Everyone has different priorities and need from a house search. See below for some of the stories from our Inclusive Personae.
Elena
Elena's situation
Elena is a first-generation university student. She was really excited to start university, but when she arrived, she realised that her maintenance loan wouldn’t cover her living costs. Her family were unable to cover the rest, meaning Elena must work part time. She regularly picks up shifts at the Union bar when she isn’t too swamped with coursework; this means she is able to cover her living expenses. She also works as an ambassador on open days to make a bit more money to spend on social activities, such as going out for food with friends.
Elena's feelings
"I am Elena, I come from a pretty normal family in Shrewsbury but we don’t have a lot of money. I was really excited to start university and I have a maintenance loan to help with finances but it isn’t quite enough. I pick up shifts in the union bar when I am not really busy studying and I work as an ambassador at open days which gives me a bit of extra money for going out with my friends. I currently live in Kemp Porter halls in a twin room, but I need to find somewhere to live next year and I find this quite stressful because I know it will cost a more money.”
Options
- Become a hall senior – for a small discount on accommodation you are expected to support and run the halls.
- Apply to stay in halls – There are a small number of places that can be allocated to student who need to stay in halls.
- Larger houses tend to be cheaper so Elena could find a number of friends and look for a larger house. Or she could find a house and advertise for flat mates.
- Some housing providers offer shared rooms – this would be similar to the current situation in halls.
- She could move home and book cheap train tickets in advance.
These are just some options that Elena might consider. If you relate to this story and need help with your own accommodation journey you should contact accommodation@imperial.ac.uk
Sarah and Steve
Sarah and Steve met at a swim club social and they are looking for a house to rent for next year.
They have been through the private housing masterclass content and would like to rent a property to share. Sarah did not enjoy being in halls as there was a lot going on and is keen to have her own space. They will look for a two-bedroom flat but are aware that they may need to find a third flatmate. They can’t spend more than £275 each a week for rent otherwise Tony will not be able to get a rent guarantee from the college. As an international student he needs a guarantor in the UK. However, this is a lot for Sarah and she would rather not spend over £200 a week.
They are both swimmers so being close to South Kensington so they have easy access to the pool is important. They both have student oyster cards already so that makes travel slightly cheaper.
The Housing Masterclass content suggests that they should start looking around May/June time as this is when the letting agents will know what is going to be available for renting in September. This makes Tony quite nervous as he needs to leave his halls at the end of June and will be flying home to China as soon as he leaves halls. They have also heard stories from other students in the swimming club about outbidding on rent which is making them even more nervous.
Their to do list is as follows:
- Set a budget together
- Steve needs to look for somewhere to store his belongings over the summer
- Make a list of letting agents and landlords
- Write down their requirements so they can search
- Collecting the forms they need to get signed for rent guarantee
- Check the accommodation masterclass before signing anything