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Halls of residence

where most students live in their first year of uni (if you're moving away from home). They're great because you're in your own place but still have a support network around you and they are a good way to make new friends. Also, halls are often the cheapest option.

Some halls are fully catered and provide meals, while others provide shared kitchens so students can cook for themselves. Self-catering halls can be cheaper, sometimes you can pay extra to have meals cooked for you. Mealtimes are a great way to socialise and meet new people. Most halls have laundry facilities as well as cleaning staff who do some basic cleaning for you. Utilities, such as water and electricity are often included in the rental cost so it's a good way to help you budget.

Accredited landlords

whether you're looking for accommodation through a private landlord or a letting agent it's a safe bet to go for an ‘accredited' landlord. They've agreed to abide by a set of standards relating to the management or physical condition of their property. Your university, student union or local council will be able to tell you about such schemes in your area and about private letting agents who specialise in student accommodation.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy

the most frequently used tenancy agreement (often referred to as ‘the contract') in the letting of residential properties. This type of agreement is also referred to as an ‘AST' or ‘Shorthold Tenancy'. They are normally arranged for a six-month period, but can be agreed for a longer, e.g. twelve months. This type of tenancy allows the tenant to remain in the property for at least six months, or an agreed initial fixed period. After that, usually the tenant - or the landlord - can give two months notice at any time.

Tenancy Deposit Protection

as from 6 April 2007, all deposits paid under assured shorthold tenancies have to be protected within 14 days of receipt by the landlord. The legislation aims to help make sure you get your deposit back - if you're entitled to it - at the end of your tenancy. With this new system, your deposit is held by an independent organisation.

House-hunting checklist

this will help you to give accommodation a thorough once-over when you're doing viewings:

On the outside, look out for:

• Slipped or broken tiles
• Rotten timber (especially the window frames and doors)
• Broken guttering
• Crumbling or cracked walls
• Adequate storage space for rubbish
• If the property has a yard or garden, ask who will be responsible for its maintenance.

On the inside, check:

• How many rooms are there in the property?
• How many of these are communal rooms?
• Are there enough facilities being provided for the number of people who will be sharing the house?
• Is the furniture in a good state of repair?
• How is the property heated?
• Do the fridge, cooker etc. work properly?
• Is there plenty of hot water?
• Is the house free of damp and/or mould?

Safety features:

• Have you checked to see that all gas appliances within the property have been included, and passed as being safe, on the gas safety certificate? Over the years several students have died and thousands more have suffered illness from being poisoned by colourless, odourless, carbon monoxide fumes. The main cause has been faulty gas appliances.
• Did the gas inspection take place within the last twelve months?
• Is there any fire detection equipment (eg smoke alarms) and does it work?
• If there was a fire, would you be able to escape using the main exits?
• Has the electrical wiring been checked within the last five years?
• Are all plug sockets free from cracks or other damage?
• Are there sufficient plug sockets in each room?
• Does all furniture comply with the relevant regulations?

Security features:

It's estimated that one in three students will be a victim of crime while studying. Much of this crime is property related, as student houses can have a high concentration of electronic equipment which makes them targets for thieves.

• Are there locks on the windows?
• Have the previous tenants all returned their keys?
• Have you got student contents insurance?

Location of the property:

• Is the area convenient for your studies?
• How close are you to public transport?
• Are local shops and facilities adequate?
• Would you feel safe walking in the area at night?

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