by Oisín Mac Aodha, Ocean Property Management
The first year for students living away from home can sometimes be overwhelming for both parents and students alike.
Whether it is your first-time sharing accommodation with a peer or budgeting for the academic term, the following tips may assist you in making a successful transition to college life and acquiring suitable accommodation for the academic year.
Budgeting
When searching for rental properties, always make sure that you can afford the advertised rent. Remember there may be additional charges for utilities, which can sometimes be substantial. Create a budget to estimate your costs and see what an affordable price range may be for you before committing to a lease. A good tip is to assign 60 per cent of your college budget, excluding any applicable university/college fees, to both accommodation and ancillary charges.
Sharing a room with a fellow student is a great idea to assist you in reducing your overall accommodation costs. This should not be quickly overlooked as the added benefit is that statistically your first-year roommate is most likely to become your best college friend.
Applications
When submitting your application for a rental property, be it for an on-campus or off-campus student residence, or privately owned accommodation, always present your application in a professional and formal manner. Should an application require a photo identification to be attached, ensure that the photo is formal and passport style, and definitely not a party photo! Always note the opening dates for applications but do enquire with the student residences directly to see if they accept early applications. Most importantly do not be late with your application. Where a security deposit is required, pay this without delay. You should note that your accommodation is not fully secure until you sign a lease.
Safety
With the current shortage of student accommodation in Galway, and throughout Ireland, fraudulent adverts have unfortunately become more common in the private accommodation market.
Do not fall victim to the scammers.
Always view the property in person. Do not pay your security deposit in cash, and do not transfer a deposit to a non-domestic bank account. All registered estate agents must carry a Property Services Regulatory Authority photo identification with them when they are viewing properties.
If in doubt, request to see this identification. A common scam occurs where the landlord claims that they are based abroad, communicate via text message, WhatsApp or email only, or request payments via online platforms. Although these advertising platforms may be legitimate, the landlord may not be.
Student Living
For most, their first year living away from home can be daunting. It is important to respect the shared spaces that you have with your fellow housemates. To avoid any potential disputes, keep noise levels to a minimum, and always abide by the house rules.
Keep up to date with your rental payments and keep the property in a clean and tidy condition. If you are a good tenant, then your landlord will be more inclined to provide you with reference that you may use for future accommodation.
Ocean Property Management celebrated a decade in business in 2013. It specialises in all aspects of the property industry and manages several student residences in Galway City. Please visit our website or follow us on social media for more updates and property advice.
