Latest Posts

How to Keep Your Student House Warm Without Sending Your Energy Bills Soaring

As autumn turns colder and winter starts to creep in, student houses across the United Kingdom can suddenly feel a lot less cosy.

Older properties, draughty windows and shared heating can make it tempting to leave the boiler running for hours, but that can quickly become expensive.

For students already balancing rent, food, travel and social spending, rising energy use can put unnecessary pressure on a monthly budget. The good news is that keeping a student house warm does not always mean turning the thermostat up.

A few practical changes can make a noticeable difference to comfort while helping to keep energy bills under control.

Start With the Heating Schedule

One of the simplest ways to reduce wasted energy is to make sure the heating is only running when people actually need it.

If your student house has a programmable thermostat or heating timer, agree as a household when the heating should come on. For example, it may make sense to warm the house before everyone gets up in the morning and again during the evening.

Leaving the heating on all day when everyone is at lectures, work or in the library is usually unnecessary.

Students at universities including the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham and University of Manchester may find that different housemates have completely different timetables, so it is worth having a quick conversation rather than assuming everyone needs the heating at the same time.

Do Not Automatically Turn the Thermostat Right Up

When the house feels freezing, turning the thermostat to its highest setting can feel like the quickest solution. However, setting the temperature higher does not usually make the house heat up faster. It simply means the heating keeps running until the higher temperature is reached.

Instead, aim for a comfortable and sensible temperature and allow the heating time to do its job.

It is also worth remembering that student bedrooms are often smaller than communal areas, which means they may warm up relatively quickly.

Stop Heat Escaping Through Draughts

Student properties, particularly older terraced houses, can lose a surprising amount of heat through gaps around doors and windows.

You may be able to reduce draughts using inexpensive measures such as draught excluders at the bottom of doors or removable sealing strips around windows.

Closing internal doors can also help keep warmth in the rooms being used rather than allowing heated air to circulate through hallways and unused spaces.

However, avoid permanently blocking ventilation points, air bricks or extractor systems. Ventilation is important for reducing condensation and damp.

Make Better Use of Curtains and Blinds

Curtains are not just decorative. They can provide an additional barrier between a cold window and the rest of the room.

Close curtains once it gets dark to help retain heat, particularly in bedrooms and living rooms. During sunny winter days, opening them can allow natural warmth and light into the property.

Just make sure curtains are not hanging directly over radiators, as this can trap heat between the radiator and the window rather than allowing it to circulate properly around the room.

Keep Radiators Clear

In a small student house, furniture often ends up wherever it fits. Unfortunately, placing a sofa, bed or desk directly in front of a radiator can reduce how effectively heat spreads through the room.

Try to leave some space around radiators where possible.

If a radiator feels cold at the top but warm at the bottom, it may also need bleeding. This is usually something worth raising with the landlord or letting agent if you are unsure what to do.

Tenants should also report radiators that are not heating properly rather than relying on portable heaters as a permanent solution.

Layer Up Before Reaching for the Heating

There is nothing wrong with using the heating when the house is genuinely cold, but sometimes the cheaper solution is simply adding another layer.

Jumpers, thick socks, slippers and blankets can make a significant difference, particularly when studying in one room for several hours.

If you are working on an assignment at the University of Leeds, Cardiff University or Loughborough University, for example, heating the entire house while everyone else is out may not always make sense if you can stay comfortable in one space.

Be Careful With Portable Heaters

Portable electric heaters can be useful in certain situations, but they can also be expensive to run if used for long periods.

They should never be covered with clothes or bedding and should be kept away from curtains, furniture and other flammable materials.

Avoid using portable heaters as a substitute for reporting a genuine heating problem to your landlord. If the property’s main heating system is not working correctly, that needs to be addressed.

Talk About Energy Use as a Household

Many problems with shared energy bills come down to communication.

One housemate may want the heating on constantly while another is trying to keep costs as low as possible. Agreeing some basic household rules early can prevent arguments later.

It may help to decide:

When the heating will normally come on
What temperature feels reasonable
Who checks meter readings or energy accounts
How unexpected increases in usage will be discussed

If bills are included in your rent, check your tenancy agreement carefully. Some student accommodation packages include a fair usage allowance, which means excessive energy consumption could still result in additional charges.

Report Problems Instead of Putting Up With Them

If your student house is unusually difficult to heat, constantly damp or has windows and doors that do not close properly, the issue may be with the property rather than your heating habits.

Contact your landlord or letting agent and report problems clearly, preferably in writing.

Universities such as the University of Bristol, Durham University and Newcastle University also have student accommodation or housing advice services that may be able to provide guidance if you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities as a tenant.

Stay Warm Without Wasting Energy

Keeping a student house warm does not have to mean running the heating around the clock.

Using timers properly, reducing draughts, keeping radiators clear and agreeing sensible habits with housemates can all help make a property more comfortable without unnecessary energy use.

The biggest savings often come from small changes repeated every day. And when several students are sharing the same house, getting everyone involved can make an even bigger difference to both the temperature and the monthly bill.

Blogs you may also like:

A Student’s Guide to Renting Your First House

Moving into your first student house is a big milestone.

After a year in halls or living at home, suddenly you are responsible for choosing where you live, understanding a tenancy agreement, paying bills and making sure everyone in the house pulls their weight.

It can feel like a lot, especially if you have never rented privately before.

The good news is that student renting becomes much easier once you know what to look out for. From deposits and guarantors to inventories and viewings, this guide covers the main things you need to understand before signing for your first student house.

Start With the Right Budget

Before arranging viewings, work out what you can realistically afford.

Rent is only one part of the cost. Depending on the property, you may also need to pay for gas, electricity, water, broadband and other household expenses.

