What questions should you ask at an accommodation viewing? | Information on student accommodation viewings and open days

Whether you are a first-year or a postgraduate student, booking student accommodation as soon as possible is important. To ensure you are completely satisfied with the student accommodation before booking, you should view the property beforehand and ask all the necessary questions.

This guide will look at what students can expect from university open days and student accommodation viewings, as well as their benefits and importance.

What can you expect on a university open day?

Most universities will provide multiple open days throughout the year. These days are a great opportunity for first-year students to better understand the university course, the campus, and the overall area. During university open days, students can expect to hear from the main lecturers on their chosen course and have the chance to talk to current students or other members of staff. Students should try to attend a university open day as early as possible, for example, between September and October.

Our top tips for university open days include:

Consider booking both the university open day in correlation with student accommodation viewings in the surrounding area, if you do not live in the city. This ensures you can get a better feel of student life, and what your day-to-day could be should you move. It can also show you the distance between the university, student accommodation, and other relevant amenities.

Mansion Student provides accommodation in some of the UK’s most popular cities, including Leeds, Durham, and Nottingham.

Browse through our student accommodation locations here.

What can you expect at student accommodation viewings?

Typically, first-year and international students will often choose university halls of residence as their student accommodation; this is easy to coincide with the open days available. Student halls are an easy way for students to socialise and meet new people, which benefits those new to the city. However, student halls are sometimes not suitable. Halls of residence rooms may be smaller and often less modern than other types of accommodation, such as private student accommodation.

Discover the differences between private student accommodation and university halls here.

Student accommodation viewings will typically be available all year round. However, if the rooms are full, you may be unable to view the exact room type of your choice.

During student accommodation viewings, staff members will meet you at the reception to take you around the available rooms and shared spaces, including social areas, cinema rooms, gyms, and study rooms, if there are any. The different amenities, such as a washing machine and kitchen appliances, should be listed, and any questions answered.

What are the benefits of viewing student accommodation?

It is recommended that you arrange a viewing at your student accommodation between September and October; giving you plenty of time to finalise your choice and begin booking student accommodation. Benefits of viewing student accommodation include:

• Any questions you may have will be answered.
• You can analyse the property’s condition.
• Grasp a better understanding of your potential student life.
• You can calculate what your budget will be like during term time.

To arrange a viewing at one of our student accommodations, click here.

What should you ask at a student accommodation viewing?

Depending on the student accommodation, virtual tours can also be available. These can benefit international students and others who cannot travel, and those wanting to view a particular room type. However, although a virtual tour requires no travel, there is no one to answer any questions you or other family members may have about the property.

If you have arranged a viewing at student accommodation, consider asking:

• Are there any bills included in the price?
• What is the surrounding area like?
• What security measures does the property have?
• Do you have to pay a deposit, and if so, how much?
• Is there any parking or bike storage? If so, is this included in the price?
• When is the move-in date?
• What is the Wi-Fi signal like?
• Who do you report any damages to?
• Is there a programme of events for residents?

Discover more about finding student accommodation here.

Frequently asked questions

What do you need to secure your student accommodation?

When booking student accommodation, you will need valid proof of identification, such as a passport or a driver’s license. If you require a guarantor, who will take joint responsibility for the tenancy agreement, their details will also need to be given during the booking process.

What does private student accommodation include?

At Mansion Student, we offer a range of room types at our different student accommodations. This includes shared flats, studio flats, and one-bedroom apartments, depending on the location. Bills, such as water and electric, are usually included in the price of private accommodation, with each room having high-speed Wi-Fi and in-building amenities, such as cinema rooms and game rooms.

Browse through our student accommodation locations to find out their facilities.