Now that we are entering the new letting season for academic year 18/19 we thought we would put together a little guide to help you through the process…
You will usually be in university halls or university self-catering accommodation for your first year at university, however by November you may already be under pressure to make decisions about where you are going to live for the next academic year and who you will be living with.
The best properties in the best locations often get snapped up by Christmas and the first week of January by the keen students who want to grab the plushest pad! You need a place that you can happily entertain your friends, and keeps you in the centre of the action for a good social life.
Make sure you have your full deposit at the ready to act quickly. As soon as you move in, take photos of all the rooms and make an inventory so there are no discrepancies when the time comes to move on and it’s time to get your deposit back.
Why use a student letting agent?
As a student it is wise to look for a property with a Leeds Letting Agent, rather than a private landlord, as letting agents:
- Are regulated
- Know and stick to the law
- Can easily be contacted and you can see them in person
- Do all the hard-work for you
- Will contact the landlord should any repairs be necessary
Decisions, decisions
Leeds is the perfect place to enjoy your student years, as it is eclectic, fun and continually entertaining. Where else can you go go-karting seven days a week, eat any type of food in the world and party through the night – from super clubs to quirky bars and hipster pubs? Leeds has more to its fame than flat caps, Keith Lemon and those Kaiser Chiefs!
The most popular student areas are Headingley, Hyde Park, Burley and Woodhouse.
Hyde Park
The Hyde Park location is great as it’s close to the universities and has a good range of student housing. It also has lots of shops bars and cafes, as well as being close to transport links such as buses along the Otley Road or trains from Burley Park train station on Cardigan Road. The local Hyde Park Picture House is a hidden gem and the only gas-lit cinema in the UK. This vintage cinema screens films new and old and the tickets are cheap for student film fans.
Headingley
Headingley is filled with trendy bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants. It’s the student heartland! The town centre is rammed full of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants and a huge number of charity shops for grabbing a bargain to do up your new home.
It’s close enough to the city centre to make commuting relatively pain free, with a choice of two train stations – Headingley on one side and Burley Park on the other. Both go into Leeds or out to Harrogate and York. As well as the train stations, there are also many bus links in and around the city which makes transport even easier!
The Cottage Road Cinema, located on a quiet street in Headingley, is at the centre of the action each year as home to the Leeds Zombie Film festival. Emmerdale‘s Dominic Brunt and Mark Charnock (Paddy and Marlon respectively) have taken it upon themselves to create the festival due to their obsession with zombie movies. Admit it, that’s a pretty cool benefit to the area!
Burley/Burley Park
By far the best value for money and still within easy walking distance of the universities and Leeds City Centre, Burley is ideal for more mature students who want to live somewhere quieter.
Burley also has great transport links to Leeds City Centre. Burley Park has its own train station, making popping into Leeds city centre quick and easy.
Woodhouse
Surrounded by trees and lush green space, Woodhouse is a beautiful neighbourhood just outside central Leeds. Less than two miles north of the city centre, Woodhouse is a popular location for students looking for good value for money.
There are a range of banks, shops, cafes and fast food outlets as well as local pubs and bars positioned around the University. Student property in Woodhouse goes fast so ensure you look early to secure the best property!
What should you look for in a student property?
Now you have chosen your dream area in which to live in Leeds, you need to find the properties on offer. We have listed a few tips below on what to look for when choosing.
- A location near uni – you don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn for lectures
- Furnishings and fittings – what is included?
- Do they offer a Bills Included package?
- What payment processes do they offer e.g. monthly or quarterly?
- What are the local amenities like?
- What is the deposit process?
- Is there allocated parking?
After you have found your ideal student property, you should act fast and secure it with a deposit.
Finally, make sure you come across well at viewings – agents and landlords want responsible tenants that will be trouble-free and will look after the property. It’s not like a formal job interview, but getting the best houses can be competitive – make sure the agent or landlord chooses you!
Written by Holly Barry
