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If you are beginning your student house hunting journey in Leeds, then congratulations – what an exciting time in your life!
And, although this is very exciting, it can also be very overwhelming too. Here at Beyond Lettings, we are pros when it comes to letting to students. Therefore, we thought it might be handy for us to share a checklist of questions to ask yourself when you are researching places to live and carrying out viewings with your potential new housemates.
We hope this information will help you in securing the perfect luxury student home in Leeds…
Where do I want to live?
Leeds offers so many great places to live as a student. So, if you’re not already familiar with the area, then take time to visit a few different destinations to see which you connect with the most.
Headingley has a great student community feel and a lot of choice in terms of places to eat, drink and socialise. Burley has a lot of green space and places to play tennis and basketball, so would be a great choice for sporty students. Hyde Park is a mixed residential area, home to a great range of independent shops and pubs – as well as the famous Brudenell Social Club music venue. And, Woodhouse is a popular place for students to live as it is close to Leeds University and is only a short ten-minute walk to the city centre.
What’s our budget?
Student accommodation in Leeds ranges from bargain studio flats to large and luxurious student properties with multiple bedrooms and outdoor spaces.
Once you have decided who you are going to live, you will need to have an honest conversation about budget and a maximum monthly amount that all housemates are comfortable with.
Note that some properties might be un-furnished and might not include utility bills, so make sure you find out what’s included in the price…
What’s included in the price?
Many Leeds student properties are fully-furnished with students in mind. However, when you are viewing a property, it’s best to confirm with the landlord or lettings agent exactly what is included in the price. White goods will generally be there, but it might be that you need to bring your own mattresses, desks and sofa – in which case, you will need to ensure a budget is allocated for these items.
Also, be sure to check if bills are included in the price too. Gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi and TV networks are all things that you will need to have in your student home, and it can often be time-consuming and costly to get everything set up yourselves.
At Beyond Lettings, our optional monthly inclusive package includes all bills and utility costs to take the hassle away from you. This includes gas, electric, water and internet, allowing you to manage your finances with peace of mind.
Will I feel safe there?
As a student in a new city, it’s really important that you will feel safe in your new accommodation. Therefore, when you are on your viewing, it’s a good idea to check certain security aspects.
Firstly, you should get a good feel of the street when you visit it – are there street lights to guide you home if it’s dark? And will you feel safe walking home from the bus stop after your lectures are over?
Secondly, when it comes to the property – does is have a working burglar alarm? Are the external doors solid and does the property have double glazing? Also, do the downstairs windows have locks fitted, just in case? Feel free to discuss these concerns with your landlord or letting agent before you sign any contracts.
How will I get to my classes?
If you are not going to have a car at university, then it’s a good idea to get familiar with the pubic transport routes.
Leeds has a big network of buses and trains which usually run from around 5am to 11pm, depending on the route. These can be used to get around the city centre or out into other parts of the city. You can check out this useful Journey Planner to see how you would get to your classes each day.
Alternatively, you might want to walk, run, cycle or scooter into class for a healthier way to arrive. Therefore, it’s worth taking a test run of your journey to ensure there are cycle paths and pavements to make that it will be safe for you to do so.
Who is my landlord?
Renting with a recommended landlord provides you with an extra safety blanket if anything goes wrong. You want to be sure that your landlord has your back if any repairs need to be done or that you can easily contact them if you have any questions during your rented period.
That’s why renting with a Leeds based student lettings company, such as Beyond Lettings, is a good idea. That way, you can deal with a friendly voice at the other end of the phone who will act as the middle-person in between you and your landlord to get all issue resolved quickly and efficiently.
Check out www.rateyourlandlord.org.uk to find out what previous tenants think about your potential landlord or property.
If you are currently looking for a student property in Leeds, our team would love to hear from you. Get in touch to find out about our current available properties and to arrange some viewings to find your perfect place!