From around October onwards the search for the perfect second year house/flat begins....
Some people go a bit crazy and get really stressed but remember that Sheffield is a big STUDENT city so it will have PLENTY of houses.
Always go to several viewings before deciding on 'the one' though, as many of my friends rushed into buying and then regretted it.
A few useful tips:
- Work out your budget as only some houses will provide all-inclusive bills like in halls. So if a house is advertised as £80 a week with bills added on top it isn't such a good deal. Aim to look for houses priced between £65-£75 and remember that generally you pay more for nicer/bigger houses.
- Work out what you want from your house before looking e.g. some people (mostly girls admittedly) want a bath and this is priority
- I would advise looking for somewhere with a reasonable kitchen and living area as if you're having people over you don't want it to be cramped and remember that you might all want to use the kitchen at the same time and if it's too small this may cause arguments.
- Make sure you are living with people you really get on with
- Make a rota as to who gets essentials you all use e.g. toilet paper, washing up liquid, paper towels, detergent etc. to avoid arguments over who used it last/most/who's turn it is to buy more
Best places to look:
Hallam:
1. Eccy (Eccelsall) Road [perfect for students at Collegiate Campus]
Pros:
- Eccy road is full of restaurants
- Home to some of the best pubs in Sheffield e.g. The Nursery Tavern (The Tav)
- Own washing machine
Cons:
- Some houses aren't as nice as others, stick to the roads nearest to the Uni
- It's about a 15-20 min walk from the city centre/ 50p bus ride with your student card (it's a longer walk than you think and if you have 9am lectures it isn't fun)
- Nearest supermarkets are Tesco Metro, Waitrose & Marks and Sparks so lots of £s, but that's what you get for living in a nicer area
- Will have to get cabs on nights out = spending extra £
2. Norfolk Park Student Village
Pros:
- Near Aldi
- Near the Casino
- Near Puregym
- Near 24/7 Maccys (perfect post night out food)
- Near Leadmill (one of the best if not the best club in sheff!)
- Quite far from West Street Bars and other clubs would have to get cabs = £!
- Near to City Campus
- Near to tram stops
- Near to the station
- Good size bedrooms & kitchen
- Easy to make friends with your neighbours
Cons:
- At the top of a massive hill
- A trek if you go to Collegiate Crescent campus (20-30mins walk)
- Can't get a 50p bus into town (i think it's £1.30)
- Does still feel like Halls (this could also be a plus point for some)
- Still have to pay £3.50 for washing
- Doesn't feel as homely as normal student housing
- Need to be careful with your belongings as it's a hot spot for thieves (I personally know someone who left their window open while they were in the kitchen making a cup of tea and there laptop was stolen)
- Need your keys to get out this could prove awkward with one night stands
Uni of:
Crookesmoor
Pros:
- Big houses
- Reasonably near to the uni (10-15 min walk)
- Nice local pubs
- Own washing machine
Cons:
- Up hill walk home
- Quite a trek to the city centre (15-20 min walk)
- Will have to get cabs on nights out = spending extra £
Both:
West Street
There's loads of flats on west street: above Tesco, above Tiger Works Bar, West One flats (by Vodka Revs)...
Houses there are less of but they are really nice, newly furbished and large. Situated behind Vodka Revs & West One
Pros:
- Ideal location for getting to both Universities
- Right in the city centre
- Won't have to get cabs on a night out
- Near to several cheap-ish supermarkets
- Own washing machine
Cons:
- Could be quite noisy
- Prices may be higher because you're closer to the centre
OR... You could always live in halls again...
