to private accommodation is handling money. Unlike halls, where many costs are included in one fee, private renting involves separate bills and deposits.

• Termly or monthly rent payments: the best fit for you

• Bills included vs not included: benefits of all included

• Security and Holding deposits: why are they needed?

• Council Tax Exemption

Each term, as a student you will recieve your student loan and you'd have to make that last as long as you can as a student. We understand that alone is a struggle, and so when applying for Student Housing you are able to request if your rent can be paid termly (for 3 months rent) that way it is easier to budget with what you have remaining.

The benefits of this is flexibly and peace of mind, not only with your remaining finances, but with your rent due date. At Stoke Student Properties, we understand that student finances aren't always recieved on the exact same date and so when paying your rent termly, there is some flexibility in when rent is owed depending on when your finances come in. Whereas if you would pay monthly, rent would be expected on the same day each month and may be harder to budget.

However, as new laws are being introduced, the landlord cannot ask for you to pay termly and only suggest it, and so the choice is up to you.

Some private renting, deal with bills, including electricity, water, gas sperately and you pay thie bills as a seperate cost to the rent you are paying for your room. However, others may choose to rent their Student Houses with bills included in the rent of the rooms.

At Stoke Student Properties, the costs of bills is included in the rent and is done through Unihomes and covers gas, electricity, water, TV license and broadband. The benefits of this is that its easier for you and us and makes your living more comfortable. You simply make a payment each month to Unihomes seperate to the landlord, and you can easily use your utilites as you wish without having to pay extra. For example, in Autumn and Winter months when it is cold you can boost your heating as many times as you wish without fear of having to pay extra, same thing goes for those playing video games late into evenings don't have to worry about extra electricity costs. It is a win win!

With Student Accommodation, you will usually be expected to pay a deposit, this can be both a security deposit and a holding deposit.

The holding deposit is where you apply to stay in a Student House, you will pay a certain amount in order to hold your space and to make it offical that you will be moving into that house; holding your placement. This holding deposit fee will then be deducted from your first amount of rent owed. With Stoke Student Properties, each house has a holding deposit of £100.

The Security deposit is there to cover any costs of damages to the property that may occur once you decide to leave the house. This may be in the form of re-painitng or replacing any furniture that needs it. From any repairs needed, this will be deducted from your inital deposit and then the remainding amount will returned to you once you choose to leave. At Stoke Student Properties, the security deposit is £250.

Now in some cases, you may worry that you may be messed around and some deductions are unreasonable, with Stoke Student Properties you would sign your deposits under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, meaning at the end of your tenancy if you feel that there are any unfair deductions you can challenge them using a third party under the scheme - allowing you to feel safe and confident in your decision.

Finally Council Tax.When you apply for Student Housing on your University hub page there will be a student excepmtion from council tax. This essentially means that, if every person living in the house has this student exemption then you will not have to pay council tax - another bonus. There are of course other costs contributing to your managing of the budget, including groceries and cleaning supplies. However, create a monthly budget that covers all these expenses, apps like Mint or YNAB can help track spending

Choosing the Right Location and Property

Location matters for convenience, safety, and lifestyle. When selecting private accommodation, consider:

• Distance to campus: Walking or cycling distance saves time and money.

• Transport links: Check bus or train routes if you need to commute.

• Local amenities: Shops, gyms, libraries, and social spots nearby improve daily life.

• Safety: Research crime rates and visit the area at different times.

At Stoke Student Properties, all of our student houses are within 5 minute walking distance from Staffordshire University campus and so saves you time and money, and if you are a Keele University Student then with close bus links, commuting does not have to be expensive with numerous bus links located close to each of our houses.

The Keele University Campus is less than a 15 minute commute from each of our houses making it just as accessible. Although Keele University is a further commute it does not mean that it has to be difficult. With bus routes going throughout Stoke-on-Trent such as the Buses 25, 09, and 101 routes, you can easily get to the Keele University campus for a reduced price for students of £4.00, with weekly fares of £15.

Around each of the houses, there are many local amenities including the on campus gym, or other gyms surronding such as the Streng Asylum. As well as this, there are multiple shops including supermarkets like Tescos, ASDA, and Lidl, not to mention, in our houses location you are ony a small commute away from Town Centre

Understanding Your Tenancy Agreement

A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and the landlord. It outlines your rights and responsibilities. Before signing:

• Read the entire document: Don’t skip the small print.

• Check the length of the contract: Know when it starts and ends.

• Know the rules on guests, pets, and subletting.

• Clarify who handles repairs and emergencies.

Knowing when your tenancy contract starts and ends is essential to knowing which student house is for you. The start date may be alligned with your course dates and when you need to move in or if you are transtion from halls to house straight away after your course has ended. At Stoke Student Properties our contracts are all 12 months, with the start date at 1st July and ending 30th June.

For some, you may be wanting to live in your Student House over the summer, depending if you have a job or just want to stay in, others may want to go home in summer to visit family and old friends. At Soke Student properties, we understand both and so accomodate both.

It is important to note, that during the Summer months (July, August, September), regardless of your preference, rent is to be paid monthly, this is to ensure that you are paying for what you are wanting. For those who are occuping the house during Summer, full rent payment is expected, whereas those who want to go home during these months are able to pay reduced rent of 50% for each month (the payment of bills to Unihomes is not reduced during these months).

If anything is unclear or any other questions, ask the landlord or seek advice from your university’s housing office or a student union.

Building Good Relationships with Housemates and Landlord

Living with others requires cooperation and respect. To create a positive environment:

• Set clear house rules: Cleaning schedules, noise levels, and shared expenses.

• Communicate openly: Address issues early to avoid tension.

• Respect privacy and space: Everyone needs personal time.

• Be reliable with rent and bills: Late payments cause stress for everyone.

  
  

Also, maintain a good relationship with your landlord. Report problems promptly and keep communication polite and professional.

At Stoke Student Properties, we respond to problems rapidly and try and fix them as soon as possible for your comfort. We have an amazing handyman who will happily repsond to any issues if you have any and try and fix them straight away, for your peace and mind and ours.

We also have a Whatsapp groupchat, which you would join when you move into your house where if any issue do arise you can easily make it aware to the landlord, handyman and your housemates.

Respect goes both ways, and so at Stoke Student Properties we do expect a good standard for students to maintain while living in our students houses.

Preparing for Daily Life and Responsibilities

Private accommodation means taking care of many tasks yourself. Some tips to stay on top of things:

• Create a cleaning routine: Regular chores prevent mess and conflict.

• Stock up on essentials: Cleaning products, kitchen utensils, and basic tools.

• Plan meals and grocery shopping: Cooking at home saves money and is healthier.

• Set up utilities and internet early: Avoid delays that disrupt your routine.

  
  

Learning to manage these tasks builds skills that will help beyond university.

Staying Safe and Secure

Safety is a priority in any home. To protect yourself and your belongings:

• Lock doors and windows when you leave or sleep.

• Use timers for lights if you are out after dark.

• Keep valuables out of sight.

• Know emergency contacts: Local police, fire service, and landlord.

  
  

If you feel unsafe or notice suspicious activity, report it immediately.

Making the Most of Your New Home

Private accommodation offers a chance to create a space that feels like your own. Personalize your room with posters, photos, and decorations. Organize your study area to boost productivity. Invite friends over to build your social life.

Remember, this is a step toward independence and adulthood. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the freedom.