Some student properties include bills within the rent, while others require tenants to arrange and pay for everything separately. Neither option is automatically better, but you need to know exactly what you are getting.

Think about your maintenance loan, part-time income and any financial support you receive before agreeing to a monthly rent figure.

Students at universities in cities such as Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham can face very different rental prices depending on the area they choose, so researching local costs is important.

A slightly cheaper property that is further from campus might save money on rent, for example, but that saving could disappear if you need to pay for buses or trains every day.

Understand How Student Deposits Work

Most landlords or letting agents will ask you to pay a tenancy deposit before you move in.

This is normally used as protection against things such as unpaid rent or damage to the property.

For most private tenancies in England, landlords must protect qualifying deposits in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. You should be given information explaining where your deposit has been protected.

Do not assume that paying a deposit simply means you will automatically get all of it back when you leave.

Damage beyond normal wear and tear, missing items or unpaid rent could potentially result in deductions. This is one of the reasons why your inventory and move-in photographs are so important.

You may also be asked to pay a holding deposit when reserving a property. Make sure you understand exactly what this payment is for and what happens to it once the tenancy goes ahead.

You May Need a Guarantor

A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent or other financial obligations if you fail to pay.

Student landlords commonly request guarantors because many students do not have a full-time salary or long rental history.

Parents or guardians often act as guarantors, although landlords may have requirements around income, home ownership or UK residency.

Do not leave this conversation until the last minute. If your landlord requires guarantors, everyone in your group should find out what documentation is needed before paying money or committing to the property.

You should also read the guarantor agreement carefully.

In some shared student tenancies, the wording can potentially make a guarantor responsible for more than just one person’s share of the rent. If anything is unclear, ask the landlord or letting agent to explain it before anyone signs.

Read the Tenancy Agreement Properly

It is tempting to scroll to the bottom of a tenancy agreement and sign it immediately, particularly if you are worried another group might take the house.

Don’t.

Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract and sets out the responsibilities of both the tenants and landlord.

Check important details including the tenancy start and end dates, monthly rent, deposit amount and payment dates.

You should also look for rules covering pets, guests, smoking, decorating, repairs and ending the tenancy early.

If you are renting with friends, you may have a joint tenancy. This can mean that everyone has responsibility for the rent, rather than simply being responsible for their individual bedroom.

Make sure everyone understands what they are agreeing to.

Most universities also offer some form of accommodation or housing support. Students at institutions such as the University of Leeds, University of Sheffield and University of Exeter, for example, can usually access guidance through their university or students’ union if they are unsure about private renting.

Check Whether Bills Are Included

One of the most important questions to ask is whether the advertised rent includes bills.

A property listed at £140 per week with bills included is very different from one costing £140 per week before gas, electricity, water and broadband are added.

If bills are not included, talk to your future housemates about how you will manage them.

Someone may need to take responsibility for setting up energy accounts, broadband and other household services.

It is also worth agreeing how costs will be divided. In most student houses, splitting bills equally is the simplest approach, although things can become more complicated if someone moves in late or spends long periods away.

Remember that full-time students are generally exempt from Council Tax, although there can be complications if someone living in the property is not a full-time student.

If you are unsure, check the rules with the local council rather than assuming you do not need to do anything.

Take Viewings Seriously

Student house viewings are not just about deciding whether you like the kitchen or whether the bedrooms are big enough.

Look closely at the condition of the property.

Check windows, doors, heating and signs of damp or mould. Turn taps on, inspect bathrooms and ask whether appliances such as the washing machine, fridge and oven are included.

Storage is another factor students often overlook.

A house for five people may technically have five bedrooms, but if there is very little kitchen storage or only one small fridge, everyday life could quickly become frustrating.

Location matters too. Check how long it takes to walk to university, supermarkets, bus stops and local amenities.

Students at universities such as Loughborough University, Cardiff University or the University of Birmingham may find that popular student areas are not directly beside campus, so transport and walking routes should form part of your decision.

If possible, visit the area at different times of day as well. A quiet street during a lunchtime viewing might feel very different on a Friday night.

Questions to Ask During a Student House Viewing

Do not be afraid to ask questions. A good landlord or letting agent should expect them.

Useful things to ask include:

Are gas, electricity, water or broadband included in the rent?
How much is the deposit?
When is rent due?
Who manages repairs?
What furniture and appliances are included?
Is there secure bike storage?
How is the property heated?
When was the boiler last serviced?
Does the property have working smoke alarms?
Are there any known damp or mould problems?
Who looks after the garden?
Is there parking available?
Can current tenants provide any feedback about the house?

If the agent seems unwilling to answer straightforward questions, that should encourage you to investigate further before committing.

Do Not Ignore the Inventory

When you move in, you should receive an inventory describing the condition of the property and its contents.

Take this seriously. Go through every room and compare what you see with the inventory.

If the document says a bedroom carpet is in excellent condition but there is already a large stain, report it immediately.

Take photographs or videos when you move in, especially of any existing marks, scratches, broken furniture or damage.

Keep copies somewhere safe.

Your inventory provides evidence of the property’s condition at the start of your tenancy. Without it, disagreements over deposit deductions can become much harder to resolve.

It is worth doing the same thing when you move out.

Check Safety and Licensing

A cheap property is not a good deal if it is unsafe.

Look for working smoke alarms and ask about gas and electrical safety documentation.

Larger shared student houses may also require an HMO licence depending on the number of tenants and local authority rules.

You do not need to become an expert in housing regulations, but you should expect your landlord to follow the rules that apply to the property.

Universities and students’ unions can also be useful sources of advice if you are concerned about housing standards.

Choose Your Housemates Carefully

Your dream student house can quickly become stressful if the people living in it cannot agree about money, cleaning or guests.

