How to Choose a Student House in Stoke-on-Trent
By Tom at Beau Homes.
Wondering how to choose a student house in Stoke-on-Trent? Start with a budget you can comfortably afford, housemates you feel happy living with and a proper look around the property before committing.
Finding your next home should be exciting, but nice photos only tell you so much. At Beau Homes, we help students find shared houses in Stoke-on-Trent. Here are three things we would encourage you to think about when choosing yours.
1. Work out your student house budget and check what is included
Traditional shared student houses, often the terraced houses you see around Shelton, can be one of the most affordable ways to live while at university.
Around £90–£100 per person per week can be a useful starting budget for a room in a shared house, although you may find options below or above that. At the lower end, you might get a smaller bedroom, simpler furnishings or a house that is a little more dated.
That does not mean you should accept poor accommodation or a landlord who ignores you. An older kitchen and a damp bedroom are very different things.
At around £120–£130 per person per week, you may find a more modern house or a room with its own en suite. Prices depend on the property, location and what is included, so compare actual listings rather than assuming a higher price always means a better home.
If you prefer halls or a purpose-built student building, compare those too. Some premium rooms and studios cost considerably more, while other options may be closer to the price of a shared house. Think about which features you will actually use and what you can comfortably afford.
Check whether the advertised rent includes gas, electricity, water and Wi-Fi. Ask about any usage limits, the deposit, payment dates and how long you will be paying rent. A weekly price only tells part of the story.
At a viewing, look beyond the cushions and fairy lights. Check for damp or mould, tired mattresses, broken furniture and signs that repairs have been left unfinished. Ask who handles maintenance and how you report a problem.
Check the location too. If you study at University of Staffordshire, formerly Staffordshire University, look at the route from the house to the buildings you use on campus. For Keele students considering Newcastle-under-Lyme or surrounding areas, check the actual bus journey and timetable. A cheaper room may be less of a saving if you need to spend more on travel.
Ask as many questions as you need. A good landlord or letting agent should be happy to give clear answers, or find out anything they do not know.
Whatever your budget, you should expect a clean, safe home that is properly maintained and managed.
2. Choose housemates who suit your everyday life
Being friends with someone and living with them are two slightly different things.
You do not have to be identical, but it helps to have similar expectations about noise, nights out, visitors and cleaning. If you enjoy quiet evenings, sharing with someone who brings the afterparty home three nights a week might get old quite quickly.
The same goes for tidiness. If one person wants the kitchen spotless and another thinks takeaway boxes can live on the side for a couple of days, have that conversation before you choose a house.
Talk about the everyday stuff. How will you split cleaning? Are partners going to stay regularly? Does anyone need quiet for early lectures, placements or work?
And if you are thinking about sharing with a boyfriend, girlfriend or partner, give it proper thought. It can work brilliantly, but everyone needs to feel comfortable with the arrangement and consider what would happen if the relationship changed.
Choose a group you feel comfortable being honest with. Those slightly awkward conversations now can save much bigger arguments later.
3. Know when to start looking for a student house in Stoke-on-Trent
In Stoke-on-Trent, students often start looking for their next house around mid-to-late October. Popular houses can attract interest quickly, especially those with en suites, larger bedrooms or a location close to campus.
If your group is settled and everyone is ready, starting early can give you more choice.
But if you are still getting to know people or working out your budget, take your time. Feeling rushed is not a good reason to commit to living with someone.
Viewing a house and signing for it are separate steps. Ask each provider when bookings open, what reserving a property involves and when anything becomes binding. Make sure everyone understands the agreement before committing or paying.
There are usually options later in the season, although the choice will change. Missing one house does not mean you have missed your chance to find a home.
Look early if it suits you. Commit when your whole group feels ready.
A quick checklist before choosing your student house
Before your group commits, make sure you can answer these questions:
Can everyone comfortably afford the rent and any extra costs?
Do you know which bills are included and whether any limits apply?
Have you checked the condition of the rooms and shared spaces?
Does the journey to your university work for your daily routine?
Do you know who manages the house and deals with repairs?
Have you agreed on cleaning, noise and visitors with your housemates?
Has everyone read the agreement and understood what they are committing to?
Find a student house that works for your group
The right student house should fit your budget, your group and your everyday life. Take a proper look around, ask questions and make sure everyone is happy with the decision.
At Beau Homes, we are happy to talk through your options and help you work out what suits you.
Browse our student houses in Stoke-on-Trent, or get in touch with Tom and Molly.