Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Halls to Home: House Hunting
House hunting can feel like a huge step - suddenly you’re choosing who to live with, where to live, and how much you can afford. But with the right approach (and the right people!), it can actually be exciting rather than stressful.
Here’s a friendly, no‑nonsense guide to help you find the right student home, without the panic.
Start With a Plan (Future You Will Thank You)
Before you start scrolling through listings or booking viewings, take a moment to plan. Knowing what you’re looking for makes the whole process much easier.
Ask yourself:
- Who am I living with? Are you choosing friends, course mates, or joining an existing group?
- What’s our budget? Be realistic. Rent isn’t the only cost - bills matter too.
- Which area suits us? Think about distance to campus, shops, transport, and nightlife.
- What do we actually need? Bigger kitchen? Outdoor space? Two bathrooms?
A little preparation avoids rushing into a property just because it’s the first one available.
Timing Is Everything (But There’s No Need to Panic)
Every year, students feel pressure to sign a house as early as possible. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to rush.
Signing too early can lead to:
- Living with people you barely know
- Overspending on rent
- Choosing a property without comparing options
- Committing to something you later regret
Take your time, ask questions, and make sure you’re happy before signing.
More info on how to avoid the classic house‑hunting mistakes? Take it from Molly.
Five Steps to House‑Hunting Success
Here’s a simple process you can follow:
💸 Set your budget
Figure out how much rent you can realistically pay. Be honest with yourself - going over budget “just for one year” adds up quickly.
🧑🤝🧑 Choose your housemates
Pick people who are reliable and have similar living habits. Someone who is amazing as a friend doesn’t always mean they’re the perfect housemate!
👍 Know your must‑haves
Some things are negotiable. Some aren’t. Make a list together.
👁️ View a few properties
Don’t sign the first place you see. Compare size, location, lighting, heating, and safety.
📄 Read the contract
Check for fees, deposit protection, responsibilities, and what’s included.
Harry explains these ideas further in his blog "5 Steps to House Hunting Success".
Why Some Students Choose Unipol Properties
Lots of Leeds students choose Unipol‑accredited landlords because they offer:
- Clear, student‑friendly contracts
- Fair rent
- Responsive maintenance
- Properties inspected and approved for quality
- An organisation designed for students, not profit
Hear from Suzannah on why she's chosen to live in Unipol properties for three years in a row.
Budgeting: A Make‑or‑Break Factor
Your dream space won’t feel like a dream if you can’t comfortably afford it.
Keep these in mind:
- Rent is only part of your costs.
- Bills, travel, food, and course materials also matter.
- Try mapping out your monthly spend before you commit.
- Leave yourself a buffer - unexpected costs always pop up.
Take a look at our Halls to Home budgeting advice for more info.
Top Tips for House Viewings
When you go to see a property, look for:
- Damp or mould (check behind furniture and near windows)
- Security (locks, lighting, alley access)
- Heating and insulation (cold houses = high energy bills)
- Appliances (do they actually work?)
- Safety certificates (gas & electrical checks should be up to date)
And always ask yourself:
Can I actually imagine living here every day?
Res Life Team
The Residence Life Team create a supportive & engaging living environment for students, ensuring their wellbeing and fostering a sense of community within the campus residences.