Before signing anything, have an open conversation about how everyone expects the house to work.

Discuss cleaning, bills, food, parties, partners staying over and how communal spaces will be used.

It may feel unnecessarily serious when you are choosing a house with close friends, but these conversations can prevent arguments later.

Remember that being great friends does not automatically mean you will enjoy living together.

Do Not Feel Pressured Into Signing

Student housing markets can move quickly, especially in popular university cities.

However, phrases such as “you need to sign today” should not stop you from checking what you are agreeing to.

Read the contract, inspect the property and make sure everyone in your group is comfortable.

A house is a significant financial commitment, often lasting an entire academic year.

Taking an extra hour to understand the tenancy is far better than spending months dealing with a property you rushed into.

Your First Student House Should Still Feel Like Home

Renting your first student house comes with more responsibility than university accommodation, but it also gives you more freedom.

You can choose your housemates, create your own routines and make the property feel much more like home.

The key is to approach the process with your eyes open.

Check the costs, understand the contract, protect yourself with an inventory and photographs, and ask plenty of questions before signing.

Once the paperwork is sorted and the boxes are unpacked, you can concentrate on the much more enjoyable part: making your first student house somewhere you actually enjoy living.

Blogs you may also like:

The Best and Most Popular Areas to Live in Exeter

Choosing where to live at university can have a surprisingly big impact on your overall student experience.

You want somewhere that makes getting to lectures manageable, but you also need access to shops, transport, cafés, nightlife and everything else that makes student life enjoyable.

For students heading to the University of Exeter, there are plenty of neighbourhoods to consider. The university has two main Exeter campuses: Streatham, which is the larger campus on the edge of the city, and St Luke’s, which sits closer to the centre.

The good news is that Exeter is relatively compact and walkable, so living a little further away does not necessarily mean feeling disconnected. Here are some of the most popular areas to consider.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the best-known student areas in Exeter, particularly for those studying at the Streatham Campus.

Situated immediately to the north and east of the university, it is particularly convenient if your priority is keeping the journey to lectures short. The University of Exeter specifically highlights Pennsylvania as one of the areas close to Streatham.

There is a significant student population here, with plenty of shared houses and residential streets. The trade-off is that properties close to Streatham tend to be in higher demand and can therefore cost more than accommodation further from campus.

For students who would happily sacrifice a little city-centre convenience in exchange for being near university, Pennsylvania remains a strong choice.

St James

St James offers a useful compromise between campus and city life.

The area sits between central Exeter and the Streatham Campus, making it popular with students who want relatively straightforward access to lectures while still being able to walk into town.

The University of Exeter identifies St James as one of the neighbourhoods well placed for reaching both Streatham and St Luke’s campuses.

Its location close to Exeter Central and St James Park railway stations is another advantage, particularly if you plan on exploring Devon during your time at university.

Exeter City Centre

For convenience, living right in Exeter city centre is difficult to beat.

Students have restaurants, supermarkets, cafés, shops, pubs and entertainment within walking distance, while both university campuses remain accessible. The city centre sits roughly between Streatham and St Luke’s, making it particularly useful for households containing students studying at different campuses.

Exeter itself has a lively independent food and shopping scene alongside its larger high-street stores, so there is plenty happening without needing to travel far.

City-centre accommodation can include private halls as well as flats and shared houses. For students who would rather be close to social life than roll out of bed and straight into a lecture, it is certainly worth considering.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is another established student neighbourhood and provides a good middle ground between the two campuses.

The university lists it among the areas convenient for both Streatham and St Luke’s.

There is a noticeable student presence without every street feeling completely dominated by university accommodation. Some parts, including streets around Monks Road, have traditionally provided relatively affordable housing while remaining within walking distance of the city and campuses.

Local shops, pubs and nearby Polsloe Bridge railway station also make the area practical for everyday student life.

Heavitree

Students studying primarily at St Luke’s Campus should definitely have Heavitree on their shortlist.

It is particularly convenient for courses based around St Luke’s, which includes a number of health, education and sport programmes.

Heavitree has more of a neighbourhood atmosphere than some of Exeter’s heavily student-focused areas. There are shops, green spaces and easy access to places such as Magdalen Road, which has a collection of independent businesses.

University guidance puts St Luke’s at around a five-minute walk from parts of the Newtown and Heavitree area, while the city centre can be around 15 minutes away on foot.

It can therefore work particularly well for medical and healthcare students who expect to spend much of their university life around St Luke’s.

Newtown

Neighbouring Heavitree, Newtown is another convenient option for St Luke’s students.

It sits close enough to central Exeter that shops, restaurants and nightlife remain easily accessible, while the university campus is only a short journey away.

The area is largely residential, giving students the chance to feel part of the wider Exeter community rather than living in a neighbourhood made up almost entirely of student properties.

It can also appeal to anyone who values being close to the city centre while still having quieter residential streets nearby.

St David’s

St David’s is particularly convenient for students who expect to travel regularly.

Exeter St David’s is the city’s main railway station, offering direct connections to destinations including London, Bristol and other parts of the South West. Exeter is approximately 170 miles from London, with direct trains to London Paddington taking around two hours.

The area is also reasonably well positioned for Streatham Campus and the city centre.

For international students or anyone planning frequent trips home during term time, living near the station can be a major advantage.

So, Where Should You Live in Exeter?

There isn’t one neighbourhood that will suit every student.

If being close to Streatham Campus matters most, Pennsylvania and St James are obvious places to investigate. Students based at St Luke’s may find Heavitree or Newtown more convenient, while Mount Pleasant offers a useful compromise between campuses.

Meanwhile, students who prioritise shops, restaurants and nightlife may prefer living closer to Exeter city centre.

