One of the most important things when choosing student accommodation is "do your research."

Here are some guidelines to help you pick the right place to live:

Types of Accommodation

In the first year halls have a lot of advantages, they save the need to go house-hunting, you tend to meet lots of new people quickly, security is good, insurance is included and you don't have to pay rent over the summer.

In Lincoln the main halls of residence (Brayford and Cathedral Campus) only house first years so it's up to you to find a new place in your 2nd year.

Most second year students prefer a shared house after living in halls so they can move in with the friends they made in the 1st year. Living in a shared house is the most popular way of living as a student in Lincoln with the majority of 2nd and 3rd years choosing a shared house. Houses often provide more space than halls and rent is normally cheaper.

With a shared house you rent your room and share a bathroom, kitchen and living area with your housemates.

"I used to live in Aqua House in my first year of University but decided to move into a house with some of my girl friends in my 2nd year. I prefer living in a house because it is cosier and my room is a lot bigger. I would recommend it to anyone because you can get fed up living in halls," said Donna Cleal, a third year student.

The University accommodation office can provide students with plenty of information for finding a shared house, including a list of approved landlords. It is very important to have a University-approved landlord.

There are also a number of private halls of residence situated in the centre of Lincoln. The largest private halls in Lincoln are Aqua House, Park Court and the newly opened Junxion. These are similar to University halls but are not owned by the University although they are all University approved.

James Cockayne, student and tenant at the Junxion says: "I like living in the Junxion because it is so close to University and the town centre - almost everything is about 30 seconds away! The only thing I would change about it is that it is quite expensive."

These private developments are all very close to the University and you can stay there even if you're not a fresher. They are also well suited to fresher's who couldn't get a place in University Halls as they mimic them almost exactly, apart from location. Private halls can also be a good option for 2nd and 3rd years if they like the simplicity and security of living in halls.

There are smaller apartment complexes around Lincoln city centre, which are similar to halls. Private letting agents normally rent these flats out to students. Because these are smaller and less known it is important to make sure they are University approved.

There are also other options such as self contained flats, bed-sits or lodging with the owner of a house.

Location, Location, Location

Being close to the University, shopping and the nightlife are all things to consider. Because of the way Lincoln is laid out, all these are close together so it is relatively easy to find a place with all your needs.

If you can't, for some reason, find a place that is close to these find out about public transport - it will make your daily life a lot easier if you aren't stuck in the middle of nowhere with only a pair of legs to get you around.

If you have a car, make sure there is good parking; also some areas of Lincoln require a permit if you want to park outside your home. It is important to check this otherwise you may face a fine.

Is the area secure? Some areas of Lincoln can have more crime, or aren't so student friendly. Ask the landlord about the area and if there are many students living nearby.

Students who begin looking for accommodation early are more likely to find a house that is both close to University and of a good standard.

Cost

Rent varies depending on what type of accommodation you live in, halls tend to be more expensive than shared houses. Always ask how much rent you will have to pay before you agree to anything and ask how rent will be paid, e.g. Direct Debit, Cheques, Cash, and how often, e.g. weekly, month, termly.

Also it is important to find out how utilities are going to be paid, are they included in the rent or do you pay via a meter or a separate utilities company? The University advises to get this information in writing so you know where you stand.

Housemates

When looking for a place, first have a clear idea of who you are living with and make sure you get on with ALL of them. It's not so good if a few months down the line you can't stand the sight of them and there are dirty plates stacked 3 feet high in the kitchen.

So it's best to suss the clean living people in your first term so you don't end up with complete cavemen, unless of course you are one of those cavemen.

Make sure everyone pulls their weight when you're looking and discuss what you like/dislike so you can come to a mutual decision.

Now that you have the information to start looking, where do you look? There are a number of ways to find accommodation but it is best to start by taking some advice from the University.
The University has a list of approved landlords which helps students find a property that will be safe and secure for them to live in. It is best to only search for University approved sites so that if you have any problems in the future the University will be there to help you.

Adverts for accommodation can be found posted on University notice boards, whether it be on-campus or on the virtual campus and also via the internet. Studentpad.co.uk is one University approved website which will help you search for the right place.

Studentpad.co.uk was set up in December 1999 as an independent advisory service for students and then developed into a portal for students to find and advertise properties for rent.


Signing on the dotted line…

Before you agree to move into a house make sure you read the contract. It is very important to do this so you don't get caught out and if you have problems understanding the contract ask the University.

Look at when rent will go out and what obligations you and your landlord have. Landlords should agree to carry out repairs when needed and it is your duty to keep the house clean and tidy and not to cause disturbance.

Also check when your contract starts (i.e. when you can move in) and when it ends - or whether you can be released from the contract at any point. Most student contracts are fixed term so you have to stay unless you can find another person to take your room.

The golden rule for contracts: CHECK THEM!