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Every year, rumours about student housing start doing the rounds. “You need to sign now.” “All the good houses will be gone.” “Everyone else has already sorted theirs.” It can make finding somewhere to live feel much more urgent than it needs to be.
So, let’s look at some of the things students hear about housing, separate the myths from the facts and help you make decisions based on what’s right for you – not the pressure around you.
Myth: I need to decide who I'm living with by November
There's no date by which you need to have your housemates sorted. It can feel like there is when friendship groups start talking about houses early in the year, but you don't need to agree to live with someone because you're worried about being left behind.
Take some time to get to know people and think about whether you'd actually be happy sharing a home. If you haven't found housemates yet, there are also ways to find people looking for rooms or groups later in the year.
Read our advice on choosing who to live with.
Myth: My best friends will automatically make the best housemates
They might! But being great friends and being compatible housemates aren't always the same thing. You might love spending time together but have completely different ideas about cleaning, noise, guests, sharing food or how social you want your home to be.
Before deciding to live together, have an open conversation about what everyone's expecting. And remember, you don't need to live with your best friends to stay friends. You'll still have plenty of ways to spend time together outside your house.
Myth: I should live with my first-year flatmates
Only if you actually want to. You might get on brilliantly with your current flatmates and decide you'd love another year together. You might also meet people through your course, societies, sport, work or other parts of university life who you're better suited to living with.
There's no 'right' group to live with, so don't rush the decision because it feels like the obvious next step.
Myth: I can't find accommodation if I'm looking on my own
You don't need to arrive with a ready-made group. There are properties looking for individual tenants, and existing groups sometimes need another person to fill a room.
Studentpad can be useful if you're looking for accommodation or other students to live with. You can also look through student groups and communities you're already part of.
If you're meeting potential housemates online, meet somewhere public first and take the same precautions you would when meeting anyone new.
Myth: If I want to live alone, my only option is a studio
Studios are one option, but they're not the only one. You could also look at one-bedroom flats or, if you'd like your own room without living completely alone, a room in a shared property or with a resident landlord.
Living alone can give you more privacy and control over your space, but it will often cost more than sharing. Think about both your budget and what kind of home you'd feel comfortable in.
Read our advice on choosing the right type of student accommodation.
Myth: Students only live in halls in first year
Lots of students live in student accommodation beyond their first year. Private halls and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) are available to returning students, with options ranging from shared flats to studios.
University-managed accommodation for returning students is more limited, so check the University's current eligibility and availability rather than assuming you'll be able to return to halls.
Explore the University's current accommodation options.
Myth: The closer I am to campus, the better
Being close to campus can be convenient, but it isn't automatically the best option. Popular student areas such as Pennsylvania Road and Victoria Street are close to Streatham Campus, but there are plenty of other areas to explore. Living a little further away could mean:
- more choice
- a different type of property
- a quieter area
- being closer to the city centre, work or other places you regularly go
- potentially getting more for your budget
Think about the journey rather than just the distance on a map. How long will it take to walk, cycle or get the bus? What will getting home in the evening be like? A 20 or 30-minute walk might be completely fine for you – or it might not be what you want every day. It's your call.
Myth: All student houses are cold, damp and horrible
Being a student doesn't mean accepting a home that's unsafe or in poor condition. When you're viewing somewhere, look at things like the windows, heating and signs of damp or mould. If possible, ask the current tenants what the property is like to live in.
You can also check the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It gives you information about how energy efficient the property is and can help when you're comparing homes.
Most privately rented homes that require an EPC currently need a rating of at least E, unless there's a valid exemption.Check a property's EPC on GOV.UK. If problems come up once you've moved in, report them to your landlord or agent. If you're struggling to get something sorted, our Advice Team can help you understand your options.
Myth: Bills will always be ridiculously expensive
If you've never had to budget for household bills before, the costs can be a bit of a surprise. But there are things you can do to make them easier to manage. Compare providers where you can, look at how energy efficient the property is and talk to your housemates about how you'll manage shared costs.
