Choosing the right student accommodation can be a daunting task, but it's one that is essential if you want to enjoy your university experience to the fullest. To help you make the best decision possible, this blog lists the seven most important things to look for in your Loughborough student accommodation. By understanding these factors, you'll be able to find the perfect place to call home while you're studying.
1. Location 📍
First and foremost, location is key - so make sure that your student accommodation is situated in a prime location. In Loughborough, the Golden Triangle is located roughly halfway between the university campus and the town centre. It is a highly sought-after area of student housing, making it a favoured location for student living. Considering this, weigh up the pros and cons of different areas before making your final decision.
Ensure the accommodation is close to all of the amenities that you need, such as supermarkets and restaurants. It's also important to find an area that's close to campus but also safe and quiet. And be sure to check out reviews online before making your decision. This can help you understand what others have experienced firsthand, and make the process of finding an accommodation a lot easier! Check out our guide to Loughborough for more insights into the town and what it has to offer.
2. Facilities and Appliances 📺
When choosing student accommodation, it's important to consider the facilities and appliances offered with the property, as this will be your temporary home for several years. Everyone has a different level of requirements, so make sure the accommodation you choose offers all of the important facilities you need and that it matches the cost of the accommodation. Think about things such as kitchen appliances or TV and fast WiFi availability for the best entertainment experience in your downtime. Also, be sure to check that the facilities are up to date and meet your needs as a student. In case features and facilities aren't visible or you're unsure, prepare a list of questions to ask when viewing a student house - that way you'll be certain that the property can cater to all your requirements.
3. Quality of service 🤝
It's important to make sure you're getting the best value for your money and a service to match the quality of the property. That means finding an accommodation that provides a quality service, and is easy to contact in case of any problems. Make sure to ask the landlord questions about their services and how they're able to meet your needs as a student. Additionally, be sure to look for establishments that have high standards and are committed to providing excellent customer care. This way, you can rest assured that you're making the best possible choice for your student accommodation needs.
4. Security 🔒
Something that is often forgotten when selecting a student accommodation is security. It's important to choose an accommodation that has good security measures in place, such as security alarms and monitoring. Additionally, it's important to make sure the premises are well-maintained to increase the level of security of the property. It's also beneficial to choose an accommodation that has a friendly landlord/manager who is available for support if needed. So, if you're looking for a safe and secure place to call home while you're studying, choose an accommodation provider that meets your expectations and strives to make your experience a comfortable and safe one.
5. Size 📏
Another factor to consider is the size of the accommodation. In Loughborough, there is a good mix of student halls and student housing. Consider the type of student accommodation that you'd like to live in. Most students usually move into a shared student house following their first year of study as this allows for a more private and comfortable living experience with close friends. Houses also lend themselves to having more space and facilities than halls, which provides more of a home as opposed to a temporary accommodation. Be sure to compare different properties and find one that best suits your specific needs. Choose an accommodation that is the right size for you and your group and one that you can see yourselves comfortably living in. When booking, ask for a tour or video tour of the property to get a good idea of how big each room is. Check that that property has enough bathrooms or adequate outdoor space for your needs to ensure that you won't regret your decision.
6. Condition of furniture and fixtures 🪑
To match the quality of service, you'll want to consider the quality and condition of furniture and fixtures. It's important to look for a property that has been recently updated and has furniture and fixtures that are in a good condition and of high quality. You deserve to live in a property that has been purpose-made with care and consideration, and somewhere that you'll be proud to call home during your stay, so don't settle for sub-par student accommodation. To get an idea of how well-maintained a property is, ask about any repairs or updates that have been made recently. And finally, make sure that the accommodation provides the level of quality throughout that you expect for your budget - if you're looking for luxury student accommodation, make sure that every aspect of the property and provider offers this.
7. Price 💷
Last but not least is the price of the student accommodation that you need to consider. Being mentioned in the above, your budget is used as a metric for the other aspects of the property, so it’s really more about value than price if affordability isn’t an issue. Make sure that the price is reflected in the level of service, quality and facilities of the accommodation. Also remember to include bills if these are additional, and check what is included within the price of your accommodation. Some providers offer all-inclusive prices that cover rent and bills so that you have total peace of mind for your monthly outgoings. In Loughborough, student house prices typically range from £100 to £230 per person per week, varying based on factors such as the number of bedrooms, quality of accommodation, level of finish, and whether bills are included or additional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of property do I need?
You will want enough space in your bedroom to comfortably move around, relax and study etc. And your living spaces should comfortably accommodate the size of your group. Ask yourself if you can see yourself and your friends living there. If the answer is yes, then it's probably the right size!
What makes for a good location?
The accommodation should be close to the university and have shops and restaurants within walking distance or a short journey. Being close to a bus stop can be very helpful to quickly and affordably travel to and from the town centre.
What facilities should I consider?
The kitchen should include a; fridge, freezer, microwave, oven, hob, kettle, toaster, washing machine and tumble dryer for a complete setup. In bedrooms, you should expect a; good-sized bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and storage, lockable doors and good lighting. In living spaces you should expect; a comfortable sofa, TV and good lighting. Also consider; central heating, Wi-Fi, well-positioned power sockets, bike storage, alarms and outdoor space of the property.
When should I look for accommodation?
Generally, it's advised to start searching sooner rather than later. Starting your search as early as October can ensure you are certain of what you're looking for in your new student home and can help to identify potential high-quality properties before they get snapped up! January and February is the time where most properties are booked so it's best to take action within this period. For a detailed breakdown and timescales, check out our guide "When to Look for Second Year Accommodation".
Conclusion
After reading through this article, you should be well-equipped with the key factors to consider when choosing student accommodation. Make sure to take all of these factors into account when choosing accommodation, as they are all important for a positive student experience.
Don't forget to check in on the UniQ Lets website for more helpful tips and information on student accommodation. And if you're a current or soon-to-be Loughborough University Student, be sure to check out our range of Luxury Student Accommodation in Loughborough. We provide high-spec, luxury student housing with a host of facilities, cleaning and maintenance services, and bills all included.
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