Whether you’re moving into your next student house, or you’re graduating from uni as a young professional and looking for your next property, moving into a new home is an exciting time. You’re going to be in a new place, with new people, so there’s lots to take in and think about! 

When you’re moving into a new home, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you get fully settled in. Here are just some of our top tips for moving into your next place and the things you should check to make sure the move goes smoothly.  

1. Check the property to make sure it’s in good condition

Before you start unpacking properly, thoroughly check the property and see how it compares to when you viewed it or signed the contract.   

If you notice any damage or anything you think shouldn’t be there, take photos and send them to your landlord so you have proof of the property’s condition when you took over the occupancy.  

Here’s the things you should check:  

  • Wear & tear and safety: Look for any leaks, broken windows or cracks in the walls and make sure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working.  
  • Plumbing and heating: Check the taps, showers and toilets to make sure they’re working properly. Test the heating system and make sure you know how it works – there’s nothing worse than being cold in the winter!  
  • Electrical appliances: Test all the electrical appliances provided in the property, including the oven, microwave, washing machine, and fridge. All light fixtures and switches should also be in working order.  
  • Furniture & fixtures: Make note of any existing damage to furniture and fixtures and take photographs for evidence. 

When checking all of these elements, it’s really important to take photos and send them to your landlord straight away. Not only should they come and fix anything that could be a safety hazard as soon as possible, but it’ll also help you to avoid disputes when you move out.  

2. Understand your tenancy agreement    

You’ll have probably already signed a tenancy agreement before your move-in date, but it’s worth refreshing it and sitting down with your housemates to make sure everyone understands the terms.  

Most importantly, know the amount of rent you need to pay, when it’s due, and what’s included. Make sure you know which bills are definitely included and which ones you’re responsible for (we’ll cover more of this in the next section).  

You should also double-check your tenancy agreement, so you know what your responsibilities are when it comes to maintenance and repairs at the property. This can help avoid any unexpected surprises and might prompt some of your housemates to respect the property, and its fixtures and furniture a little more! 

Lastly, ensure you know exactly who to contact for repairs or in an emergency. Make a list of important numbers and put them somewhere so everyone can see them.  

3. Sort your bills  

As soon as you get the keys, take meter readings of your gas and electric meters immediately. We recommend you do this whether the bills are included in your rent or not. If bills are included, it means you have proof of what the readings were when you took over the property’s occupancy. This can help to avoid any disputes later down the line. 

Utilities  

If you’re taking care of the bills yourself, you will need to register with the relevant utility companies and decide between you and your housemates who’s going to be the lead tenant and how you’re going to split and pay the bills.  

Alternatively, you could opt for a bill splitting service that allows you to choose a package that suits your house and means everyone pays one fixed monthly bill.  

Internet and TV Licence  

It can take time to get your internet package turned on and installed so make sure you do this as soon as possible – preferably before your move-in date. Plus, if you’re planning to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you’re going to need a TV Licence.   

When you use Split The Bills, both can be included in your bill package so you don’t have to worry about them.  

Council Tax 

Most full-time students are exempt from paying council tax, but to avoid any unexpected bills, make sure you provide proof of your student status to your local council.   

For more on this, read our blog: How to apply for council tax exemption as a student.  

4. Get to know your housemates  

Living with your friends or other students is one of the best things about university life. But to avoid arguments and ensure everyone’s happiness in the house, it can help to sit down and chat about a few things first.   

  • Set house rules: agree on house rules when it comes to cleaning, noise levels and guests. This can really help to prevent arguments or conflict later down the line.  
  • Decide how you’re going to split your bills: Are you going to take care of the bills yourself and have one housemate as a lead tenant? Or are you going to use a bill splitting service like Split The Bills? This can help make the process hassle-free and ensure everyone pays their fair share on time.  
  • Emergency contacts: Swap emergency contacts with all of your housemates. Or create a list and keep it in a communal area so everyone has access to it at all times.  

5. Check security and safety  

In some student areas, security can be a risk – thieves often know where student properties are and know they have access to multiple high-value items if they break into a student home.  

Here are just a few of the things you can do to reduce these risks and keep both you and your housemates safe:  

  • Check burglar alarms: If your student home has a burglar alarm, make sure you and your housemates know how to turn it on when the property is empty and how to turn it off when you get home.  
  • Check locks: Check that all exterior doors and windows have secure locks and alert your landlord if there are any problems.  
  • Take out insurance: Think about taking out insurance to protect your own valuables against theft or damage.  

6. Plan your finances

You might have already sorted this out in your first year in student halls, but moving into a student house can come with extra costs so budgeting is a must! For example, your utilities might have been included in your student halls, or if you were living in catered accommodation, you wouldn’t have had to factor in food shopping costs.  

Create a budget that includes rent, bills, food, travel, and leisure activities. And then stick to it as closely as you can! Don’t forget to make the most out of your budget by taking advantage of student discounts on travel, shopping, and dining – every little helps!  

You might also want to think about having an emergency fund. Set some money aside for any unexpected expenses. This can help you avoid getting into financial difficulties in case of an emergency.  

7. Explore your local area  

Finally, once you’re unpacked, you’ve got to know your housemates and you’ve got your budget sorted, you can start exploring the local area. Here are some of the most important things you might want to consider:   

  • Amenities: Find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and doctor’s surgery. You might want to register with a doctor in your uni town in case you fall ill and are unable to get home.   
  • Transport links: Familiarise yourself with all the local bus routes and train stations and plan the best routes to your campus. Think about investing in a student travel card to make the most of discounts too!  
  • Social spots: Explore your local cafes, bars, and restaurants so you and your housemates have got somewhere to go. These places also make great meetup spots for your friends or even study spots if you want to get out of your room for a couple of hours.  
  • Neighbours: It’s likely your student house is in a residential area so it’s important you make yourself part of the community. Introduce yourselves to your immediate neighbours and find out what they’re like. Be sensitive if they have young children and be considerate when you’re coming and going from your house in the early hours or late at night. Be as considerate as you can and your neighbours are less likely to complain and keep an eye on your property when you’re not there.  

How Split The Bills can help   

Moving into your student house is an exciting time and following these tips will allow for a smooth transition so you can enjoy student life to the full.  

Services such as Split The bills can ease the burden of managing your finances and bills, giving you more time to focus on your studies and social life.  

Split The Bills is a bill-splitting service trusted by thousands of students across the UK. Our team will set up utility accounts for your student house so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of ringing suppliers, setting up direct debits, or calculating how much everyone owes.  

Our bill package includes the freedom to responsibly use uncapped energy and water, your choice of broadband and an optional TV Licence (if you plan on watching live TV). All you need to do is pay one monthly bill, which automatically covers all your household bills.  

Get a monthly price for your household bills today and make moving into your new student house as hassle-free as possible.