If a property advertises bills included, check exactly what's covered and whether there's a fair usage allowance. It's also worth comparing the total cost of different properties rather than assuming bills included will always be cheaper.
Read our advice on how much to budget for student accommodation.
Myth: A bill management company is always easier or cheaper
Not necessarily. A bill management service can be convenient because everyone makes a regular payment and the company sorts out the household bills. But convenience doesn't automatically mean it's the cheapest option.
Compare what you'd pay through the company with arranging your bills directly, check what's included and read the terms before signing up. Talk it through with your housemates too - everyone needs to be comfortable with how you'll manage the bills.
Myth: All student accommodation in Exeter is expensive
Exeter isn't a cheap place to rent, but prices vary considerably depending on the property, location, room type and what's included.
Looking slightly further from campus, comparing different types of accommodation and checking the total cost including bills can give you more options. If bedrooms in a shared house are very different sizes, your household could also agree to split the rent differently. For example, someone taking a significantly smaller room could pay a little less. Make sure everyone agrees before you commit.
Read our advice on budgeting for student accommodation for current Exeter price benchmarks.
Myth: Living with housemates is easier than living alone
They're just different. Sharing can be sociable and lets you split some household costs, but living together also takes communication and compromise. Living alone gives you more control over your space, but it can cost more and you might need to make more effort to get the amount of social contact you want.
Neither is automatically better. Think about your budget, personality and what you want your home to feel like.
Myth: Students don't look after rented properties
Being a student doesn't mean you're going to be a bad tenant. Most students want a home that's nice to live in and want to leave it in good condition when they move out. Treat the property as your home, report problems when they happen and keep a record of its condition when you move in.
Myth: I'll never get my deposit back
Your deposit isn't automatically your landlord's money. For most private tenancies, it needs to be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Your landlord can propose reasonable deductions in certain circumstances, such as damage beyond normal wear and tear, but you don't have to simply accept a deduction you disagree with. Deposit protection schemes have a dispute process if you and your landlord can't agree. Taking photos and checking your inventory when you move in can be really useful evidence later.
Find out how tenancy deposit protection works on GOV.UK.
Myth: I have to pay for professional cleaning when I leave
A landlord or agent can't simply require you to pay a separate professional cleaning fee. You are responsible for leaving the property as clean as you're required to under your agreement, and your landlord may be able to claim reasonable costs if you don't.
But that doesn't automatically mean you need to hire a professional cleaner. Check the current rules on permitted and prohibited tenancy payments.
Myth: All student landlords are out to get students
Students have very different experiences with landlords and letting agents. Some relationships work really well; others can be more difficult.
Rather than assuming a landlord will be brilliant or terrible, do your research. Ask current tenants about their experience if you can, read your agreement carefully and keep important communication in writing. And if something doesn't seem right, ask for help.
Myth: Local residents don't like students
Students are part of the Exeter community too. Like anywhere people live close together, there can sometimes be disagreements about things like noise, bins or parking. Getting to know your neighbours and being considerate of each other can make a big difference.
If a neighbour raises an issue, having a respectful conversation early can often stop a small problem becoming a bigger one.
Myth: There are 'society houses' that get passed down every year
You might hear people talk about a particular property being a 'society house' or belonging to a friendship group. Sometimes students moving out will recommend a property to friends or put them in touch with their landlord. But that doesn't mean a society or friendship group owns the property or has an automatic right to decide who lives there next.
Don't assume a property isn't an option just because you've heard it described as someone's 'house'.
How can the Guild help?
Housing rumours can spread quickly, particularly when lots of people are searching at the same time. If you've heard something and you're not sure whether it's true, ask us.
We can help you understand your options, check what the current rules mean for you and work through housing problems if something isn't going to plan.
Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com for housing advice.
