Student Accommodation Advice

Am thinking of taking the option to sort my own place out for my first year at uni as I think Halls will do my head in.

Do you have any recommendations about what to look for when looking around a flat ‘ cos apart from seeing if it has a bath, bed and sink I’m clueless!.
Anthony Devonish, Bristol.

X-CEL advice: One of the most important things to look out for is Gas Fires. If the flat you choose has one of these then the landlord must show at CORGI registered certificate passing the fires for Carbon Monoxide. This certificate must have been carried out in the last twelve months. The NUS are now launching a campaign called Vent or Repent with British Gas to combat the rise in Carbon Monoxide poisoning in students each year. Also, check that all the appliances are in working order such as the lights in each room, the fridge and cooking facilities.

Does the flat have a washing machine? If not this will mean it will cost you extra money you throughout the year to go to a laundrette. Security for the building is also an important issue along side heating for those nippy winter months. The NUS each year gets thousands of letters from students living in potential death traps. Therefore, if you log onto their website you will find all the information you could possibly need from what to look out for in your rental contract before you sign to students rights on council tax etc:
www.nus-online.co.uk/safeashouses

If you need advice on any aspect of starting a new career or attending university then e-mail your questions to X-CEL at info@courses-careers.com  Help is only a few taps away!