There are few milestone moments in a parents’ life that are bigger than having your child leave home and head to university. For most teens, this will mark the furthest away they have ever been from their parents and the first time they have ever lived independently. So, it’s only natural for mums and dads to feel a little anxious about their teen making this significant step.
As a parent, it can be hard to strike a balance between providing your teen with independence and supporting them as they strike out alone in the world. However, helping them to find the best student accommodation for their time at university can provide significant peace of mind. If you’re wondering where to get started as your teen approaches their big move to a new city, the following tips should help.
Consider Your Budget
Moving into accommodation that’s expensive may seem like the best way to get your teen a high-quality room to rent. This may be affordable in the short term. However, as they continue their course, and they start to run out of their student loan, the cost may be harder to cover.
In this situation, it’s helpful to work with an established student lettings agent, such as Lancaster Student Lettings. A specialist student lettings agent will have details of a wide range of properties and can work within your budget to match your teen to the best value accommodation.
Don’t forget to also check whether to rental cost covers bills, such as water, electricity, and the TV license, as these can significantly increase their costs.
Check the Amenities
Student properties vary significantly not just in price, but also in the amenities and facilities they have to offer. So, it’s essential to check what’s actually included in the price to ensure you get everything you need included in your rent.
Most student lets come furnished, which helps you to avoid paying large sums to buy furniture items and move them to the accommodation ahead of freshers’ week. However, it’s worth checking whether items such as TVs and washing machines are available at the accommodation. Obviously, student essentials such as a duvet, pillows, and sheets are items you will probably want to supply for your child, even if they’re already included in the rental. This can help them to feel more comfortable and settled in their new student home.
View it in Person
One final thing to consider when helping your teen to find the best possible student accommodation is the need to view it first. Now, this won’t be practical in all situations. If you live a long distance from the university, it might not be possible to make a special trip to view it. You may also be under pressure to pay the deposit and sign the rental agreement fast, as student lets tend to get snapped up really quickly. However, if viewing the property is at all possible it’s definitely advisable to do so before you commit to it.
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