Wherever you choose, remember to consider more than simply the distance to university. Look at rent, transport, supermarkets, nightlife and the type of atmosphere you would actually enjoy living in.

Exeter’s relatively compact size means you can often have the best of both worlds: university facilities within reasonable walking distance and one of Devon’s most attractive cities right on your doorstep.

Blogs you may also like:

How to Beat the Post-Freshers Slump at University

Freshers’ Week can make university feel like one long introduction to a completely new life. There are new people everywhere, societies competing for your attention, nights out, welcome events and the novelty of finally having your own space.

Then, quite suddenly, things become more ordinary.

Lectures start properly. Deadlines appear on your course portal. Everyone seems busier. The constant stream of social events slows down, and the excitement of arriving at university can be replaced by tiredness, homesickness or a feeling that things are not quite as exciting as you expected.

This is sometimes referred to as the post-Freshers slump, and it is a very normal part of settling into university life.

Why the Post-Freshers Slump Happens

The first few weeks of university can be intense.

You might be meeting dozens of new people, learning your way around a new city, trying different societies, going out more than usual and adjusting to living away from home.

That level of excitement is difficult to maintain.

Once teaching begins, students at universities such as the University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, the University of Bristol or Loughborough University may suddenly find themselves balancing lectures, seminars, reading, assignments, socialising and everyday responsibilities.

The contrast can feel surprisingly dramatic.

One week, everything feels new. The next, you are deciding when to do your washing and wondering how you already have three deadlines approaching.

Build a Routine That Actually Works for You

One of the best ways to feel more settled is to establish some kind of routine.

That does not mean planning every hour of your week. Instead, try to create a little structure around the things that matter.

You might decide that weekday mornings are for lectures and studying, Wednesday evenings are for a society, Friday nights are for socialising and Sunday afternoons are for food shopping and getting organised.

Simple routines can make university feel far less chaotic.

It can also help to treat your university timetable a little like a working week. If you have a two-hour gap between lectures, for example, consider using some of that time in the library rather than automatically returning to your accommodation.

You may be surprised how much easier your evenings feel when some of your work is already done.

Remember That Friendships Take Time

Freshers’ Week can create the impression that everyone instantly finds their best friends. In reality, university friendships often develop gradually.

The people you spent every evening with during your first week might not become your closest friends, while someone you occasionally speak to in a seminar could eventually become one of them.

Keep giving yourself opportunities to meet people.

Attend society events, speak to coursemates before lectures, join sports clubs or simply spend time in shared areas of your accommodation.

Universities including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Leicester and the University of Manchester offer hundreds of societies and student groups, covering everything from sport and volunteering to gaming, culture, music and academic interests.

You do not have to become heavily involved in everything. Finding one or two groups that genuinely interest you can make a big difference.

Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

When the excitement of Freshers’ Week disappears, university can sometimes start to feel like lectures, supermarket trips and laundry.

Give yourself small things to look forward to.

That could be trying a new café, organising a film night with your housemates, visiting somewhere nearby or planning a cheap day trip.

Even something as simple as cooking together on a Friday night can give your week a bit more structure.

You do not need a packed social calendar. In fact, constantly trying to recreate Freshers’ Week can quickly become exhausting and expensive. University life becomes much more enjoyable when ordinary days start feeling comfortable too.

Look After the Basics

The post-Freshers slump can sometimes be made worse by something very simple: exhaustion.

Late nights, takeaway food, irregular sleeping patterns and a few weeks of constant socialising eventually catch up with most people.

Try getting back to the basics.

Eat proper meals, drink enough water, get outside during the day and give yourself enough sleep.

Exercise can help too. You do not necessarily need a gym membership. Walking to lectures rather than taking the bus, joining a casual sports club or exploring your university city on foot can all help break up long periods of studying.

Do Not Compare Your University Experience

Social media can make university look like an endless stream of parties, perfect friendships and exciting experiences.

That is rarely the full picture.

Someone posting photos from a busy night out might have spent the rest of the week feeling homesick, stressed about coursework or struggling to meet people. There is no correct way to experience university.

Some students love nights out. Others prefer societies, gaming, sport, cooking with housemates or quieter weekends.

Your university experience does not need to look like anyone else’s.

Ask for Support if You Need It

Feeling a little flat after Freshers’ Week is common. Feeling persistently low, anxious or isolated is something worth talking about.

Universities across the UK usually offer student wellbeing services, counselling, academic support and advice through students’ unions.

Your personal tutor, accommodation team or GP can also be useful starting points.

Asking for support does not mean something has gone badly wrong. Sometimes simply talking about how you are feeling can make university seem far more manageable.

University Life Is Just Getting Started

Freshers’ Week gets plenty of attention, but it represents only a tiny part of university life.

The weeks that follow are when things often begin to feel more genuine.

You start recognising people around campus. You find your favourite places to study. Friendships become more natural. You understand your course better and slowly develop routines that make university feel less unfamiliar.

The excitement might become quieter, but that does not mean the best part is over. In many ways, it means university life is finally beginning.

Blogs you may also like:

The Ultimate Student Budgeting Guide for Your First Semester

Starting university is exciting, but it can also be the first time you have had to properly manage your own money.

One minute your maintenance loan has landed and your bank balance looks healthier than it ever has before. A few weeks later, after rent, food shops, Freshers’ Week, takeaways and a couple of subscriptions you forgot you were paying for, things can start looking very different.

The key to student budgeting is not cutting out everything you enjoy. It is simply understanding how much money you have, what needs to be paid first and how much you can realistically spend each week.

Whether you are starting at the University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, Cardiff University, Durham University or anywhere else across the United Kingdom, a little planning during your first semester can make student life considerably less stressful.

