It’s been a whirlwind few months; from getting your results, to accepting your place at university, moving into halls, meeting new people during Welcome Week, and now starting your course. So much excitement and potential packed into such a short space of time!
During all this, you may already have been approached by letting agents telling you to start thinking about housing for next year. Suddenly, you’re being asked to make decisions about your second year before your first has really begun. For some students this is exciting, but for others it can feel overwhelming.
That’s where the CSU Advice Team comes in, we’re here to support you. Some of you will find a house and housemates without much stress, while others may have questions or doubts. The most common concerns we see are:
- Unsure where to live
- Unsure what to look out for in housing
- Unsure what a contract means
- Unsure when to sign
Where to live
The University of Chester has four main campuses (not including those at Warrington or Birkenhead). Most private student accommodation is based in the Garden Quarter, next to the Exton Park campus, so it’s a popular choice for second- and third-year students.
Our advice is simple: think about where most of your teaching takes place and start from there. Living close to your campus means shorter commutes, which can save you both time and money. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many students don’t think about this when under pressure to sign a contract quickly.
That said, not everyone ends up right next to campus — and that’s not always a bad thing. Here are some things to consider:
- Garden Quarter – The student hub. Lively atmosphere, lots of student houses, and just a short walk from Exton Park. Great if you want to be surrounded by student life.
- City centre – Closer to shops, bars, cafés, and Chester’s nightlife. Handy if you like the buzz of being right in town, but expect higher rents and busier streets.
- Hoole/suburbs – A bit further out, with more of a local community feel. Great if you want something quieter, but still within walking distance or a quick cycle ride to campus.
- Other areas – Some students choose housing that’s further out because it can be cheaper or more spacious. If you’re considering this, check bus routes and timetables, or whether cycling is realistic (Chester is fairly cycle-friendly).
Top tip: When viewing a house, try the walk to campus or look up bus routes before you decide. A 20–25 minute walk might sound fine in September, but less fun in the rain at 9am in February!
What to look for in a student house
Most student houses were originally family homes that have been converted into shared accommodation. Typically, you’ll find several bedrooms, a communal kitchen, bathroom(s), and a shared living area.
Here are the main things to check when viewing:
- Ventilation – Do the windows open properly? Poor ventilation can lead to damp and mould, which some contracts unfairly state is the tenants’ responsibility to fix.
- Damp and black mould – Look closely in bedrooms and bathrooms, especially behind furniture and in corners. Rising damp often appears as dark patches creeping up walls.
- Security – Does the front door lock properly? Do bedroom doors have locks? Do the windows lock and are they in good working order?
- Cost – Compare prices with other houses. View several properties before deciding so you know what’s fair value.
- Safety Certificates – Has the accommodation got all legally required safety certificates (and Licence if it is a HMO)
- Housemates – Can you genuinely see yourself living with these people? It’s not just about being friends – you’ll need to handle disagreements and share responsibilities.
If you’re happy with the house, the rent, and your housemates, then you can think about signing. But remember: once you’ve signed, you’re usually legally bound for the whole contract term.
Contracts
We strongly recommend booking an appointment with an adviser to go over your contract before you sign.
Landlords may want you to sign a contract straight away, but you need to ensure all the terms are lawful and fit in with your needs.
So always request time to review your contract before signing one. Once signed, it is legally binding and there is little we can do to secure a release from a contract if you have a change of heart after signing.
Most student tenancy agreements are Assured Shorthold Tenancies. In short, they’re an agreement between you and the landlord/letting agent: you pay rent and look after the property, and they ensure it’s habitable and deal with major repairs.
When to sign
Our biggest piece of advice: don’t rush.
We usually recommend waiting until January or February before signing anything. Yes, some houses go quickly, usually the very best ones in terms of location, size, or value, but there will always be plenty of options available later.
The CSU Advice Team won’t tell you not to sign. What we want is for you to feel confident that the house, the housemates, the price, and the contract all work for you. If you can tick all those boxes, go ahead. If not, hold off and speak to an adviser first.
Final thoughts
This should be an exciting step in your university journey. The chances of serious housing problems are fairly small, but following this advice will help you avoid the common pitfalls.
Keep a look out for our socials as we will be running a full housing campaign with more in depth hints and tips about renting as a student.
We hope you find the perfect house for second year, and remember, you don’t have to go through this process alone. We’re here to help.
All the best,
CSU Advice Team
