Adulting 101

So you're moving to a flat? Your Pinterest board is probably filled with aesthetic dinner party pictures and flat decor, but there's a good chance you're forgetting about the "boring stuff" that turns out to be quite important...

Here 10 things you should do before moving into your new flat!

1. Check, sign and save your tenancy agreement

Make sure to keep a copy and be well aware of all the terms! As an LSE student, you can book an online meeting with the University of London where a team of qualified lawyers can check your housing contract for free! They will make sure that your rights are protected and that you're not signing anything you're not happy with.

☎️ To book an appointment, check out their website here.

2. Read the inventory report carefully

Depending on the contract, you usually have a few days to a week to note any damages that aren't already included in the inventory report. If you want to see that deposit again, then make sure to pay attention! Here are some things you can check for:

• Walls and floors - look for scuffs, scratches, dents and any nails used to hang photos.
• Furniture & fittings - chips, scratches, torn upholstery, broken or missing handles.
• Appliances - hobs with burn marks or broken rings, the interior condition of the oven, missing/broken shelves in the fridge.
• Windows & doors - poorly functioning handles/locks, damaged window frames
• Bathroom - limescale, mould, enamel chips, broken tiles.

3. Set up your utilities

Find out whether the previous tenant had any preferred providers for electricity or water as a previous account for your flat may prevent you from setting up a new one. Asking can also save you the hassle of having to find a new one if they liked it, or make you decide to switch!

4. Register for council tax exemption

As a student, you are exempt from paying council tax, but not automatically. Apply for an exemption through the online council website of your local borough. You will need to show proof of address and enrolment.

📚 You can generate proof of enrolment on Student LFY. For more instructions, click here.

5. Check the broadband situation

Some flats come with pre-determined broadband providers, but not all. 

🕵️‍♀️ To compare providers, you can have a look on Which?, the UK's main independent consumer review organisation.

6. Stock up on household items

Amazon will be your bestie. Pool together funds with your future flatmates and get some essentials:

• Drying racks for your clothes (Top tip! Vertical ones like this are excellent at saving space)
• Dish racks
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop/broom
• Cleaning rags

Especially around move-in, trust me giving the flat a deep clean will help you feel more comfortable in a new space!

7. Re-register with a GP near your new address

Don't wait until you're sick to realise you're not registered with a GP near by... its not a lesson you want to learn the hard way.

🧑‍⚕️ Register for your nearest GP here.

8. Figure out how to report a fault

Check with your agent what to do in case of a fault like a leaky faucet or poorly functioning heating. Usually, agencies have their own portals with registered contractors that you can request, but its worth checking!

9. Set ground rules with your flatmates

Especially if you haven't had flatmates before, this is the part of living in private accommodation that can get really complicated. But do not fret! Have an open and mature conversation with your flatmates before move-in to set key expectations and responsibilities. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• How will you split the bills? Will one person pay rent and another utilities? How will you track expenses? Is there a day of the month by which all outstanding bills should be settled?
• How will the communal spaces be cleaned? Will you alternate by room? How often?
• What's the etiquette on inviting guests over? How far in advance should you inform of long-stay over-night guests like family visiting from out of town?
• What's communal? Seasonings? Cleaning supplies? Detergent? How will you split the costs?
• When are the quiet hours?

To this end, it may be a good idea to have a communal white board that has dates written including when's the next time the kitchen will be cleaned, by whom, who is inviting someone for dinner on which day, when's the next bill due etc. You can find some on Amazon like this.

💡 Most importantly, just make sure to be honest with each other and raise problems as they arise. Don't bottle them up and risk having a huge argument later on!

10. Celebrate this new chapter!

Perhaps the least serious but maybe the most important thing on this list - get together with your flatmates and take a photo to commemorate this new stage of your university life!

This will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. Celebrate by bonding over a dinner together, writing letters to your future selves for when you move out... anything that marks the moment!

🎉 Adulting is scary, and moving into a private in London is not for the faint of heart, but you've got this!