Living off campus

 

Living off campus for the first time can sometimes feel daunting, so we have put together a guide to give you some helpful hints and tips.  Copies of this ‘Looking to Live Off Campus’ guide can be found on our downloads page.  The guide is also available in booklet form from the Student Accommodation Office in Darwin Building.

If you are looking for somewhere to live off campus, Keele has a list of properties that are accredited to make sure that they meet a list of minimum standards.  These include

  • current gas and electrical safety certificates
  • landlords and their properties are checked and accredited by Newcastle and Stoke on Trent Councils
  • new for 2012 – Keele staff will be carrying out spot checks on properties to make sure they meet the minimum standards and that they are suitable for students to live in

The list of properties accredited is regularly updated, so register at www.keelestudentpad.co.uk to make sure you get news of new properties as they are added.

You can search for private student housing, student flats and halls of residence, 24/7 365 days a year from anywhere in the world.

Using www.keelestudentpad.co.uk you can

  • register to receive notifications of newly listed properties
  • look at photos of the property
  • check property location on a map
  • use the messageboard to find housemates

New features being added in the New Year include

  • information on the level of furnishing
  • local amenities will be added to the property location map
  • estimated costs of utility bills – if these are not included in the rent

The Student Accommodation Office can help with information on:

  • the local area
  • bus routes
  • what to look for when you view a property
  • getting the contract checked
  • what to do if you have a problem with your rented property

ASK (in the Students' Union) also provides a Housing Pack and information sessions about moving off campus. Each year ASK surveys students living off campus and makes the information available to students considering taking up privately rented accommodation.

Rents in the local area are amongst the cheapest in the country. They vary depending on the facilities available, but typical costs are £55-£65 per week with utility bills on top.