House Hunting for Second Year

The first year of college often ends with a surprise: you are expected to decide where you will live next year, sometimes before you have finished your first set of exams. In some cities, students begin house hunting in the autumn of their first year, which feels absurdly early. In others, the process is more relaxed. Either way, the choices you make about housemates, location and contracts will shape your second year.

Practices differ by country and city. This guide gives a general approach, and it is not legal advice.

Find out the local timing

Timing is the first big question, and it varies.

• In some cities, landlords and agencies start advertising many months ahead, and good properties disappear early.
• In others, most lettings happen in spring or summer, and waiting is fine.
• University housing may have its own application windows for returning students.

Ask older students, your housing office and student union what is normal. Do not panic if everyone seems to be signing early, but do not leave it too late either.

Decide who to live with

This is the most important decision.

1. List who you might live with. Friends, classmates or new people.
2. Think about compatibility, not just friendship. Sleep, cleanliness, guests, noise, money and study habits all matter.
3. Talk about expectations before you commit.
4. Check financial reliability. Will each person pay on time?
5. Consider group size. Larger groups mean more voices and more potential for conflict.
6. Be honest about concerns. It is better to decide not to live together than to fall out in the middle of the year.
7. Have a plan if someone drops out.

Our guide to how to find a roommate explains how to approach this, and our roommate agreement template helps you set expectations.

Set a budget

Work out what you can afford.

• Rent per person, based on your income and other costs.
• Utilities and internet, and how you will share them.
• Deposit and up-front costs.
• Furniture and household items.
• Insurance.
• Transport, if you live farther away.
• Summer costs, if the contract covers it.

Agree a maximum with your housemates. If one person has a smaller budget, find options that work for everyone.

Choose an area

Think about what matters to you.

• Distance to campus and transport links.
• Safety, lighting and the local environment.
• Cost. Areas differ widely.
• Noise, nightlife and traffic.
• Shops, supermarkets and amenities.
• Community. Do many students live there?
• Your commute. How long and how expensive?

Visit areas at different times, including evenings and weekends. Talk to students who live there.

What you need

Make a list of requirements and preferences.

Be realistic. Compromises are normal.

Find listings

Sources include:

• College housing or accommodation services, which often vet landlords.
• Student union listings.
• Letting agencies that specialize in student housing.
• Reputable property websites.
• Word of mouth, including older students.
• Social media groups, with caution.
• Notice boards.

Be careful of anyone who asks for money before you have viewed the property.

View carefully

When you visit a property:

1. Go with your potential housemates, if possible.
2. Check each room: damp, mold, windows, heating, plumbing, lights and appliances.
3. Look at the bathrooms and kitchen.
4. Check locks, smoke alarms and safety.
5. Ask about bills, the internet and rubbish collection.
6. Ask about the landlord or agent's responsiveness.
7. Talk to current tenants, if you can.
8. Take photos and notes.
9. Do not be rushed. Take time to discuss.

If you cannot visit, do not rely on photos alone. Ask for a live video tour, or send someone you trust.

Understand the contract

Read the lease before signing.

• Length. Often twelve months, which may include summer.
• Rent and payment schedule.
• Deposit and its protection.
• Joint liability. Each tenant may be responsible for the whole rent.
• Guarantor requirements. Who will be your guarantor, and what are the terms?
• Responsibilities for repairs and bills.
• Rules on guests, subletting and noise.
• Ending the tenancy.
• Fees. Check what is charged, and whether it is legal.

Ask your college housing office or student union to review the contract.

Guarantors

Many landlords ask for a guarantor, someone who agrees to pay if you do not.

• Parents or relatives are the usual guarantors.
• International students may need alternatives, such as paying more rent in advance or using a guarantor service.
• Understand the risk. A guarantor may be liable for all housemates' rent in some contracts.
• Ask whether the guarantor needs to be in the country or have specific income.
• Plan early. Paperwork can take time.

If you cannot provide a guarantor, ask the landlord about options before you commit.

Resist pressure

Landlords and agents sometimes pressure students to sign quickly.

• Be wary of claims that others are about to take it.
• Do not sign on the spot.
• Take the contract home and read it.
• Ask for time, and for answers in writing.
• Check that the agent is registered, where required.
• Walk away if the pressure continues.

A good landlord will give you time to decide.

When plans change

Plans often change.

• A housemate drops out. Check the contract. You may need to find a replacement, or be liable for their share.
• You do not get a place at university, or you change course. Check canceling terms before signing.
• You fall out with a friend. Be honest early, and decide who will stay.
• You get a better offer. Do not sign more than one contract.

Before signing, ask yourself: what if one of us leaves? What if I have to leave? Understanding the answers protects you.

If you are left without a house

If you end up with nowhere to live as term approaches:

1. Contact your university housing office. They may have lists of available properties.
2. Look for rooms in existing shared houses.
3. Check university halls that may have vacancies.
4. Ask friends and older students.
5. Consider temporary accommodation while you search.
6. Do not rush into a bad deal.

Many students find a place late, and are happy.

Preparing financially

• Save for the deposit and first month's rent.
• Check what documents you need: ID, references, proof of income or a guarantor's details.
• Plan for overlapping rent, if your current contract overlaps.
• Budget for moving costs.
• Keep a cushion.

If money is tight, ask about payment plans, and look at cheaper options.

International students

International students may face extra hurdles, such as lack of a local guarantor or credit history.

• Ask your international office for advice and recommended landlords.
• Use university listings where possible.
• Be wary of requests for large payments before arrival.
• Check how deposits are protected.
• Join student groups to find housemates and advice.

A worked example

Imagine a group of four friends who start talking about second-year housing in February. They discuss their budgets, sleep habits and priorities. They agree to look at properties within a certain distance of campus. They view three houses together, ask questions and check each contract. They ask the college housing office to review the lease for the one they like, and note a clause about joint liability. They decide to sign, with guarantors lined up, and write a roommate agreement.

Their planning avoided rushed decisions and surprises.

Common mistakes

• Choosing housemates only by friendship.
• Signing under pressure.
• Not reading the contract.
• Ignoring joint liability.
• Not checking the area.
• Leaving guarantor paperwork too late.
• Not having a plan if someone leaves.

A quick checklist

• Do I know the local timing?
• Have I chosen housemates carefully and agreed a budget?
• Have I viewed properties and checked the area?
• Have I read the contract and understood guarantors?
• Do I have a plan if things change?

Questions to ask yourself

1. Who would I truly enjoy living with, and who would I rather stay friends with at a distance?
2. What is the most each of us can afford?
3. What are our non-negotiables, such as location or number of bathrooms?
4. What is our plan if someone leaves?
5. Who will read the contract, and who can check it?

Talk these through before you start viewing, and write down what you agree.

Final thoughts

House hunting for second year can feel rushed, but a calm approach pays off. Choose housemates carefully, set a budget, view properties and read the contract. Take your time, ask for advice and avoid pressure.