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Socialising, Studying, and Students

Moving away from home for the first time can sometimes require you to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. One of the hardest but important hurdles of being a student is finding a balance between your academic and social life.

Being presented with this new found freedom can be very challenging, especially if you struggle with self-discipline. It can be quite tempting to use your time at university to focus on the ‘student’ experience, but cultivating some good work practices now will set you up for future success.

Benefits of Breakout & Communal Space within your Student Accommodation

It is important to set aside some relaxation time or short ten minute breaks when studying. Taking breaks and doing something completely different allows the brain time to absorb the information and reduces stress levels.

Modern student accommodation provides entertainment, communal and fitness facilities which allows students to manage time more effectively by having all amenities in one area. The ability to have the option of break out space to play pool with friends, or retreat to study is not one which requires a lot of time nor effort. The convenience of having such facilities can help students with their time management.

The Importance of a Dedicated Study Space

A study space minimises the stress of having to physically go to the library and find that perfect spot that isn’t too noisy, too quite or too crowded.

Having a dedicated study area prompts your brain to get in the zone. It’s vital for student to have a recognised space for the sole purpose of studying. This will minimise the time it takes them to focus and leave less room for distractions to occur. Having a separate environment for work allows the brain to associate and identify that room with studying.

University is an experience like no other, and the key to enjoying every aspect of student life is finding a happy medium between your social and academic life. Focusing on one while alienating the other isn’t advisable for anyone. The last thing you want to do is allow one to negatively affect the other. If you manage to attain a nice balance between the two you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy student life and all it has to offer.

Student Accommodation providers are increasingly trying to develop and enhance their work play environments, providing greater balancing options for their students.

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Design & Ideas For Your New Home

Pinterest is a fantastic interactive scrapbook – think back to when you would buy home magazines, cut out your favourite ideas and stick them on mood boards when you were decorating. In effect, this is an updated version!

You can add images in three ways

Upload from your computer (this could be a picture of your room so you can plan ideas for décor whilst looking at what you’re working with
Search the Pinterest site (more on that below)
Scour the internet and purchasing websites and add in particular products

You can make both public and private boards – which is why it is classed as a social channel. Your open boards can be found by other people by your board theme or which hashtag you used on there. If you use a private board, however, the content in it will only be seen by you.

The best functionality of this channel is the ability to link to products in images to their original websites. They will sit in your board as an image but you can click out to buy them whenever you’re ready, saving you the time and hassle of having to remember where you saw them first or having to run out into town!

There is also a great search functionality in Pinterest. You can search for other people’s ideas by keyword, their personal or company page or themed boards – so if you were looking for garden renovation ideas, for example, you can culminate the best ideas in one place. From here, you can pin other people’s pictures onto your board and add a comment or link into it as a reminder for yourself at a later date.

But how can you be using this site within the home?

Why not use Pinterest for:

If you’re doing up a room of your home, why not plan out different wallpapers, potential furniture choices and decorative items to compare products or check everything matches. Just moved into a new house? Make a board for each room so your ideas don’t all get muddled!

Planning to do up your garden? Look at what other people have done with a similar space or add in potential decorative items to one board.

Adding a new addition to the family? Plan your room décor ideas alongside potential purchases, toys and even baby grows!

Planning out your Christmas menu for when the family descend? Add recipe ideas and even food products (that wine that Aunty Meredith insists is the only one she’ll drink!) into a board so your ideas are all in one place.

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Top Tips When Moving Into Your First Home

Let’s start with the important things you shouldn’t forget!

  • The DVLA need to know you’re moving so you can update your driving licence and remember to change your address on the V5C vehicle registration certificate – these are both legal requirements.
  • Redirect your post, this can easily be done online from the Post Office. It’s a good safety net, it’s hard to remember everyone who has your address.
  • Tell your bank! The last thing anyone needs is a drama of a lost card and the ‘proof of address’ being different to your current address.
  • Update your address on all online shopping accounts! Else next time you go to tea at your mums she’ll be rocking your new scarf!