Start With Your Maintenance Loan

For many UK students, the maintenance loan will form the biggest part of their university budget.

The important thing to remember is that receiving a large payment at the beginning of term does not mean you suddenly have hundreds or thousands of pounds available to spend.

Your maintenance loan needs to last until your next payment.

Start by checking exactly how much money you will receive during the semester and when your next Student Finance payment is due.

You can then divide the amount across the number of weeks it needs to cover.

For example, if you have £2,400 available after your major bills and it needs to last 12 weeks, your theoretical weekly budget is £200.

However, you should not automatically treat that whole £200 as spending money. There will still be food, transport, course costs and unexpected expenses to account for.

Rent Comes First

Accommodation will usually be your biggest university expense, so it should always be one of the first things you budget for.

Depending on your accommodation contract, rent may be collected monthly, termly or according to your Student Finance payment dates.

If your rent is £2,000 for the semester and your maintenance loan payment is £3,000, mentally remove that £2,000 from your available balance straight away.

Even better, move your rent money into a separate bank account or savings pot so you are not tempted to spend it.

Students living in cities such as Bristol, London or Edinburgh may face significantly higher accommodation costs than students in some smaller university towns, which makes planning particularly important.

Students renting privately should also check whether bills are included in the rent. Gas, electricity, water, broadband and other household costs can make a noticeable difference to your monthly spending.

Give Yourself a Weekly Food Budget

Food is one of the easiest areas of student spending to underestimate.

A few supermarket trips, lunches on campus and late-night takeaways can quickly add up.

Setting yourself a weekly food budget gives you a clear limit to work within.

Meal planning can make a major difference. Before visiting the supermarket, think about what you are actually going to eat over the next few days and write a shopping list.

Cooking larger portions can also save both money and time. Meals such as pasta dishes, curries, chilli, stir-fries and soups can often be made cheaply and divided into several portions.

Do not assume the cheapest supermarket is automatically the most convenient option either. If travelling there costs money or encourages you to make a huge shop you do not need, your local supermarket may sometimes work out better.

Students should also make use of supermarket loyalty schemes and reduced sections, particularly later in the evening.

Budget for Transport

Transport costs depend heavily on where you study and where you live.

If you attend a campus-based university and live nearby, you may be able to walk or cycle most places.

Students attending universities in larger cities may rely more heavily on buses, trains or trams. Look into student travel passes before paying standard fares every day.

Students travelling home regularly should also consider a 16-25 Railcard, which can reduce eligible rail fares.

It is worth planning your trips home in advance where possible. Booking a train at the last minute on a Friday evening will usually cost considerably more than booking ahead.

Remember that transport is not only about travelling to lectures. Your budget may also need to cover journeys to work, society events, nights out and trips home during reading weeks.

Be Realistic About Nights Out

University social life costs money, and pretending you are never going to go out is unlikely to result in a useful budget.

Instead, build socialising into your spending plan.

Give yourself a realistic weekly or monthly amount for nights out, meals, coffee trips and other entertainment.

You might decide that you can afford one bigger night out each week or several smaller social activities.

The key is knowing your limit before you go.

Pre-drinking at home, choosing student nights and avoiding unnecessary taxis can all reduce the cost of going out considerably.

It is also worth remembering that university social life does not have to revolve around spending money.

Societies, university events, film nights, walks, student union activities and cooking with housemates can all provide cheaper alternatives.

Universities including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Leeds and Newcastle University have large student communities with plenty happening throughout the semester, so keeping an eye on free or discounted events can help stretch your budget further.

Check Your Subscriptions

Subscriptions are one of those expenses that seem tiny individually but can become surprisingly expensive when added together.

Streaming services, music platforms, cloud storage, gym memberships, gaming subscriptions and delivery memberships could easily cost £40 or £50 every month.

Go through your bank account and check exactly what you are paying for. Ask yourself whether you actually use each service regularly.

You could also rotate streaming subscriptions instead of paying for several simultaneously.

Student discounts are available for many popular services, so always check whether you can switch to a cheaper student plan.

Websites and platforms offering student discounts can also help reduce the cost of clothing, technology, food and entertainment, although buying something purely because it has a student discount is not necessarily saving money.

Build an Emergency Fund

Even on a tight student budget, try to put something aside for emergencies.

You do not need hundreds of pounds immediately. Even £10 or £20 per week can gradually create a useful safety net.

Your emergency fund should ideally be used for genuinely unexpected expenses rather than nights out or spontaneous shopping.

Examples might include an urgent train journey home, replacing a broken phone, unexpected household costs or paying for essential course equipment.

Having some money available when something goes wrong can prevent you from relying on overdrafts or credit.

Keeping the emergency fund in a separate savings account can also reduce the temptation to spend it.

Use Your Student Bank Account Carefully

Student bank accounts often come with interest-free overdrafts, which can be useful during university. However, an overdraft is still borrowed money.

Try to think of it as an emergency buffer rather than extra income.

If your account says you have £500 available but £400 of that is your overdraft, you effectively only have £100 of your own money.

It is also worth comparing student bank accounts before choosing one based entirely on the free gift offered when you sign up.

Look at the overdraft terms, how long the interest-free period lasts and what happens after graduation.

Track What You Actually Spend

You do not need a complicated spreadsheet to manage your student budget.

Banking apps now categorise spending automatically, while budgeting apps can help you track different types of expenditure.

You could also simply check your account once or twice each week. Look at how much you have spent on things such as groceries, eating out, transport and entertainment. After a month, patterns usually become obvious.

You may discover that you are spending far more on takeaway lunches than expected or that several small online purchases are affecting your budget.

Knowing where your money goes makes it much easier to adjust.

