The start of university or college life can be a little daunting. Add to this the pressure of moving home for the first time, andit is natural to feel overwhelmed by the new life that awaits you.

However, moving into student accommodation doesn’t need to be scary or intimidating, as there are ways to make the process a doddle. For a smooth transition, read these top tips for practical student living.

Find Private Accommodation

University halls of residence can be expensive. That’s why many students often prefer private accommodation, as it can make their limited income go further, as you’ll be sharing with other students. However, if possible, go through your university website to source private student homes, as you’re more likely to receive support should you collide with a landlord.

Carefully Inspect the Property

Before you sign on a dotted line for a university term, you should carefully inspect the property. After all, no student will want to work in a property with inadequate flooring, poor-quality appliances or inefficient heating or plumbing. As a result, you might need to negotiate with a landlord to update their appliances or invest in new flooring and furnishings. It is important to have an understanding of the sorts of costs involved in these upgrades when negotiating with your landlord. Have a browse online for the products that are needed, websites like Kens Yard have a wide range of flooring products with clear pricing information and advice that will help ensure you know what you are talking about.

Insist on an Inventory

Before you move into student accommodation, insist that your landlord creates an inventory for all the items provided. By doing so, you could prevent an unscrupulous landlord from claiming that you stole an appliance or damaged the building’s structure during your tenancy, which might have been pre-existing.

It’s also worthwhile taking photographs of any faulty or dirty items when you move in, which will allow you to reject their claim when you moveout and will ensure you receive your deposit back.

Draw Up a Cleaning Rota

Conflict can occur when roommates fail to pull their weight when it comes to chores. Prevent tension from building and arguments from arising by drawing up a cleaning rota. It will ensure everyone lives up to their responsibilities, which can make you feel both relaxed and happy in your new home.

Don’t Take Too Many Belongings

Avoid taking too many belongings with you to your student accommodation. If possible, leave a considerable amount of stuff at your parents’ home, as you might want to move digs in a year or two. It could otherwise make the moving in and out process more stressful than it needs to be.

Invest in Storage

While you shouldn’t bring too much stuff with you, you should invest in different storage options. It’s likely you’ll accumulate many items during your university years, such as textbooks, notepads, stationery andpapers.

You’ll, therefore, need various storage solutions to house your belongings, which will ensure they remain in excellent condition during your university years.

For example, invest in:

  • Bookcases
  • Storage boxes
  • Shelving
  • Storage bags

Find and Master Simple Recipes

There is a stereotype that UK students live on baked beans and noodles during their university years; however, it is possible to create delicious, nutritious homemade meals. All you must do is find and master simple recipes, such as a stir fry, spaghetti Bolognese, halloumi flatbreads, or chicken curry.