Living in student accommodation comes with its benefits and downsides, and sometimes, changing student accommodation may be the best option if it doesn’t feel like the right place for you to call home.
Situations such as bad housing conditions and pesky flatmates, changing universities and other personal motives are all valid reasons as to why someone may want to change student accommodation, but the question is how doable is it?
This simple guide will help you navigate through these complicated life changes with the utmost confidence, covering everything from legal steps to packing tips and hassle-free student storage to help you with your move.
Reasons for Changing Student Accommodation
There are various reasons for changing student accommodation and it’s important to recognise when a change may be needed.
Some of the most common reasons why students move accommodation:
- Facing issues with current housing (maintenance problems or safety concerns)
- Moving to a better location or closer to campus
- Changing universities or courses
- Personal circumstances
Understanding Your Tenancy Agreement
When changing student accommodation it’s important to follow the legal process, protecting your deposit and ensuring a smooth transition.
Breaking your contract legally
Your contract should have a section outlining early termination, use this to inform yourself on what the next steps might be.
Break Clause: Some agreements have a break clause that allows you to leave early under specific conditions.
Fixed-Term Contract: If you have a fixed-term contract (e.g., 12 months), leaving early might not be allowed unless you find a replacement tenant.
Joint Tenancy: If you share the contract with housemates, leaving could impact them, so you may need their agreement.
Finding a replacement tenant
Many landlords and student accommodation providers will allow you to leave if you find someone to take over your tenancy. The process usually involves:
- Advertising your room through student housing groups, university noticeboards, or accommodation platforms.
- Getting approval from the landlord or letting agent.
- Ensuring the new tenant meets the same requirements (e.g., student status, guarantor).
What happens to your deposit
There are various different factors that may affect what happens to your deposit. It’s advisable that you refer to your contract to identify whether you’ll get your deposit back or not if you terminate your contract early.
What could happen to your deposit:
- If you find a replacement tenant you may receive your full deposit back or part of it
- You may be charged for outstanding rental costs depending on your legal agreement
- You may be charged an early termination fee
- You’ll still face regular deposit deductions based on how the property is left
How to Find New Student Accommodation
What to look for when viewing properties
It’s important to find the right place for your needs, here are some places where to look for new accommodation.
- University accommodation offices
- Private landlords & letting agencies
- Student accommodation platforms
When viewing houses it’s easy to look quickly and assume the property is great, but sometimes there may be underlying issues, so it’s important to look for any signs of this.
Things you should consider before choosing a property:
- Location and transport links (close to uni, shops, safe areas)
- Rent and additional costs (deposits and bills)
- Property conditions (damp, mould, appliances, broken fixtures)
- Security and safety (secure locks, CCTV, smoke alarms)
- Facilities and storage space (enough space, clean, functional, fridge space, cookers)
- Housemates and atmosphere (quiet or social? Similar lifestyles?)
Packing & Moving Tips for Changing Student Accommodation
Ensuring you are well organised for your moving days is important to make the process smoother. We’ve put together some tips to help you with packing and moving.
Top 10 packing and moving tips:
- Start packing early and plan ahead
- Declutter before packing
- Pack room by room
- Label boxes and bags clearly
- Use a colour coding system (eg., green for kitchen, blue for bathroom)
- Pack an essentials bag
- Use ziplock bags for small items and cables
- Take photos of important setups
- Don’t overload boxes
- Utilise student storage (pick-up and delivery services)
Student Storage Solutions for a Smooth Move
Student storage can help you bridge the awkward timing gap when moving between locations. It provides you with hassle-free solutions, ensuring your belongings are safe and secure during the transition.
Key benefits of using student storage when moving student accommodation
- Avoid carrying everything home
- Secure storage protected by 24/7 surveillance
- Flexible and short-term options
- Affordable prices and student discounts
- More space in your new accommodation
- Pick-up and delivery services to your doorstep
Spaceways storage-by-the-box, offers pickup and delivery of your boxes right to your doorstep, so you can tick-off having your transport sorted when moving between accommodations.
Settling into Your New Student Accommodation
Once you’ve moved into your new home away from home, it’s important to update your address with your university, bank or any subscriptions, as well as your GP or employer.
Get to know your new housemates early to help create a positive living environment. Introduce yourself and spend some time in shared spaces, maybe even organise a small get together to break the ice.
Once you’ve unpacked, personalise your room with photos, cosy bedding and decorations to help you settle in quickly. Adding soft lighting, plants, or familiar scents can help to create a comforting atmosphere.
We wish you good luck on your moving journey and hope you find your perfect home away from home!
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