Finding and choosing student housing in Canterbury can be a daunting task. You have to weigh so many different factors before you can draw on the dotted line. Here are four things (in no particular order) that you should consider to help you find the perfect place:
1. Does the dorm allow groups of friends as tenants?
It can be challenging for most students to share a home with people they have just met. Most landlords appreciate this (they were once students themselves) and will allow a group of friends to rent a home to fix this problem.
Of course, it depends on the size of the group how many bedrooms the house needs. Most homes have 3 or 4 bedrooms, but there may be 5, 6, 7, or more available, so try to find a home with friends if you can and ask your future landlord for more information.
2. Is the house within walking distance of the university/college?
If you don’t have a car, you may have to walk to campus, so the closer, the better of course. In Canterbury, there is the University of Kent, (UKC) and also Christ Church College / University of the Creative Arts, (CC / UCA), landlords normally try to separate their houses in the two areas for your convenience and will let them see 2 areas in a map and/or table. You can often check the distance from the house to the college on the landlord’s website. Of course, you can always call or email.
3. Does the house offer wireless broadband?
A student house without an internet connection would be unthinkable these days. Broadband itself is essential with the amount of work you know you need to do on your laptop or desktop.
Wireless broadband takes over from and is used in addition to wired broadband in most student houses for its convenience. Different landlords may offer different terms of use for this facility, so contact them first so you know exactly what your costs will be, without any unwanted surprises along the way.
4. Is the lease easy to understand?
If you know exactly what is in your rental contract, you can enjoy a stress-free and hassle-free time at your accommodation. If you have questions, it is better to get answers and discuss them with your future landlord before signing anything. You should get a clear and transparent contract that leaves you in no doubt about any aspect of it.
The above are four important considerations when looking for student housing in Canterbury. Other more personal factors will help you make the right decision, but they can save you time and money in the long run.