Student Life.

If you are living with your mates for the first time you are bound to be excited by the sense of freedom- you can have people round whenever you want, wash up when you want, even the novelty of doing the big shop and cooking for yourself can be fun.

At Hallam Union we want you to get the most out of your new home so we have put together this page to give you a few hints and tips to make living in your own place a breeze…

DON’T PANIC! Make sure you know everything you need to know before signing for a house!

We know you are excited about getting your new place sorted for next year, and we know there are loads of rumours flying around that if you don’t sign before Christmas there will be no nice houses left but that is simply not true! Let us tell you why…

Guide to harmonious house sharing:

When it all goes well, house sharing with friends can be great, but house harmony can easily be disrupted over the smallest of things. Don’t let this happen to you by following a few simple tips

Paying the bills:

No idea how to go about paying the gas and electric bills? Don’t worry we have all been there. Hopefully this page will help you get to grips with checking your meter, phone line contract pit falls and which utility bills to expect.

Do I really need to get a TV license?

Unfortunately the short answer is yes, even if you are watching on your laptop. This section has links to pay your license online, and if you get it done early you can claim the last three months back at the end of the year if you leave your house for the summer.

When is bin day?

You’ll need to know when bin day is as well as when your paper, glass and plastics are picked up.  

Shhh, I don’t know how to use a washing machine

Don’t worry, you aren’t born with the knowledge of how to instinctively use a washing machine, but it really is time you learnt. Fabreeze can only keep you from smelling for so long!

Do you know what to do…

…if you have a power cut, a water leak, a burst pipe or your heating breaks down? Unfortunately life’s little emergencies always happen at the worst possible time so read this section before a disaster happens!

How do I change a light bulb?

Another essential life skill but if you have never done it before you can be forgiven for being a little wary.

Leaving your house empty for the holidays?

If you are leaving your house empty for the holidays there are a few little things you need to do before you leave.

Need more  information about contracts, bills and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant? Our Advice Centre has lots of online information and you can always drop in and see an advisor if you can’t find what you are looking for. Go to Advice Centre page.

Tell us about it

Got any funny housing mishaps that you want to tell us about, or words to the wise for other students?

Or can you think of anything that is missing from this page?

Email s.l.sturch@shu.ac.uk