Renting student accommodation
Whether you’re returning to the Scottish capital for another year of study or heading there for the very first time, renting student accommodation in Edinburgh is an essential part of your time as a student. But there’s a huge range of options, and it can be hard to make sense of the many possibilities. With that in mind, here are a few questions you should consider asking before signing any tenancy contracts.
The first thing you need to think about is what kind of student apartments edinburgh you want. If you’re not sure, take a look at the accommodation map to see where different kinds of flats are located in the city. Generally, the areas most associated with student housing are Southside, Newington and Tollcross, which are all within easy walking distance of university buildings and the central city area.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that many people who rent student accommodation choose to split the cost of a flat with fellow students. This is a great way to meet new people and makes it much cheaper than living alone. However, it can be a bit more stressful when things go wrong and there are disagreements over things like who’s been running up the electricity bill!
Renting student accommodation in Edinburgh, regarding the signing of contracts
Most of the accommodation that’s available for Edinburgh student accommodation comes in the form of a shared flat. This means that there are multiple rooms in a larger flat, and everyone shares the kitchen, living room and bathroom. This can be a great option for anyone who wants to live close to the University of Edinburgh and isn’t looking for something as exclusive as a studio flat.
Many landlords will advertise their rooms and flats with a price per calendar month (PCM) and a price per week/week (PW). This can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to compare prices, as it can appear that some places are much cheaper than others. This confusion can also cause some people to sign up for a property without understanding the true monthly costs, which could lead to problems down the line.
If you’re looking for a place to rent in Edinburgh, it’s important to check that your tenancy contract has everything that you need from it. You should also ensure that it clearly states the start and end date of your tenancy agreement. It’s also a good idea to read the section on your core responsibilities as a tenant and any penalties for breaking any clauses of the contract.
By following these tips, you can avoid any potential pitfalls that might be associated with renting student accommodation in Edinburgh. They might not seem like very big issues at the time, but they can add up to a lot of money and hassle down the line. By staying aware of these issues, you can save yourself a lot of stress in the long run. John Baird is a personal finance and insolvency expert at ScotlandDebtSolutions. Follow him on Twitter for more information.