Things to do now to make things easier later

  • One of the first things you will need to set up is your Gas, Electric & Water. Shop around to get the best deal, it’s a very competitive market!
  • Arrange internet connection at your new property. If you leave it too late you will risk not being connected for weeks!
  • If you’re getting a nice new sofa, fridge freezer or any other house appliance, it’s worth arranging delivery straight to the new address at a time that is suitable. Maybe not the same day your entire family and Mum’s neighbour Mary shows up to see ‘how you’re getting on’.
  • Pack the Kettle and some tea bags last, it will make it easier to find when you get to your new home so you can make a brew for you and your hard working removers.

How to pick a removal company

  • When you know the date you’re moving you should be thinking about transporting your possessions, so start looking for an accredited removal company such as a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR).
  • Choosing a BAR accredited remover can protect you against damages and are the industries mark of quality.

The most important thing to remember is: keep calm and don’t forget the bubbles to celebrate!

You only get to move into your first home once, you’ve earned this, so enjoy it!

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Checklist for when you move!

Preparing to move – first steps

1. Firstly, get the biggest job out of the way and decide how you are going to move everything from your old home to your new home. If you’re thinking about a professional mover, try getting 3 – 4 quotes.

2. Communication is key. Keep in touch with your Conveyancing Solicitor and Estate Agent, ensure they are all prepared for completion day, after all, they are working for you. Inform your Conveyancing Solicitor of anything that could be an issue, no matter how small, they can judge if they need to do anything to ensure a smooth transaction.

3. Change of address. Start working through the key contacts checklist to let everyone know you are planning to move home. Most contracts require a minimum of a month’s notice so the sooner the better. Don’t forget the DVLA, TV License, Store Cards, Broadband.

4. Spring clean and remove old items. Your local council maybe able to arrange the removal of large items you no longer want. This service sometimes has a small charge. Start packing the items that you do not use frequently such as things from the spare room.

5. Arrange for child and pet care. Not only can children and pets be a distraction but it can also be an unsafe environment. If possible arrange for someone to help look after them on the day, this will allow to concentrate on getting moved as quickly and efficiently as possible. If the children are old enough to help, find age appropriate tasks for them so they can feel part of the move and help with workload for everyone else.

The week before the move

1. Confirm the dates and times of moving day with all parties, including the removals company.

2. Get your new services and utilities in place. Arrange for Gas, electric, water and most importantly you’re broadband so you have something good to watch when you crash out at the end of the moving day!

3. Finish packing the rest of the house up and make a special essentials box that will be transported with yourselves. Essentials box to include; kettle, tea and coffee, milk, toilet roll, snacks, phone charger, small radio, sellotape, pens, scissors, takeaway menus for the new house and a vase (for potential house-warming flowers!).

4. Pack an overnight bag as if you’re going away for the weekend. It saves trying to find clothes and toiletries that are packed away for the first night and day once you arrive in your new home. Sounds obvious but this could save you tearing your hair out trying to find your toothbrush and slippers by rummaging through all your nicely packed boxes!

5. Prepare a note for the new owners explaining how things work and where they can find useful items such as the boiler switches, aerial sockets and alarm codes. A few kind thoughts will go a long way when it comes to mail redirection and injects some humanity into the whole process. Also include details of who currently provides the utilities at your property as it is not always obvious.

Moving day

1. Meter Readings. Before you leave, get a final meter reading of all your metered services and call the relevant suppliers to inform them of the numbers so you can settle up the final balance and close the account ready for moving. If you don’t do this you could end up in disputes with the new owners and it’s just added stress when you could be relaxing in your new home. Remember to also take all the appropriate meter readings at your new property.

2. First thing to unpack. Make up your new beds in the new house first. So when you’re tired later and you can’t face anymore work, you can hop straight into a comfy bed and get a good night’s sleep. This way you will feel revived and ready to crack on again in the morning!

3. Have some cash ready for when you order food in. It happens to us all, you will rope family and friends in to help and they’ll need to be fed!

4. Home insurance. It may be the last thing on your mind, but ensure your policy has started and everything is covered for your new home. It would be awful if you were putting boxes in the loft and your foot goes through the ceiling, just to find out your home insurance policy has not started and that you’re not covered.