Consider Part-Time Work

If your university timetable allows it, part-time work can provide useful additional income.

Student unions, restaurants, bars, shops and university departments often recruit students for flexible roles.

Universities may also offer campus ambassador work, open-day positions, library jobs or administrative roles that fit around lectures.

However, try not to take on so many hours that your university work suffers. Your degree should remain the priority.

Even working one or two shifts each week could give you extra money for socialising or help build your emergency fund.

Expect Your Budget to Change

Your first student budget probably will not be perfect.

During your first few weeks, you will discover how much things actually cost and where your money tends to disappear. That is completely normal.

Instead of abandoning your budget because you overspent one week, adjust it.

Perhaps your food budget needs to increase slightly while your entertainment budget comes down. Maybe you realise you can walk to campus instead of paying for the bus every morning.

A student budget should be flexible enough to reflect real life.

Make Your Money Last Without Missing Out

University is supposed to be enjoyable, and budgeting should help you enjoy it rather than make you feel guilty every time you spend money.

The goal is simply to make conscious decisions.

Cover your rent and essential bills first, work out what you can spend each week and keep some money aside for unexpected situations.

Most importantly, remember that spending £5 occasionally on coffee with your housemates is unlikely to destroy your finances. The problems usually come from repeatedly spending without knowing how much money is actually available.

Get into good habits during your first semester and managing money throughout the rest of university should become much easier.

A simple budget may not be the most exciting part of starting university, but reaching the end of term without desperately checking your bank balance every morning certainly makes student life a lot more enjoyable.

Blogs you may also like:

The Best and Most Popular Areas to Live in Durham

Durham may be one of the smaller university cities in the United Kingdom, but that does not mean choosing where to live is straightforward.
Different parts of the city offer very different experiences, from busy student streets close to the centre to quieter residential neighbourhoods with more space and potentially lower rents.

For students at Durham University, location can make a noticeable difference to day-to-day life. The university itself highlights six main areas where students commonly live: the City Peninsula, Claypath, Viaduct, Elvet, Gilesgate and Neville’s Cross.

Each has its own advantages depending on whether your priority is being close to lectures, having shops on your doorstep, enjoying a lively social scene or finding somewhere a little quieter.

Here are some of the best and most popular areas to consider.

The Viaduct

The Viaduct is one of Durham’s best-known student areas and is especially popular with those who want to be surrounded by other students.
It sits within easy walking distance of both Durham city centre and the university’s main campus areas.

Durham University also points out that the Viaduct provides convenient access to the city’s bus and railway stations, which is particularly useful if you regularly travel home at weekends or during university holidays.

The area has plenty of shared student houses, giving it a sociable atmosphere. North Road and the city centre are nearby too, so supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and nightlife are all relatively easy to reach.

For students who want somewhere lively and central without living right in the historic centre, the Viaduct is likely to feature high on the list.

Claypath

Claypath is another popular choice, particularly for students who like the idea of being close to the city centre while still living in a recognisable residential area.

It runs eastwards from central Durham and offers straightforward access to shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. Durham University notes that it is also close to the Waterside Building used by Durham University Business School, as well as Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre and the Gala Theatre.

Claypath can therefore work particularly well for students who want everyday amenities nearby and would rather avoid travelling far for shopping or entertainment.

There is also a strong student presence in the area, so it offers a good balance between convenient city living and the traditional shared-house university experience.

Gilesgate

If affordability and practicality matter more than being right in the middle of the action, Gilesgate is worth considering.

Located a little further east of the city centre, it is a more residential area with good bus connections into central Durham. It is still possible to walk into the city from many parts of Gilesgate, although the journey will naturally be longer than from Claypath or the Viaduct.

One of its biggest advantages is access to everyday shopping. Durham University highlights the area’s proximity to retail parks and larger supermarkets including Tesco Extra, Lidl and Aldi.

That can make a surprising difference when you are living independently and trying to keep food and household costs under control.

Elvet

Elvet puts students right in the heart of university life.

The area contains Durham Students’ Union as well as numerous university buildings and colleges, making it particularly attractive for anyone who wants to keep travelling time to a minimum.

Walking, cycling and bus connections are good, although some parts of Elvet are slightly further from larger supermarkets.

Its proximity to the River Wear, the historic centre and many university facilities means it can feel distinctly “Durham”. If you picture your university experience involving historic streets, college buildings and walking to lectures, Elvet may deliver exactly that.

Neville’s Cross

Neville’s Cross offers something slightly different.

Situated southwest of the centre, it has more of a residential feel while still being within reasonable walking distance of the university’s main campus and central Durham. Several bus routes also serve the area.

Durham University notes that nearby Sheraton Park is home to Ustinov College, helping create a noticeable student community.
It may appeal particularly to postgraduate students, mature students or anyone who prefers a slightly quieter neighbourhood rather than living among the busiest student streets.

Local amenities are more limited than in areas such as Gilesgate, so it is worth checking exactly how far a property is from the shops and services you expect to use regularly.

The City Peninsula

For location, it is difficult to beat Durham’s historic centre.
The City Peninsula contains some of Durham’s most recognisable landmarks, including Durham Cathedral, Palace Green and several university colleges. Shops, cafés, restaurants and bars are also close by.
Living here can put much of the city within walking distance, making it particularly convenient for students based around the Bailey.
The trade-off is demand. Housing in this part of Durham is highly sought after, and the largely pedestrianised streets are less practical for anyone planning to keep a car.

Choosing the Right Part of Durham

There is no single area that suits every Durham University student.

Someone looking for a lively student atmosphere might gravitate towards the Viaduct or Claypath, while students prioritising supermarkets and potentially better value may prefer Gilesgate.

Neville’s Cross offers a more residential environment, while Elvet and the City Peninsula place you much closer to the historic heart of university life.

