Follow these steps for a stress-free(ish) process

So, if you’re here, you’ve successfully made it through your first year at Queen Mary, Congratulations! Now comes the part where you must find yourself a home, again. Being an international student or a home student, it can be overwhelming or exhausting... but have no fear, we are here to help. Here’s my short and sweet guide on choosing your next home:

1. Know what you want 

Before starting the long process of house hunting, plan out all the things you want to prioritise. Be it location, space or budget. Even after hours of planning, you're unlikely to find a house that ticks all the boxes. Your best bet is to decide the two most important things (eg: space and budget) and then start the process of house hunting. Now when you're looking through houses, you’ll have a clear vision and it'll prevent you from going through hours of searching through places that might not even meet your needs. Knowing what you want helps you narrow down your options and makes the search a lot easier. 

2. Choose you flatmates wisely 

Be it friends or strangers. It’s always exciting and scary at the same time to move out to a new place, but its very crucial to choose flatmates who share similar lifestyles and expectations as you. It's always advisable for you to sit down and have a conversation with your potential flatmates regarding everyone’s vibe. For example, do they expect the same level of cleanliness as you? Are they on terms with hosting guests and parties? Communication will help make this a much easier decision. Once everyone's on board, you can start the paperwork...

3. Understanding contracts 

This is where adulting will hit you! Even though signing a contract can feel like a huge step, it is very crucial to understand what you’ll be agreeing to. We have Queen Mary’s housing services, who can help you through this. Reach out to them and they can provide you with contract-checking services, comparison, sorting out taxes and many more services. So before you sign anything, bring it to them for a second opinion. Then you won't get stuck with unexpected fees and unfair terms. 

4. Budgeting beyond rent 

It might surprise you to hear, rent is not the only expense you’ll have to factor in while moving out. Rent is just one part of the cost, don’t forget about utility bills, WiFi, and even council tax (if applicable). The best way to know about these expenses are to directly contact the landlord. Maybe knowing if bills are included or excluded from rent can help make better decisions. Asking never hurts! Additionally, making sure that you and your flatmates discuss how you'll split expenses to avoid surprises and (arguments). 

5. Location, Location, Location 

Considering Queen Mary: Mile End, Stepney Green, Whitechapel and Bow road are all the popular areas for students, but don’t be afraid to explore other areas as well! Be it on campus or further away - it really depends on the priorities you set at the beginning. If commuting seems like a problem, maybe staying on campus or nearby. Some students choose to live a bit further out to save money. If you’re unsure about an area, visit it at different times of the day to get a feel for safety, transport links and local amenities. It’s always better to be thorough than regret it later.

6. Where to get support? 

If you’re feeling lost at any point in the process, Queen Mary’s Housing Services is your go-to resource. They can help with contract reviews, offer advice on landlords, and guide you through any concerns you might have. You can find them on campus, so don’t hesitate to drop by for any inquiries or additional questions.

Finding a place to live is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Plan ahead, ask for help when needed, and choose your flatmates wisely. Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home, ready for another great year at Queen Mary!