Since starting in this job there has been one consistent issue that has arisen in every way shape and form, whether I am in the office, out and about or at a friend’s house... HOUSING!

Every year the Students’ Union Advice Centre deals with a massive number of cases where students have signed a contract without thinking it through thoroughly, can no longer afford their rent or have some horrendous issues with the house itself. I know, I’ve been there myself, I can completely empathise.

I know you are all panicking your little socks off about finding a house for next year... STOP, it’s only November! There will be a number of lettings agents and landlords out there flyering you to death. This is for one reason and one reason only. EVERY YEAR THERE ARE MORE HOUSES THAN STUDENTS. And let’s face it they don’t want to go a year without being paid.

So for all you lovely people who have either experienced these things or are currently panicking about finding a place to live, I have compiled some top tips around housing.

Wait!

There is absolutely no need to sign for a house before January. Huddersfield has too many student houses and this has been the case since my first year. We hold a housing fair in January, during Refreshers Week where we’ll be releasing the official HudLets housing list – wait for this.

Don’t forget, as chummy as you all are right now, your best friend now may become your worst enemy in the next few weeks. You have only known them for two months after all, I hate to say it but people change. I’m not saying you shouldn’t live with them, but take your time and don’t panic buy.

Get your contract checked

Our Advice Centre offers this service and in the majority of cases it takes a couple of minutes and all is fine but what they will also do is keep an eye out for taboo landlords. You don’t want to be caught out.

Compare Prices

For some reason, prices this year in Huddersfield in many cases actually rival London. Shop around, because once you’ve signed that contract there is no turning back, so make sure you get the best deal possible.

Don’t forget you have to actually study in your house, you may have a lovely sofa with a plasma screen TV, but if you’ve got a box room with no living/studying space it probably wasn’t worth £100pw.

Couples

Now I know how loved up you all are right now and with the thought of spending your first Valentine’s Day sat in front of the fire of your brand spanking new student pad feeding each other chocolates sounds utterly divine. This might be the dream but in reality, this really isn’t what happens... Be practical. Enough said.

Enjoy having a look around, find somewhere you can make your own. And don’t forget student houses are blank canvases! You can decorate them...just don’t forget to get permission first.

As always, if you have any questions please get in touch with us on advice-centre@hud.ac.uk or telephone 01484 473446.

Alysia Ford

VP Wellbeing & Equalities