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What is a shared uni house?
A shared uni house is private accommodation that is rented by students. You’ll pay the rent for your own room and then share bathroom, kitchen and lounge space. You’ll also be responsible for splitting the utility bills with your housemates. It’s a great way to live with friends or if you want more independence while at university.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together our top tips for moving into a shared uni house. Keep reading to view our moving-in checklist:
1. Know what you’re paying (rent and utilities)
Living in a shared uni house means that you’ll be splitting the rent and bills between you and however many people live in the property. You’ll also have to set up utility accounts for water, gas, electricity and Wi-Fi. This can be difficult to keep track of so you might want to choose someone who oversees handling bills.
Alternatively, Split The Bills is here to do all of that for you. We set up utility accounts for your student house so you don’t have to – and we handle everything after this. All you need to do is pay one monthly bill, which automatically covers all your household bills. Our bill package includes uncapped energy (so you can responsibly use the gas & electric you need), your choice of broadband and an optional TV Licence (if you plan on watching live TV). Find out more at the end of this guide.
2. Check what’s already provided in the accommodation
Every property differs, but some student homes don’t provide kettles, toasters etc. It’s good to check what the property has and hasn’t got so you can buy appliances ahead of time! Equally, some properties don’t have dishwashers so it’s good to stock up on washing up liquid and a Dishmatic just in case!
3. Get to know your housemates
You might already know who you’re sharing your house with, but if you don’t, it’s good to get off on the right foot and get to know them. Whether you meet for a coffee or spend a few days texting, it’ll acquaint you with (hopefully) your future friends!
This is also a great time to decide who should bring things such as baking trays, pans, and throws for the lounge. If you’re not overly fussed about having your own set of everything, it’ll save money by splitting appliances and necessities between you. This also goes for when you’ve moved in – things like toilet rolls, washing up liquid, and bin bags will always have to be replaced between you.
4. Pack what’s personal to you
Aside from the essentials (pots, pans, toiletries), it’s important to bring items that will make your room feel like you. Whether that’s photos of family and friends, teddies, action figures, fairy lights, posters or Lego sets, it’s your room to make your own! This is also a great way to make sure that your new house feels like a home away from home.
5. Introduce yourself to your neighbours
It’s always best to start on the right foot and be friendly to those around you in the neighbourhood. Find out if they have children who might be easily disturbed by noise and keep this in mind when having friends around for parties or late nights. If you’re considerate, your neighbours are more likely to look out for you and your house.
6. Check parking requirements
If you’re living in a student house in a residential area, you’ll have to abide by the parking requirements. This might involve buying a permit from your local council or paying at a parking meter. If you’re lucky, you’ll have free street parking! It’s also handy to check if you need a permit for visitors, in case family or friends visit.
7. Complete the inventory when you arrive
An inventory is there to keep track of the condition of the property. It’s up to you to make a note of the state of the house when you move in. This ensures that you are not held accountable for them when you move out. Go through every stage of the inventory and check it’s correct – it’s worth it to save your tenancy deposit in the long run!
8. Allocate cupboards, fridge and freezer space
Whether you’re living with 2 or 10 housemates, you’ll all need space to keep your food and crockery. The sooner you decide where your things belong, the easier it will be to keep track of everyone’s items.
How Split The Bills Can Help
It’s always best to be prepared when you move into new accommodation. That’s why so many students and young professionals trust Split The Bills to handle their utilities. No hassle, no stress. We sort everything for you, including splitting the bills between you and your housemates. All you have to do is pay one monthly bill.
Imagine not having to ring suppliers, set up separate direct debits for every utility, or calculate how much everyone owes – that’s why we’re here! Here you can find more information on how we work.
Get a monthly price for your household bills today and make moving into your new student house as hassle-free as possible.
One alternative though is to use a bill management service like Split The Bills. They handle everything and make it simple and painless. You and your housemates select the services you need – such as electricity, gas, water, superfast fibre broadband or TV Licence – and then go online to SplitTheBills.co.uk and set up a direct debit. Everyone pays their fair share every month and Split The Bills ensures all suppliers get paid. Also, we offer uncapped risk-free energy! Plus, doing it this way, other housemates can’t affect your credit score and you don’t have to pay a month up front or get caught with a final moving out bill.
Electricity. Gas. Broadband. Water. TV Licence.
Want to find out more?
Interested in splitting your student household bills rather than splitting up friendships? Check out SplitTheBills now and make life easier for everyone in your shared student house.
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