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Deciding on a location
Students like to live alongside students. There is even a specific term for
it now, studentification. This is
the phenomenon where an area becomes so dominated by privately rented student
accommodation that the price of property escalates beyond the reach of the
locals. Side effects include the conversion of local shops to fast food joints
and a deficit in social capital (Neighbourhood Watch Schemes to you
and me).
 Now your first reaction may be "bring it on" at
the thought of one giant student love-in but there are real problems to
consider. Areas with a large student population are manna from heaven to
burglars. Not only are students often less careful about tedious tasks such as
locking doors and windows but they tend to hoard valuable electronic consumables
in their bedrooms. Add to this the failing appearance of a rented house (think
rubbish piling up in the front garden, washing hanging out of windows) and the
thought of parties going on around you while you're trying to revise and the
love-in may lose some of its lustre.
Consider other options. As well as the accommodation available through the
university's Accommodation Office register with some of the local letting
agents and see a few properties in non-student areas. Transport links should
be one of your main considerations, not just to university but for nights out
and the week-end job.
You may also find that Landlords in non-student areas are more flexible when
it comes to negotiating the length of your tenancy or the inclusion of a break
clause
 Before settling on any property, go back in the evening for a second
look at the exterior. How safe does it feel? Is the area well lit, would you
feel safe walking home at night?
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