How To Avoid Common Problems When Living In Postgrad Accommodation

Avoid Accommodation Problems There are a few common housing problems that all students face and a few that are a little more specific to postgraduate study. You're not a fresh-faced undergraduate student anymore and you have an idea about how you do or do not want to live.

Here are a few common problems that you might come across with your postgraduate student accommodation, together with some essential tips on how to avoid them.

Housemates

If you're not lucky enough to have a self-contained flat like the ones provided by Fresh, then you'll want to set a few ground rules when you all move in to a shared student house together. Are you going to be the house that all eat together? Or do you all have different schedules that would prevent doing this? If you're not eating together or planning on having a little housemate time, then how are you planning on getting to know each other? And who is responsible for providing the store cupboard and fridge basics like milk and bread? The better you know each other the easier it is to solve problems as they arise rather than letting them fester. Talk about what you are expecting when it comes to cleaning up and doing dishes. Are you happy with a rota system or would you prefer a clean as you go approach? A little bit of a chat when you first move in can prevent your home turning into a battlefield.

Hidden costs

Make sure you budget for all of the little extra costs that you will need. It's not just the electricity to run the lights and power your laptop, but you'll need to pay for a TV licence, water bills, gas and council tax. Of course, it's much simpler when it's all included like it is with Fresh and it makes your budgeting much simpler if you've only got the one payment to make. Also, don't forget about postgraduate insurance for your belongings and you'll need to decide if you're only taking out insurance for your own stuff or if it's going to be a whole house agreement.

Noisy neighbours

You don't want to accidentally wind up surrounded by undergraduate students who are living away from home for the first time and ready to party if you need to hit the ground running when it comes to your postgraduate course. Picking accommodation specifically for postgraduates can help with this. You don't want people walking past your house from the pub or using your front step for loud late night chats when you're trying to get to get a good night’s sleep, so after you've viewed a property take a walk and check for the nearest pub/kebab shop/club to make sure you’re not going to be too disturbed by its clientele.

Household conflict

What happens if despite your best intentions you and your housemates fall out with each other? Start by having a look at your own behaviour. Are you a little beam of sunshine first thing in the morning or more like a beast awakening from the deep? Are all of your habits delightful and entertaining or do you do some pretty disgusting things as well? If you are in any doubt, then why not give your mum, dad, brother, sister or anyone you've ever lived with a call. They will put you right if you were unaware of all the annoying things you do. Once you realise you're not perfect to live with it's a lot easier to accept that others have annoying habits as well so try not to let the way a housemate puts the cups away irritate you too much. Be open and honest with your housemates, as most people will want to live peacefully too. If you've really got a problem, then speak with your student welfare officer who might be able to help you and your housemates get back on track.

Fresh is one of many potential private accommodation options for international postgraduate students. Other private student accommodation options are available and Postgrad.com advises you to research all your options thoroughly before making such a commitment. Postgrad.com accepts no responsibility for your choice of student accommodation and does not endorse or support Fresh. Fresh Student Living Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 07268209. The VAT number is 142920528.

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