Before signing a tenancy, think about where most of your lectures will take place, how far you are prepared to walk each day and whether being close to nightlife really matters to you. Durham University’s own renters’ guidance recommends considering teaching buildings, libraries, sports facilities, transport links and other services you expect to use regularly.

Durham is compact enough that you rarely feel completely cut off from the centre, but choosing the right neighbourhood can still make university life considerably easier. Whether you want busy student streets, historic surroundings or a quieter place to come home to, Durham offers plenty of options within a relatively small city.

Blogs you may also like:

The Best Hotspots for Students in the City of Durham
Exploring the Best Neighbourhoods for Students in Durham
Getting Around Durham: Transport Tips for Students

The Best and Most Popular Areas to Live in Coventry

Choosing where to live at university can have a surprisingly big impact on your student experience.

You want somewhere that works with your budget, makes getting to lectures straightforward and still gives you plenty to do when you are not studying.

Coventry gives students quite a few options. The city is home to Coventry University, while the University of Warwick sits on Coventry’s south-western edge, despite what its name might suggest.

Together, the universities contribute to a student population of more than 50,000, helping give Coventry a lively and diverse student atmosphere.

The best area for you will largely depend on which university you attend and whether your priority is nightlife, affordability, convenience or having somewhere quieter to come home to.

Coventry City Centre

For Coventry University students, the city centre is one of the most obvious places to start your accommodation search.

Coventry University’s main campus sits right beside the centre, meaning many students can walk from their accommodation to lectures, the library and university facilities rather than relying on buses or a car.

Coventry University itself highlights the city centre as a particularly convenient choice, with much of the student accommodation located close to teaching facilities, shops, cafés and social activities.

Living centrally also means having restaurants, supermarkets, bars, entertainment and Coventry railway station relatively close by.

There is a large amount of purpose-built student accommodation around the centre, so it can be particularly attractive to first-year students who like the social side of living alongside lots of other students.

Earlsdon

If you want somewhere with a little more personality and a neighbourhood feel, Earlsdon deserves a look.

Located to the south-west of Coventry city centre, Earlsdon has built a strong reputation as a popular student area, particularly among students moving into shared houses after their first year.

There are cafés, pubs, restaurants and independent businesses around Earlsdon Street, while the area generally feels more residential than the city centre.

It is also one of the better compromise locations for households containing students studying at different universities. Coventry University students can travel towards the city centre, while University of Warwick students have transport connections towards campus.

Recent student accommodation guides continue to highlight Earlsdon as one of Coventry’s most sought-after student neighbourhoods.

Canley

For students at the University of Warwick, Canley can make much more sense than living directly in Coventry city centre.

Canley sits close to the university and parts of the neighbourhood are within walking or cycling distance of campus. That can be a major advantage when you have an early seminar and would rather not spend your morning sitting on a bus.

It has more of a residential feel than central Coventry and can suit students who want somewhere quieter. Coventry University’s own accommodation guidance describes Canley as being close to the University of Warwick and potentially more affordable than some alternatives.

Canley railway station is another useful bonus, providing connections into Coventry and towards Birmingham.

Cannon Park

Another popular option for University of Warwick students is Cannon Park.

Its biggest advantage is convenience. The area is close to the Warwick campus and Cannon Park Shopping Centre, making it relatively easy to pick up groceries and everyday essentials without travelling into Coventry city centre.

Student properties regularly appear around Cannon Park, and the combination of campus proximity and local facilities makes it particularly useful for students who prioritise getting to lectures quickly over being close to Coventry’s nightlife.

Hillfields and Far Gosford Street

Students searching around Coventry University may also come across Hillfields and the Far Gosford Street area.

These neighbourhoods sit close to the city centre and have traditionally offered plenty of student accommodation. Far Gosford Street in particular is useful if you want to stay within easy reach of Coventry University’s campus without necessarily living directly in the centre.

Hillfields can also appeal to students keeping a closer eye on rent. Coventry University’s accommodation advice identifies it as a budget-friendly student area with a number of private accommodation options.

As with any accommodation search, however, check the exact street and walking route rather than choosing purely based on the neighbourhood name.

Tile Hill

If bustling student streets are not really your thing, Tile Hill provides a different type of Coventry lifestyle.

It is further away from the city centre and has a noticeably more residential atmosphere. That could suit postgraduate students, mature students or anyone who values peace and space more than being able to walk home after a night out.

Public transport becomes more important here, although Tile Hill has its own railway station and bus connections. Coventry University’s student guidance describes the area as calm, residential and well connected by public transport.

Cheylesmore

Cheylesmore can be another option for students who want to live somewhere quieter while remaining relatively close to central Coventry.

It has more of an established residential feel than the heavily student-focused parts of the city and may suit students who do not necessarily want their entire neighbourhood to revolve around university life.

The trade-off is that you may have fewer student bars and facilities directly outside your door, but for some people that is exactly the attraction.

Which Coventry Area Is Right for You?

There is no single “best” area to live in Coventry because student priorities can be completely different.

If you study at Coventry University and want maximum convenience, the city centre is difficult to beat. Earlsdon is a great all-round choice if you want cafés, shared houses and more of a community atmosphere, while Canley and Cannon Park are particularly convenient for University of Warwick students.

For students watching their budget, areas such as Hillfields and parts of Far Gosford Street are worth exploring, while Tile Hill and Cheylesmore may suit those looking for a quieter lifestyle.

Before signing anything, compare more than just the weekly rent. Look at transport costs, included bills, contract length, the journey to campus and where you will actually buy food, socialise and spend your free time.

A slightly more expensive home in the right location can sometimes make university life considerably easier.

