Your first home away from home
YOU have lived with your parents all your life. Now it's time for university or college and you are about to enter the world of rented accommodation for the first time.
COMPACT: Student living must suit your needs.
Sowetan has sourced the expertise of Thokozani Malinga, a property expert, to help students find the right accommodation
Living away from home at university is both exciting and daunting in equal measure.
So it is important that you make the right decision when renting student accommodation to give you the best possible start in student life.
There are several important decisions to be made - where to live, who to live with, how much to pay and so on.
Sowetan has sourced the expertise of Thokozani Malinga, a property expert, to help students find the right accommodation.
Malinga says trying to find accommodation in areas that are popular with students is a tall order because of high rent and huge demand for these places.
"When you want to find somewhere to live you must do so according to your own circumstances. For instance, if you are on a tight budget and do not have a car, try to find somewhere within walking distance to campus."
He says choosing accommodation near the campus helps you save time as well as money on transport.
Signing the contract
"It is important that you read your rental contract thoroughly and bring any confusing clauses to the attention of your prospective landlord before you sign.
"The last thing you want is to get fines just because you failed to read the small print. So be sure to read your tenancy agreement thoroughly."
Furniture
Malinga says furnished properties, though they are a bit expensive, are highly recommended for students since one can simply move your possessions and appliances.
"This is particularly important if you are a student renting accommodation at university, since you are unlikely to have the funds to splash out on a new bed, sofas, table and chairs."
Location
As a newcomer to your university's town or city, Malinga says, it is important that you situate yourself close to amenities and public transport.
"The accommodation must also be near facilities like banks, malls and health centres. This will enable you to get around and familiarise yourself with the area, as well as help you to socialise with friends and make your own home accessible to others wishing to visit."
Sharing with someone
If you are going to share a house with other students, insist on meeting them first and find out what sort of arrangements they have for housework, household bills, heating arrangements, TV licence, and so on.
If you want to have visitors, ensure that it is alright with your housemates.
Before signing the lease:
When inspecting a property you might want to ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the property reasonably secure? (window locks, solid doors, and so on)
- Are the electrical appliances and wiring safe? (ask when last it was checked.)
- Is the property safe in the event of fire? (Smoke alarms, fire exits.)
- Does the property have any dampness?
- Is the house warm in winter? (Ask current tenants.)
- Is the house clean? (if not, make sure it is before you move in.)
- Are the facilities and equipment in the kitchen adequate for the number of occupants?
- Are there adequate washing and toilet facilities?
- Is your room sufficient for your needs? (Enough electrical sockets, adequate furniture, heating, lighting, and do on.)
- Are you happy with the overall state of repair and decoration? (if not, is the landlord willing to carry out the work before you move in?)
- Are all the facilities in the house in good working order? (telephone, washing machine, and so on. Make sure before you move in.)
LeparaThePresident
Room ye e pila for godira diploma/degree ya mahlo a mabedi.Tjeererrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, rena re fetwa ke dilo jong. nka ba dira gud in here. bilogy wayawaya.Report Abuse