Advice & Support at Keele SU (ASK)

Make sure there's an inventory and take plenty of photos of your house / room when you move in; this shows what was there when you moved in and if anything was already dirty or broken so your landlord / the university can’t blame you later and try to keep your deposit.

If you're renting privately and your landlord doesn't arrange an inventory, you can make your own. Try to get the landlord to sign it along with everyone who lives in the house - if the landlord refuses to sign, get an independent witness to sign instead.

Shelter has more information about inventories.

Make sure you tell the landlord in writing if there is any disrepair so that you won't be blamed for it later.

For some people moving to university will feel exciting, but for many it can be overwhelming at first. University life is a big change - give yourself time to adjust and remember that other people will be having similar feelings to you even if they seem like they're having a great time. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself!

If you're feeling homesick it can be tempting to shut yourself away but this can leave you feeling more isolated. If you're not clicking with your neighbours you may find that you have more in common with people from your course. Joining a society or team will introduce you to people with a shared interest and there are also volunteering opportunities and activities such as Crafternoons you can take part in to help you meet people.