5. Introduce yourselves to the neighbours. Making friends with the neighbors can make a world of difference to your enjoyment whilst at home. Having good neighbors can be a great benefit, they can help keep an eye on the place while you’re on holiday, collect packages when you’re not at home and they might invite you to their parties so you’re not left being.

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How to Choose Accommodation for you Second Year of University

Securing the right accommodation can have a major impact on your university experience though, so be prepared and start your search early.

Find out how to get organised, where to look and what to keep in mind with our handy guide.

Know your options

After first year, when the majority of students live in university-owned halls, there are various different options available to you. From rented, shared accommodation in private housing to living in the increasingly popular private halls, it is important to consider what will work best for you.

If you’re looking for a bit more independence, renting a property with a group of friends could be the best option. However, beware of a few potential pitfalls. It is essential to rent from a reputable estate agent. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for students to face complications with landlords when it comes to paying the bills and fixing repairs. Make sure you ask your university or students’ union for a list of recommendations if you’re unsure.

If you don’t feel comfortable signing contracts for shared accommodation or keeping on top of your bills, private halls are the ideal solution. The great thing about living in halls is that all the paperwork is handled for you, meaning you can cut out on any potential problems from landlords or letting agencies.

Work out your budget

Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, certain options may not be practical. If money is tight, living by yourself is obviously not the most sensible option. Don’t forget all the hidden costs from bills, including internet, TV licence and every student’s nightmare: the central heating.

Teaming up with friends for a shared rental allows you to split the bills and potentially save some money. You need to keep in mind the initial admin costs though which really can add up, as well as any damages that may incur a hefty bill from your landlord.

Some areas of the country are notorious for poor student rental experiences, so if that’s something you are worrying about, private halls might be the perfect match. Dispelling the myth that private halls are super pricey, there are plenty of affordable options in many major cities across the country. These student housing companies often take care of your bills for you, also providing a nice little internet package included in the price of your rent.

Pick the people

Avoid those petty arguments about whose dirty dishes have been on the side for the past week by carefully picking the people you want to live with. There’s no denying that student properties can get a little bit on the messy side, so try to avoid this by ensuring that the people you want to live with will all abide by house rules.

Choosing your friends early on can be scary though. Often the start of the new calendar year is when students secure their accommodation for second year, and if you’re still not feeling settled or haven’t built a strong friendship circle yet, this can be daunting.

Private halls have a fun community vibe which can offer a great way to meet new people and make some amazing friends. This is also a bonus if you’ve been living at home for your first year and are looking to move closer to the university for their second year.

Check the location

You may have found the ideal house share or flat but if it’s miles away from campus it will make that morning commute to lectures a bit harder. Whether you’re at university in one of the UK’s major cities or somewhere slightly smaller you’ll need to know your way around.

For those with a fear of missing out who like to be in the middle of things, private rentals are normally situated close by the university. If you’re looking to save on costs, living a bit outside the centre may help but you’ll need to make sure there are strong transport links to get you in on time.

It’s also worth thinking about the positioning of the property. If you’re a light sleeper or you’re easily distracted, you might not want to live somewhere that’s on a busy and noisy main road or close to train tracks.

Check out the local area too. You’ll regret not having a supermarket just down the road when you run out of milk or bread in the morning.

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Top 10 Tips & Tricks For Making A Move Simple

5 hacks for dressing your house to sell

1) Define your rooms

Rooms are more appealing to buyers if they have a specific purpose. Make sure each room is set for its designated purpose – if it’s a three-bedroom house make sure it is just that, as bedrooms add more value to properties than studies or store rooms.

2) De-clutter and clean

Clutter can make your home seem small and disorganised, so de-cluttering will help buyers to visualise how the house will look when they’ve moved in. Minimise lotions and potions in the bathroom, put excess clothes away, thin out books on the bookcase and clear surfaces in the kitchen. Then it’s time to give everything a thorough clean and light some scented candles to make your home even more inviting.

