Finding the perfect student home in Bristol can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With two major universities, UWE and the University of Bristol, the city is a hub for students. This means high demand for good quality rental properties. Whether you’re new to renting or looking for an upgrade for the next year, knowing what to prioritize can help you secure a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. We’re here to help Bristol Students rent, and landlords let out their student properties.
Here are our top 5 things to look for when renting student accommodation in Bristol.
1. Proximity to Campus and Amenities
Location is one of the most important factors when choosing your student accommodation. Living close to your campus can save you hours each week in commuting time and reduce transport costs. But it’s not just about being near your lectures, you’ll also want easy access to shops, pubs or bars, campus or any sports centres you’re a member to.
What to Look For:
- Distance to Campus: Check walking, cycling, or public transport routes to your university. Areas like Redland and Cotham are popular with University of Bristol students, while Fishponds and Frenchay cater more to UWE students. You’ll want to check for bus routes, walking or cycling routes and how many hills are between you and campus.
- Nearby Shops and Services: Are there supermarkets, pharmacies, pubs, bars or cafés within walking distance? Lifestyle outside of lectures is just as important.
- Nightlife and Social Venues: If you enjoy going out, look for properties close to Bristol’s vibrant nightlife in areas like Clifton or Gloucester Road, or again are on good transport links in and out of the city.
- Transport Links: If you live further from campus, ensure your property is near reliable bus routes or train stations. Temple Meads links to Abbey Wood station if you get the timings right.
By choosing a location that fits your study, social, and everyday needs, you’ll make life as a student much easier and more enjoyable.
2. Safety and Security
Your safety is paramount when renting a property, particularly if it’s your first time living independently and away from halls. Ensuring your accommodation is in a secure area and has the right safety measures in place can give you (and family) peace of mind.
What to Look For:
- Secure Entrances: Doors and windows should have strong locks, and shared HMOs should have secure front doors, a good key system and secure entryways.
- Fire Safety: Working smoke alarms and, if required, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed. Properties managed by professional landlords or agents should meet legal safety standards.
- Safer Neighbourhoods: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, visit during the evening to assess the lighting and overall safety of the streets.
- Licensing Compliance: In Bristol, HMOs must meet strict safety and licensing regulations. Ensure your chosen property complies with these rules, professional letting agents like Front Door Lettings can confirm this for you and will have to have licenses in place to be able to be legally rented out.
3. Bills Included or Excluded?
Managing your budget as a student can be challenging, so understanding your rent and what it covers is crucial. Some student properties in Bristol include bills in the rent, which simplifies budgeting, while others require you to manage utility accounts separately.
What to Consider:
- What’s Included? Confirm whether the rent covers utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and broadband. If bills are included, ask whether there are usage limits. Council tax isn’t payable by students, so one less thing to worry about.
- Energy Efficiency: A well-insulated property with modern appliances will save you money on bills, particularly during Bristol’s colder months.
- Additional Costs: If bills aren’t included, ask the current tenants or landlord for an estimate of monthly utility costs. Don’t forget to account for extras like Wi-Fi and a TV license if applicable.
Knowing your total monthly expenses helps avoid surprises and ensures you can comfortably manage your living costs.
4. Living Conditions and Maintenance
The condition of your accommodation can significantly impact your day-to-day comfort and well-being. Whether you’re renting a room in a shared HMO or a private flat, it’s important to ensure the property is well-maintained and fit for purpose.
What to Check:
- Heating and Ventilation: Make sure the property has reliable heating and good ventilation to avoid issues like damp or mould.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: Are these areas clean and modern, with sufficient facilities for the number of tenants? Shared HMOs should have enough fridge and cupboard space for everyone. Again, there are rules in place to make sure standards are met.
- Storage Space: Is there enough room for your belongings, including clothing, study materials, and personal items? Think about things like a bike rack or garden shed if you have something to store outside.
- Signs of Neglect: Look out for peeling paint, broken fixtures, or evidence of damp. These can be signs of a landlord who isn’t responsive to maintenance issues. If the property is self-managed, then landlords will need to provide you with a contact number and timeline when repairing any issues reported.
At Front Door Lettings, we ensure all our student properties are well-maintained and inspected regularly, so you can focus on your studies without worrying about repairs. With a dedicated point of contact for each house, you will get to know your property manager.
5. Flexibility and Tenancy Terms
Understanding your tenancy agreement is essential to avoid issues later. Most student rentals in Bristol operate on a fixed-term tenancy, usually lasting 12 months, but it’s important to review the terms carefully.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Tenancy Length: Does the tenancy align with your academic year? Check if there’s a break clause or flexibility if your circumstances change. Typically students take their property on between June and September each year.
- Deposit Protection: Your deposit must be secured in a government-approved scheme, this protects both you and your landlord. This must be secured within 30 days of it being paid to the agent or landlord.
- End-of-Tenancy Terms: Understand your responsibilities at the end of your tenancy, such as cleaning requirements or costs for damages. Damages can and will be deducted from any deposit paid on the property. If you’re jointly liable on the contract then you need to help make sure you’re leaving the property in the same condition as taking it on.
Professional letting agents can walk you through the tenancy agreement, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations before signing. Renting for the first time can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help guide students through the process.
Securing student accommodation in Bristol can be competitive, but by focusing on these key factors; location, safety, budgeting, living conditions, and tenancy terms, you can make an informed decision and find a home that suits your needs.
At Front Door Lettings, we specialize in connecting students with high-quality rentals across Bristol. With a range of well-maintained properties and a commitment to transparent, supportive service, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Renting student accommodation can seem difficult, but we help to keep it simple.
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