Hopefully you have now settled into your new private accommodation, but we just want to ensure you are doing all you can to have a happy, stress free time this academic year.
Bins
Do you know what days your bins go out? It could be very different to what you are used to at home, and it’s even different between Bristol and South Gloucestershire! If you’re not sure, you could ask you landlord or how about checking with your neighbour.
You can also check your local council's website using their postcode search. Check bins for Bristol HERE or South Gloucestershire HERE.
Remember to bring your bins back onto your property when the rubbish has been collected.
Neighbours
Have you met your neighbours yet? You’ll be living next door to them all year so pop round and say hello. It’s a good idea to know whether they have young children, are elderly or work nightshifts. If you are planning to have a little gathering, let them know in advance and be respectful with loud music late at night. You never know when you might be relying on them to take a parcel in for you! And if you are coming home late at night, try to keep the noise down – you might not have to be up early in the morning but your neighbours might!
Repairs and maintenance
If something in your property isn’t working or is broken, then don’t delay. It won’t get fixed if you haven’t told anyone about it! Tell your landlord or agency and allow them a reasonable amount of time to sort it out. If they are not responding or seen to be taking their time, then let us know, come and visit The Advice Centre.
And finally, check if you need to buy a TV licence! You can do this from the TV licence website here. If you are a full time student, you are exempt from council tax, so don’t forget to send your council tax exemption certificates to the local council – you can find them via your myUWE.
Haven't moved yet but getting ready for next year? Why not come to the Accommodation Fair on Tuesday 24 November!
The Students’ Union Advice Centre can support you in your private accommodation, just get in touch or come and visit us.