3) Natural colours

Most buyers prefer natural colours to bold tones as they can make a room feel brighter and more spacious. Splashes of colour can be added with accessories and the right lighting can also help to enhance the space.

4) Make an impression

First impressions really do count. You can maximise your home’s kerb appeal by making sure there is no litter in the front garden, pathways are clear and the front door is painted. Plant pots can add a splash of colour and you can always take them with you when you go. The hallway is equally important – a mirror can make it look bigger and create that wow-factor as people cross the threshold.

5) Do those DIY jobs

If there are DIY jobs that you’ve been putting off for ages, start working your way through them. Dripping taps, broken blinds, peeling paint and squeaky hinges are all off-putting to buyers and can be fixed quickly and easily.

Five hacks for packing and moving

1) Separate the essentials

Pack an overnight bag for each family member and use a clear plastic box to keep your daily essentials together (kettle, mugs, teabags etc) so you can access them easily during and after the move.

2) Label Label Label

Buy a pack of parcel labels in different sizes, colour coded if you’re really serious, and label every box with the room and main contents. You can also use labels on chargers and cables to remember what goes with which device, as well as labelling items that are to be donated to charity, binned or sold.

3) Invest in good boxes

Decent boxes can be used time and time again, folded down or used to keep your loft tidy. So buying good quality boxes is always a solid investment. You may even be able to source these for free from shops but make sure they’re strong and not too large otherwise you won’t be able to move them once they’re full.

4) Save bags of time when packing clothes

Save time when packing your wardrobe contents by keeping all of your clothes on their hangers and placing a tie top bin bag over the bottom. You can then tie the tops around the hangers and your clothes are ready to be hung up as soon as they are in the new house.

5) Ask your friends and family for help and offer a ‘reward’

While moving can be stressful, having friends and family to help can actually make it fun. And if you sweeten the deal, perhaps with the offer of a takeaway at the end of it, you may find you have even more willing volunteers.

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5 Decorating Tips for Renters!

Here are our top five ways to make your rental property feel more like home, where the only limitations are your imagination!

1. Removable wallpaper

Who knew removable wallpaper was a thing!

Easy to apply, remove, reposition, and reuse without leaving damage or residue, contact paper is a top tool for any renter wanting to jazz up their home. Available in a never-ending selection of colours, styles and patterns. Either use it to cover entire walls, or get creative and use it to add simple accents.

If you’re fed up of your housemates conveniently forgetting whose turn it is to do the washing up this week, chalkboard versions are also available!

2. Washi tape

This little Japanese gem is a must-have tool for every creative renter out there.

Super cheap and available in all the colours of the rainbow, it’s easy to remove and re-apply without leaving adhesive residue or destroying the surface it has been applied to.

3. Wall Stickers/Decals

Add movement with a tree, or show off your playful side with a wall decal. Unlike some of the other rental-friendly decorating ideas out there, these are a great option if creativity isn’t your strong point as all you need to do is figure out where you want to position your sticker.

4. Fabric

If you’re fond of texture, you could also try using fabric as an alternative wall covering that will also be super hard wearing. There are endless step-by-step tutorials out there explaining how you can create this look yourself, otherwise you can also purchase pre-adhesed version as well.

5. Command hooks

Last but by no means least, Command hooks are an item every renter should have at hand.

Easy to put up and take down, use these nifty hooks to hang your towels, bathrobes, coats and bags without the need for nails or screws. Genius!

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Check out this hidden little gem!

If you paid a visit to the quaint town of Bridgenorth in Shropshire, you’d find a bustling riverside town with a traditional market, cobbled lanes, some great afternoon tea locations and even a little funicular.

But tucked away down a side street, this two bedroom terrace home has come up for sale and has been causing quite a stir!

On the market for £199,950, what looks like a simple two bedroom home from the outside offers a pleasant surprise once you walk through the door. The description claims, “Dracup’s Cottage is a simply unique home that must be seen to be believed,” and we’re certainly first in line to get a taste of this stunning and elaborately designs interior!

Entering the home into the lounge, you then walk through the kitchen and utility room, then into ‘Dracup’s Cave’. With orate pillars and arches, the room is currently used as a lounge and dining area. What would you do with this space?

