When is a good time to start looking for a house?

It is a good idea to start thinking about who you want to live with over the Christmas break. Properties will start being advertised from January onwards and will continue to be released throughout the spring. Popular areas for students to live in are Stanmore, Badger Farm, Bar End, Fulflood, Winnall, and Harestock.

 

I’m looking for people to live with/we’ve had someone drop out. What should I do?

Of course things don’t always go so smoothly! Whether you’re urgently trying to find accommodation or wanting someone to take over a tenancy, things can feel very uncertain, especially if you aren’t getting any immediate responses. Speak to friends and chat to people from your course. You may feel that the situation is never going to get sorted but throughout the summer there generally are people looking for an additional housemate and others wanting a place to live.

 

Does a guarantor have to live in the UK?

Your landlord may ask for a parent or other relative to guarantee that they will pay your rent if you don’t pay it. Landlords will generally want you to provide a guarantor who lives in the UK as it will be easier for them to take legal action if there is any unpaid rent.

 

Where can I find out when our rubbish/recycling is being collected?

You can find out when you bins are collected online by visiting Winchester City Council. Enter your postcode in the search box, then click on your address to find out your bin collection day and to access the calendar for your area.

 

Do I need a TV licence?

If you or anyone in your home watches or records TV programmes as they’re shown on TV or on an online TV service (including your laptop, tablet or smartphone)such as All4, SkyGo and YouTube, or downloads or watches BBC programmes on demand on iPlayer, you’re legally required to obtain a TV licence or you may be fined.

 

How much money should I put aside for utility bills?

One of the biggest outgoings for students are utility bills such as gas and electricity. You can discuss switching your supplier with you letting agent or landlord. Using a price comparison site like compare the Market will help you to find the best deal. You can reduce your electricity usage by switching off electronics and appliances at the mains socket when not in use, rather than leaving them on standby, and switching to energy-saving LED lightbulbs. You could also request a smart meter from your energy provider to help you track your electricity usage and provide accurate meter readings. Many suppliers install these for free. And it may sound obvious but wear warmer clothes around the house instead of turning the central heating on unnecessarily, and set a schedule on your central heating, rather than heating an empty home all day while you’re out.

Water bills in each area of the country are covered by a single supplier. In Winchester, the water supplier is Southern Water. If you’re on a standard tariff, you’ll be billed a fixed amount depending on the value of the house. You can pay the entire annual bill upfront or pay it throughout the year. If your house is on a water meter, you only pay for the water you’ve used. You can save water by turning the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth, and limiting showers to five minutes – buy a waterproof shower timer and get everyone in your house on board. And finally, try to only run your washing machine on a full load so that you’re not wasting water, schedule a wash day with your housemates.

 

I'm struggling to settle in. Is it just me feeling lonely/homesick?

For some people the transition of moving to University will feel smooth and straightforward, but for many it will take time to settle in. Allow yourself time to adjust to a new lifestyle and remember that other people will be having similar feelings to you. If you're feeling homesick it can be tempting to shut yourself away but this can leave you feeling more isolated. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, while most people benefit from some social interaction, it is important to find a balance that works well for you as an individual. Leaving your door open while you're in your room is one way of creating an opportunity for a conversation to start. 

You may find that you have more in common with people from your course or prefer socialising with others outside your flat. Joining a team, society or network will introduce you to people with a shared interest, visit our take part page for more information. 

Students are welcome to book an appointment with one of our Student Listeners, a peer support scheme that provides a safe space to chat about how you are feeling. 

 

Is there a way to rate my tenancy experience?

Yes. Marks Out Of Tenancy bridges the gap from one renter to the next. Review your landlord, letting agent, rental property and neighbourhood.