Now that you have your lovely home, you will want to make the most of it and your local area!

 

 

Moving In

• Your landlord should provide you with an inventory of the property, listing the condition of each room and the furniture provided. Check to ensure it is accurate and make sure that you sign it, as you don't want to liable for any damage you haven’t caused.
• Speak with your friends about who is bringing what appliances- no house needs four kettles and three toasters!
• If utility bills are not included in your rent you will need to check which companies supply the electricity, gas, water, and internet. Everyone’s name should be put on the utility bills so you are equally liable.
•  Don’t forget your TV licence! You can register for a licence here. You will need one if you watch any live broadcast TV, even if it’s on iPlayer or Amazon Prime.
•  Your landlord may have told Southampton City Council that you have moved in. Most students are not liable to pay Council tax if you receive a Council Tax bill, check the total to ensure you aren’t being charged. Your university student hub should be able to provide you with an exemption letter.
• We advise that you take out contents insurance for your belongings. Shop around for the best deal and make sure you will be covered for any holiday periods when your house may be empty!
• If you have a car and the road requires a parking permit you can apply here. Always consider whether you need to bring a car, as traffic in Southampton is bad, and it’s unlikely you will be able to park near your campus.
• Check when bin day is! There is nothing worse than having a full and smelly bin because you missed the day. Check when your collections are here.

Being a good neighbour

• It is exciting to be living independently for the first time, but don’t forget there are people living around you and they aren’t all students
  • Get to know your neighbours, introduce yourself and build a positive relationship
  • Respect your neighbours and remember their living patterns may differ from yours
  • Consider joining the local Residents’ Association. This is a really good way of getting to know the local community
• If you are having a party try and have it on a Friday or Saturday and let your neighbours know in advance. Stick to a reasonable finishing time and ask your guests to leave quietly.
• Many properties in Southampton are terraced or semi-detached and noise can easily travel through adjoining walls. Keep music, TV and video calls to a reasonable level, and position speakers away from walls if you can.
• If you bring a car be considerate with your parking . Don’t block roads, driveways or garage entrances
• Keep the outside spaces of your property tidy. It doesn’t take much effort to bring the bins in but it will be appreciated and help you avoid a £100.00 fine if you leave them on the pavement.
• If your neighbours are making your living situation unpleasant, you can report a neighbourhood nuisance on the Southampton City Council website

Here to Help

• If you are experiencing difficulties which are negatively impacting your wellbeing, you can contact your universities Student Hub for advice and support.
  For University of Southampton Students please visit the student hub website for further information.
  If you are studying at Southampton Solent University, please visit Southampton Solent Universities web pages.
• If you are having an issue with your SASSH landlord you can contact us at privaterented@soton.ac.uk as a University of Southampton student or private.housing@solent.ac.uk as a Southampton Solent University student. We can offer the following:
  • Advice on your current situation and how to speak to your landlord about it
  • Signpost you to external agencies if necessary
  • Contact the landlord on your behalf

Sustaining and looking after the planet are everyone's priorities.  You can do your bit to look after the planet and your pocket by following the suggestions below.

Read and understand Energy Performance Certificates.

Landlords must provide prospective tenants with a valid Energy Performance Certificate for the property unless it is exempt, such as a listed building. 

 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) provide information on a property's energy efficiency and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) energy. They also provide information on carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and heating costs.

By opting for a property with a higher rating, you can help the environment and your pocket. EPCs are valid for ten years from the date of issue.

 

Help the planet, leave your car at home!

Like all cities, parking is in short supply in Southampton. The city is well connected by bus links and served by several train stations and National Express coaches.

If you are a student at the University of Southampton, you are entitled to reduced price bus travel on the Unilink app.  

Southampton also has an increasing number of cycle lanes, and many students opt to travel by bike. Check out the Southampton Cycle Network for more information.

Several properties offer secure bike storage. When viewing a property, ask about options for bicycle storage and public transport links.

You can rent e bike and scooters at several locations around the city.

 

Save energy

In addition to checking Energy Performance Certificates, simple steps can really make a difference to your finances and the environment.

Find out who the energy supplier is for the property; if you would like to change suppliers or would like a smart meter installed, speak to your landlord about getting permission. Taking meter readings when you leave and move into the property as a minimum will also help you monitor and reduce consumption.

Follow our simple tips and save energy and money

• Unplug devices and chargers when not in use.
• Remember to turn off the lights when leaving the room.
• Wash clothing in a cool wash and dry it outside where possible.
• Understand your boiler and how it works to get optimum usage.
• Draught-proof your home.

Recycling & correct waste separation.

Separate your waste and recycling correctly. Make sure you put your bins out for collection on the right day. You can find further information and check your bin collection day on the Southampton City Council website.

Avoid single-use (disposable) plastic items such as plastic bottles and carrier bags and reduce waste.

 

Save Water

• Simple steps can help reduce water waste.
• Only boil the water you need.
• Take a shower instead of a bath.
• Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
• Ensure taps are turned off property and not left to drip.
• Report any leaks to the landlord or agent.

Love Nature (& Southampton!)

• Get outside, enjoy parks and green open spaces or even volunteer.
• Consider composting. In addition to green garden waste, residents can compost fruit and vegetable peelings, eggshells, tea bags, cardboard, and shredded paper. Visit the Southampton City Council Website for more information.
• Look after nature (and your community).
• Consider installing a bird or a bat box.
• Get involved with environmental initiatives at your university or students' union.