For most of us, it means the standard; a front door, back garden, a couple floors and a kitchen affair, but what about the other types of accommodation out there, could they be better suited for you? We are lucky in Exeter to have such a large choice of housing, from the standard house to the purpose built student block, there will always be something that is right for you- and a huge choice at that too! So how do you know if you are getting the best deal out there? And how can you make these decisions? This is why we have put together this campaign, to make sure you have the knowledge to make an informed decision about where you will be living next year and to avoid making those dodgy mistakes which means you sign up for the home from hell. Following our campaign couldn’t be simpler- we have put together a week by week “thought list” to get you thinking about those things you maybe haven’t thought, about such as whether the friends you have made in your first few weeks maybe aren’t your bessies for life and certainly not the heavenly housemates. Being technically forth years (Or for Jeales, a fifth), us Sabb Officers have done our fair share off house hunting in Exeter and have found the process easier and easier as we get older (and possibly wiser?!). So if you need any questions answered about your house hunt for next year then please do just stop us if you see us on campus or email me on guildwelfare@exeter.ac.uk. And please remember: there is no need to rush, there is plenty of accommodation available for to pick and choose from!

FIND YOUR HOUSE MATES

Finding your housemates TOP TIPS

Wait and make a well considered decision.

Choose someone you feel comfortable sharing a fridge, bathroom and night in with.

Mix the sexes to keep the house sane.

Find people with relatively similar routines to yourself.

Don’t automatically assume that because you are great mates with someone you will be great housemates.

Aim to share a house with people that have similar interests and tastes to yourself.

What to budget for?

Contents insurance

Look around on the internet to get the bets deal.

Internet and Home telephone

Again look for the best deals on the internet and ring around trying to get the absolute best package combining the two.

Electricity, gas and water

A gain look around on the internet for the best deal, check out: uswitch.com or money.co.uk.

TV license

You can pay this online at www.tvl icensing.co.uk or through the post.

Transport costs

Try getting weekly and monthly tickets to save money. And don’t forget the cost of visiting home every so often (book in advance for this if you can)!

Food shopping

Make the most of all the deals available and try buying in bulk with your housemates to reduce costs.

Socialising

Kitting out your new house with everything you need to survive. A toaster, kettle, iron, a trusty sandwich maker, bedding and blankets, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils, air fresheners, beanbags and cushions, games, a football , a TV and a shower radio!

House deposits

Books and materials

Make the most of internet sites such as Amazon and Ebay.

Clothes and toiletries

Make the most of student discount at lots of online and high-street stores.