Wednesday 26-11-2014 - 12:52

 

So, you will probably be starting to think about your housing for next year very soon. Nottingham Trent Students’ Union encourages you to be patient when choosing your accommodation.

There is a large selection of student properties available in Nottingham and landlords are keen to sign students up as soon as possible, often offering bonus incentives for those who make an early commitment. However, there is no need to rush. In fact, there are many benefits to waiting.

 

With so many properties for students to choose from (it is estimated that 3,500 bedrooms are still available for the current academic year, let alone next year), it is a buyers’ (or more accurately, renters’) market. There is no need to be making snap decisions which could commit you to expenditures of around £4,500 over the course of the following year.

 

Potential problems of signing up too early include:

 

• If you are a first year, you probably still don’t really know your potential housemates particularly well.
• If you change your mind it could cost around £4,500 to buy out your contract
• Properties may not look the same now as they will do in a year’s time
• If a housemate changes their mind, you could be liable for their rent for the year which could be around £4,500
• Costs and living expenses change and you may need to amend their budget before next academic year

 

By signing up early, you increase the chances of any of the above happening, leaving you stuck in a situation which is less than ideal and footing a large bill for the following year.

 

NTSU’s Information & Advice Service are running a Don’t Let Yet campaign to help you make the right decision without rushing into anything.

The Students’ Union is hosting a Housing Fair on Wednesday 7th January 2015 which will offer easy access to a selection of trusted accommodation providers. The fair will also feature on-the-spot advice and contract-checking to help you make the right decision in a no-pressure environment before signing any legal contracts.

Josh Eloi, VP Community, said ‘It’s really key that students take the time to look for housing and make sure that they aren’t rushed into decisions when it comes to where they live. Spending time to find a property that’s safe, secure, and owned by a good landlord is worth much more than an early sign up bonus that some students are being offered.’

It is hoped that the campaign will have a significant impact on reducing the number of housing issues reported and that you will be able to focus on your education, not your accommodation, next year.