Finding student accommodation can feel scary. Plymouth has lots of options for students. You can choose campus halls or private providers. There are so many choices. The trick is knowing what questions to ask. When looking for Plymouth student halls, you need to prepare. Good questions save you money. They also save stress and problems.
Why Your Provider Choice Matters
Where you live affects your whole uni experience. Good providers give you more than a room. They offer support, safety, and friends. Bad providers create problems. They mess up maintenance, deposits, and contracts. Plymouth costs less than Exeter, Bristol, and Falmouth. This makes it great for students. But you still need to pick carefully.
Money Questions You Must Ask
What’s Included in Your Rent?
This is the biggest question to ask. Some providers include everything. Others charge extra for lots of things. Ask about these costs:
- Electric and gas bills
- Water bills
- Internet and WiFi
- Insurance for your stuff
- TV license
- Cleaning
- Washing machines
Get this list in writing. It helps you compare prices fairly. No surprise bills later.
How Much Do You Pay Upfront?
Most places want money before you move in. This deposit is usually one to six weeks’ rent. Ask these questions:
- How much is the deposit?
- When do I pay it?
- What might lose me money from my deposit?
- How long until I get it back after moving out?
- Is my deposit protected by law?
Are There Extra Costs?
Some providers charge sneaky extra fees. Ask about:
- Booking fees
- New key costs
- Cleaning charges
- Damage bills
- Leaving early fees
- Guest staying overnight costs
What You Get in Your Room
Furniture and Equipment
You should expect a bed, desk, cupboard and sink as basics. Most rooms have furniture already. But check exactly what you get. Ask about:
- Bed size and how comfy the mattress is
- Desk and chair
- Wardrobe and storage space
- Mini-fridge or shared kitchen
- Curtains or blinds
- Lights
Kitchen Facilities
If you share a kitchen, you need to know what’s there. Check there’s enough for everyone. Ask about:
- Number of cookers and ovens
- Is there a microwave?
- Fridge and freezer space for each person
- Do they give you pots and pans?
- Is there a dishwasher?
- Food storage cupboards
Internet and Tech
Good internet is essential for studying. Ask about:
- How fast is the WiFi?
- Is it included in rent?
- Does it work everywhere in the building?
- Are there download limits?
- Who helps if it breaks?
Finding good accommodation is easier when you use the best student accommodation marketplace. You can compare all your options.
Safety Questions
Is the Building Safe?
Your safety comes first. Think about whether you’ll feel safe there. Are the locks good quality? Ask about:
- Door entry systems and key cards
- CCTV cameras
- 24-hour security or reception
- Rules about visitors
- Emergency contact numbers
- Fire safety equipment
Insurance Questions
Check what insurance covers you. Ask if they have:
- Building insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Advice on insuring your belongings
- What happens if your stuff gets stolen or damaged
Contract Questions
How Long Is Your Contract?
Uni courses don’t match normal rental periods. Ask about:
- Shortest and longest contract times
- Can you stay for less time?
- What happens during summer holidays?
- Can you leave early?
- Can you stay another year?
Can You Read the Contract First?
Never sign something you haven’t read. Ask to see:
- The full rental agreement
- All terms and conditions
- How to cancel
- What happens if there’s a problem
Take time to read everything. Ask about anything you don’t understand.
Support Questions
How Fast Do They Fix Things?
Things break in student accommodation. Good providers fix them quickly. Ask about:
- How long for urgent repairs?
- How do you report problems?
- Emergency contact for out-of-hours?
- Who pays for repairs?
What Help Do They Give?
Some providers give great student support. Others give very little. Ask about:
- Staff on-site availability
- Student support services
- Help with uni enrollment
- Social events and making friends
- Mental health and wellbeing help
Location Questions
How Close to Uni?
Where you live affects your daily routine and travel costs. Plymouth halls are on campus or nearby in Student Village. This is just minutes from uni and the city center. Ask about:
- Walking time to main campus
- Bus and train links
- Car parking spaces
- Bike storage
- Is the area safe?
What’s Around?
Check what’s close by:
- Supermarkets and shops
- Food places and takeaways
- Banks and cash machines
- Doctors and health services
- Fun places to go
Warning Signs to Avoid
Some signs mean you should look somewhere else:
- They pressure you to sign right away
- They want lots of money upfront
- They won’t show you contracts
- No proper address or phone number
- Rent is too cheap with no reason why
- Properties look run down
- Bad reviews from other students
Making Your Choice
After asking all these questions, compare carefully. Think about:
- Total cost including extras
- Quality of facilities and help
- How convenient the location is
- How flexible the contract is
- Safety and security
- What other students say
Final Thoughts
Picking student accommodation in Plymouth doesn’t have to be stressful. The right questions help you choose well. Research different providers carefully. Visit places in person if you can. Read contracts properly before signing.
Remember the cheapest option isn’t always best. Think about all costs and benefits. Good accommodation makes uni better. Bad accommodation creates stress and costs more money.
Start looking early for the best choice. Plymouth guarantees new undergraduate students a place in halls. You must make Plymouth your first choice and apply by 7 July 2025. Don’t leave it too late.
Ask the right questions and do your research. You’ll find accommodation that fits your needs and budget. Then you can focus on what really matters. Your education and growing as a person.