Tips For Renting Student Accommodation in Lancaster
When it comes to Lancaster student accommodation has lots of choice, ranging from traditional shared houses through to modern flats and studios. Most of these homes are shared by ready-made friendship groups but many landlords also welcome enquiries from individuals not yet part of a group, particularly postgraduate students. The specification and cost of these properties varies considerably. Most will share a bathroom but some are en suite, whilst others offer kitchen/living rooms with outside space. Some are in converted buildings that retain their character and charm but other are newer and more contemporary.
There’s plenty to keep students occupied during their free time in this beautiful North Lancashire town. The city centre offers a range of shops and restaurants from locations around the world, including the iconic Marketgate shopping complex. Students can explore the city’s military past at the Lancaster Museum, or discover why it earned the unenviable name of ‘the Hanging Town’ with a visit to Lancaster Castle, where a court once held in the town sentenced more people to death than any other in England.
Students in Lancaster are well-served when it comes to transport links, with bus routes running throughout the day and night. The main station is only a short walk from campus, and trains run regularly between Lancaster and Manchester, with connections to the rest of the country.
Practical Tips For Renting Student Accommodation in Lancaster
Although both universities have their own accommodation on site, most students choose to rent privately owned houses in the local area. Privately owned houses and flats are a great way to experience living in a real British city and get to know your fellow students. However, finding the right property can be a daunting prospect.
It’s important to consider what your priorities are when looking for a student home, especially if you’re renting with a group of friends. Not everyone will have the same expectations and it’s likely there will be some compromises, but it’s crucial to avoid agreeing to anything that makes you unhappy. If you find a house that ticks all the boxes, it’s worth taking your prospective housemates to see it in person before signing a contract. This will give you a first-hand, unbiased opinion of the house and what it’s like to live there.
Student accommodation offers a conducive environment for academic success. Living in close proximity to the university campus allows students to fully immerse themselves in their studies. Easy access to academic resources, libraries, and study spaces facilitates efficient time management, enabling students to balance their academic pursuits with social and extracurricular activities. Moreover, living in a supportive academic community provides opportunities for collaborative learning and peer support, which can positively influence students’ grades and overall academic achievements.
When viewing a property, it’s also worth asking the landlord about what bills are included in the rent and what back-up there is if something goes wrong with the heating or other utilities. Most Lancaster student accommodation landlords will include bills in the rental price but it’s still worth checking. If they aren’t, it may be cheaper to split the bill with your housemates or to rent a separate property. It’s also worthwhile asking the current tenants what it’s like to live there – they’ll be able to tell you things that an estate agent might gloss over. It’s also worth returning to the property at different times of the day and evening, as well as during weekends, to get an idea of what it’s like to live there in real life.