Living in a rented house at uni is SOOOO much cheaper than private or university owned accommodation!!
So you've bought half of the contents in IKEA and you're on the motorway in a jam packed car, now what?
Take photos of any damage when you move in
When I moved in to my second year property, it was great, but there were a few minor issues such as marks on paint work, chips and dodgy handles. It's so important to take photos of these, even if it doesn't effect you, or you don't mind, they could try and charge you for it when you move out next Summer. Get some evidence so you can't be blamed!
Having a cleaning/ bin rota can be a good idea
In first year, at uni owned accommodation, we had a cleaner in 3 times a week and someone emptying the bins every weekday. A rota can sound super strict and boring, but honestly it can save soooo many potential arguments and can be as simple as Monday- Josie, Tuesday- Ottilie, Wednesday- Ailsa.
Consider how you'll get to uni
A lot of student houses are a little further from campus - maybe you'll walk, invest in a bus pass or even cycle!
Do you need to pay any bills?
Luckily our house came with bills included, though sometimes it can work out cheaper to pay for bills separately, like broadband, water or electricity. Organise this in a way that payments are easy and fair - maybe even have a designated bills organiser. Don't forget to get a TV license - in the first week of us living at our house last year someone came knocking on our door saying that we need to get a license - there are people out there checking, so be careful!
Who's bringing what?
Do you really need 6 oven gloves, 6 lots of cleaning cloths, 6 lots of washing up liquid or even dust pan and brushes - probably not. Have a think about organising who should bring what otherwise you might just end up with 80 roles of toilet paper or 10 bottles of Zoflora!
Check the inventory
Is everything that you expected to be in the house upon signing for the house accounted for?
Clean
Especially with the what feels like never-ending pandemic, you quickly go over the house with a quick clean.
Put your stamp on it!
Once your all settled in, it's so nice to decorate your house or room a little so it feels more you - whether that's must-have fairy lights (because, let's face it, you're not a uni student without a strand or 2 of fairy lights), blankets and cushions, plants, or photos of friends and family, make your room feel more homely!
Ailsa xx