Student Housing Tips

(A Swansea student’s guide to finding the right home – by Waygood Homes)

🏠 Finding the Right Student Home in Swansea

 Searching for your very first student house in Swansea? It’s a major milestone, and choosing the right place can make your university experience far more enjoyable and stress-free.

 As someone who’s been through the process several times as a Swansea student, I’ve discovered that a great student home is about much more than just the rent. You want a place that offers comfort, good value, and clarity about exactly what you’re getting for your money.

 To help you feel confident and informed as you house-hunt, here are some practical tips to guide you toward the perfect student home.

📍 1. Choose the Area That Fits Your Lifestyle

 Swansea has some brilliant student areas, each with it’s own personality:

 Brynmill & Uplands: Great for Singleton Campus students. These areas are full of cafés, corner shops, and friendly student communities. Most places are within walking distance of the university, the beach, and parks.

St. Thomas & Port Tennant: Perfect for Bay Campus students. You’ll find newer homes, great bus routes, and a quieter atmosphere, ideal if you prefer peace and focus.

City Centre & Mount Pleasant: Close to transport, shopping, and nightlife. It’s convenient and full of energy.

 👉 Tip: Check the distance to campus on Google Maps and note whether you’ll need a bus pass. Sometimes paying a little more in rent for a better location can actually save you money in travel costs. (Waygood Homes website shows how far each house is from your university, so you can easily compare options and pick the one that suits you best!)

🔍 2. View the Property Before You Sign

Online photos can be misleading; nothing beats visiting in person.

When viewing a student house, check for: 

• Heating: Ask how quickly it warms up in winter.

• Water pressure: Try the shower and taps.

• Security: Check locks and alarms.

• Damp or mould: Especially near windows or ceilings.

• Furniture condition: Make sure everything matches the inventory list.

At Waygood Homes, students are always encouraged to view properties in person and ask questions, no pressure, no rush.

💡 3. Why “Bills Excluded” Gives You More Control

A lot of students assume that “bills included” means less stress, but it usually means you’re paying more each month to cover someone else’s usage.

At Waygood Homes, we keep all our properties bills excluded because it’s fairer, cheaper, and smarter.

Here’s why it works better:

✅ You Only Pay for What You Use

Most “bills included” houses charge extra to cover potential overuse. With bills excluded, careful students often save £30–£50 a month just by being sensible.

✅ It’s Transparent and Fair

You’ll always see exactly what you’re paying, no hidden mark-ups or flat fees.

✅ You Choose Your Providers

Pick your own broadband or utility deals. UK student-friendly services like Octopus Energy, OVO, and Virgin Media often have great flexible plans.

✅ You Learn Real-Life Skills

Managing utilities teaches independence and responsibility, something you’ll value beyond UNI life.

💬 Helpful apps for students:

• Splitwise – Split bills fairly among housemates.

• Monzo / Revolut – Group pots for rent and bills.

• Loop Energy – Track your energy use.

• Money Dashboard / Emma – Budget easily each month.

Bills excluded doesn’t mean complicated; it means YOU’RE IN CONTROL, and that’s what smart renting is about.

💡But If You Prefer all-inclusive?
No worries! If you’d rather have everything included in one payment, just let us know, and we can sort out an all-inclusive deal that fits your needs.

🧾 4. Read and Understand Your Tenancy Agreement

Before signing, always check:

• Tenancy length (10–12 months).

• Deposit protection (registered under an official scheme).

• Notice period (how early you must inform before leaving).

• Maintenance responsibilities (e.g., bins, light bulbs).

 At Waygood Homes, every student receives clear documentation and digital copies, so you can read and ask questions in your own time.

 💰 5. Budget Realistically for Living Costs

 It’s super important to know what to expect before moving in, so here’s a quick, realistic breakdown of typical monthly costs for students in Swansea (with bills excluded):

 Expense Type  - Average Cost per Month (per person)

Rent - £350–£650

Gas & Electricity  - £40–£60

Water - £15–£25

Internet - £10–£40

Total (approx.)   - £420–£750

 💬 Tip: Keep track of your spending with apps like Yolt or Emma. Little things like using LED bulbs, turning off plugs, or switching providers can make a big difference to your savings over the year!

🧳 6. Comfort Over Flashiness

Your home is where you’ll study, rest, and recharge. Focus on comfort and convenience rather than extras you might not use.

 Ask yourself: 

• Is there good Wi-Fi for coursework and calls?

• Does the heating work well?

• Are there shops and bus stops nearby?

• Does it feel safe and quiet?

 Practical beats fancy every time.

🔋 7. Understanding EPC Ratings (C, D & E) – Why They’re Still a Smart Choice

 Every UK property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient).

 Most Waygood Homes properties are rated between C, D, and E, and that’s actually a great balance for student housing.

Here’s why:

✅ C-rated homes – Warm and efficient, meaning lower heating bills and good insulation.
✅ D-rated homes – Reliable, comfortable, and easy to maintain, perfect for balanced budgets.
✅ E-rated homes – Fully compliant with UK housing standards, offering excellent value for money and affordable rent.

 In fact, houses with C–E ratings often have cheaper rent, and when paired with smart energy habits (like switching off lights, using draft stoppers, or layering up in winter), the overall monthly cost stays very manageable.

🧠 8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Good landlords appreciate thoughtful students. Ask things like:

• How quickly are maintenance requests handled?

• What’s included in the rent?

• Is there parking or bike storage?

• What safety checks are done regularly?

The more you ask, the more confident you’ll feel.

📸 9. Take Photos and Notes

 If you view multiple houses, take quick pictures (with permission) and write notes like “warm and bright,” “quiet street,” or “close to Lidl.” It’ll make your final decision much easier.

🏠 Final Thoughts

 Finding your student home in Swansea is about value, comfort, and control, not just a headline rent price.

 With bills excluded, you manage your own costs, build real independence, and often end up saving more. And with EPC ratings between C, D, and E, Waygood Homes properties strike the perfect balance: warm, affordable, and fully compliant with UK energy standards.

 So, when you’re ready to move, choose the student home that makes sense:
fair rent, honest terms, and the freedom to live smart.

👉 Start exploring now: CLICK HERE