The rest of the home is decorated in beautiful and elaborate patterns, giving the whole property a sense of imagination and fairytales! And to top it off, check out the garden, set over several layered balconies.

This home’s space and traditional features stand it apart from anything we’ve seen in a long time – so why not take the plunge and get yourself a Hobbit-style pad now?

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Should you do removals yourself?

Removals isn’t rocket science and many people opt to do it themselves rather than hire a professional removals firm to move furniture and other household items to a new home or self-storage. The question is, is it worth doing it yourself?

Which option you go for is likely to be determined by the amount of belongings you have to move and how far you have to move them.

If you have the contents of a whole house to move, it’s likely you’ll go for option 1. If you have a smaller property or flat, or are in furnished rented property you may prefer option 2 or 3. Whichever option you are taking, if you have enough notice about moving there is one thing you can do that could save you time and money – have a good sort out! There is no point in paying for space in a removal van (or self storage unit if having to store short term between moves) only to get to your new property and immediately throw things away. Clear that garage, loft and garden shed before you get your quotations. Now a couple of important questions to ask yourself if you’re still not sure about which removals route to go down.

Q1 – Can I fit everything in the one van?
The answer will of course depend on the size of the van, but to be sure about what fits, you need to be clear about how much stuff you have and also have an idea about how to pack it. A 12ft x 12ft room full of furniture and belongings does not require transport or storage of the same proportions. Things can be boxed or stacked. If using a removal company the number of rooms you have will help them estimate the size and number of vehicles required.

Q2 – How far do I have to travel?
Can the removals be completed in one journey? If you’re travelling a long distance and you’re moving yourself it’s not likely to be cost effective if you have to make multiple journeys, but may be achievable if you’re only moving a few streets away. For removal companies, the distance you are moving will factor in any quotation given.

Q3 – Have I got anyone to help me?
This may be relevant if using a removal company and will depend on the service option you have taken. But if moving yourself it’s quite important. What if things don’t quite fit? Is it worth the cost of another van or trip, or can friends or family members take the overflow? In terms of time, a few friends helping could be the difference between the ability to move yourself or not and could save time and money.

Q4 – Is insurance included?
When using a removal company there should be a level of insurance cover for your belongings included but check the small print. Exactly what is covered? Does it matter where (if any) the damage occurs; in transit or while being unloaded etc. If you have valuables, is the level of insurance cover provided enough? If moving yourself or using a man with a van, is there any insurance at all? Will your existing house contents insurance cover your move?

Q5 – Will I need storage?
This may seem an odd question as we’re talking about removals but with more people self building there is often a need to store some house contents. People take some of their belongings to a rented property while storing the rest until the new property is completed. In addition, we are finding that more people are not willing to risk losing the sale of their existing property if they can’t find their dream home. More and more people move into smaller rented accommodation while continuing their search.

Once you’ve decided on which removals option you are going to take, make sure you avoid damage by packing and transporting your belongings safely!

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The best times to move house

When looking to move house here are a few tips you might need!

The best days of the week to move are during the middle week — from Monday to Thursday — most people plan their moves for the weekend. When they are not working. This is especially true with do-it-yourself movers who rent their own vans.

Try to avoid moving on a weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays). The reason being most people tend to move on weekends when they are not working. That means movers already have plenty of reservations on those days, so you’ll have a difficult time reserving a haulage company. Even if you make the reservation ahead of time you’ll be paying more than you would on other less popular days.

The best day of the month to move is mid month (on or around the 15th). There are typically no major holidays during that time. Fewer people moving means better prices and more services & supplies available to you when you need them most.

The worst day of the month to move is on the 1st of the month. This is typically when everyone else will want to move. Most people try to make the most of their money by living out their lease until the last day.vHowever, if you move a week early, you will save money by getting a better deal on your moving supplies and a haulage van.

If you can move during the winter, when few people are moving, you will save the most money and have the most resources available to you. However, the choice is all yours.

Be different and go against the grain, it will work in your favour!