Blogs you may also like:

How to Get Along With Your New Student Housemates

Moving into student accommodation is one of the biggest changes that comes with university life.

One minute you might be living at home with your family, and the next you are sharing a kitchen, bathroom and living space with people you only met a few days ago.

For some students, housemates quickly become close friends. For others, the relationship is more about learning how to live together peacefully. Both are completely normal.

Whether you are moving into halls at the University of Birmingham, sharing a house near Cardiff University or starting your first year at Nottingham Trent University, getting along with new housemates usually comes down to communication, consideration and dealing with small issues before they turn into much bigger ones.

Here are some of the main areas worth talking about early on.

Talk About Cleaning Before the Kitchen Becomes a Disaster

Cleaning is probably one of the most common sources of tension in shared student accommodation.

Everyone has a different idea of what “clean” means. One person might wash their plate immediately after eating, while someone else is perfectly comfortable leaving dishes beside the sink until tomorrow.

Neither person necessarily thinks they are being unreasonable.

The easiest approach is to have a casual conversation about cleaning within the first few days of living together. You do not necessarily need a complicated rota, but it can help to agree on some basic expectations.

For example, everyone could agree to wash their own dishes, take turns emptying bins and rotate responsibility for cleaning shared areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.

If your student house has five or six people living in it, even a basic cleaning system can prevent one person from feeling like they are doing everything.

Just remember that cleaning rotas only work if everyone actually follows them.

Be Considerate About Noise

University accommodation is rarely silent, and nobody should expect it to be.

There will be music, conversations, people cooking late at night and housemates coming home after nights out. However, there is a difference between normal shared-house noise and regularly keeping everyone awake.

It is worth finding out everyone’s schedule.

A student studying medicine at the University of Leicester, for example, might have early placements, while another housemate could have lectures starting much later in the day.

You do not have to live silently, but being aware of each other’s routines makes a huge difference.

If you are planning a party or having friends over, let your housemates know beforehand. Equally, if someone’s music is regularly keeping you awake, mention it early rather than quietly becoming more annoyed every night.

A polite conversation is usually far easier than an argument three weeks later.

Decide How Shared Food Is Going to Work

Food can become surprisingly complicated in student houses.

Are the milk, bread and butter shared? What about cooking oil? Sauces? Coffee? Toilet roll?

There is no single correct system.

Some student houses share basic items and take turns buying replacements. Others keep absolutely everything separate. Many use a mixture of both.

Whatever you choose, make it clear.

Taking someone’s food without asking might seem minor, but repeated incidents can quickly become frustrating, particularly when everyone is trying to manage a student budget.

If something is clearly somebody else’s, ask before using it.

And if you finish the shared milk at midnight, replacing it the next morning is usually a good way to stay popular.

Respect People’s Boundaries Around Guests

Having friends, partners and course mates visiting is part of university life.

Problems usually appear when occasional visitors slowly become unofficial additional housemates.

If your partner stays over once or twice a week, your housemates might not care at all. If they are staying five nights a week, cooking in the kitchen every evening and using the shower every morning, people may understandably start feeling differently.

Be considerate and communicate.

If you are planning to have several people around, tell your housemates first. It is especially important if people are staying overnight or you are planning a gathering that could be noisy.

The same applies to everyone’s personal space.

Bedrooms should generally be treated as private unless somebody has invited you in. Knocking before entering might sound obvious, but small boundaries like this make shared living far more comfortable.

Bathroom Etiquette Matters More Than You Think

If several students are sharing one bathroom, organisation becomes important surprisingly quickly.

Morning lectures can create a rush, particularly if everyone needs to leave at roughly the same time.

Being aware of how long you spend in the bathroom can help.

A 45-minute shower at 8am might not bother anyone on Saturday, but it could cause serious frustration on a Monday morning when three people have 9am lectures.

Keeping the bathroom reasonably tidy also matters.

Remove your clothes, empty shampoo bottles and towels rather than leaving everything behind for someone else to deal with.

If you regularly notice the toilet roll is empty, replacing it takes about ten seconds and will probably be appreciated more than you realise.

Sort Out Bills Early

Bills are another area where misunderstandings can easily cause tension.

If you are living in bills-inclusive student accommodation, things may be fairly straightforward. However, students living in private rented houses may need to manage electricity, gas, water, broadband and other household costs themselves.

Agree early on how bills will be divided and who is responsible for paying them.

Apps and shared spreadsheets can make tracking expenses much easier, particularly when several people are contributing.

Avoid allowing one housemate to constantly pay for everything and chase everyone else afterwards.

Pay people promptly.

Nobody enjoys repeatedly sending messages asking for £18.74 towards the electricity bill.

Full-time students are normally exempt from council tax, although households should make sure the relevant local authority has the correct student details. Students living with non-students may also encounter different arrangements, so it is worth checking rather than assuming.

Remember That Everyone Has Different Habits

One of the biggest adjustments to shared student living is realising that not everyone grew up doing things the same way.

People cook differently, socialise differently and have different routines.

Some people will happily sit in the kitchen chatting for hours. Others might spend more time in their room and prefer having more personal space.

Neither approach means somebody is unfriendly.

Your housemates may also come from completely different parts of the United Kingdom or different countries altogether.

At universities such as Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and Warwick, students can find themselves sharing accommodation with people from a huge range of backgrounds and cultures.

Being curious and respectful about those differences can make living together much more enjoyable.

You might even discover new food, traditions, music or ways of doing things along the way.

Do Not Let Small Problems Build Up

One of the worst things you can do in a shared house is quietly collect grievances.

Someone leaves dishes out on Monday.

Then they use your milk on Wednesday.

Then they play music loudly on Thursday night.

By Sunday, something completely minor happens and suddenly there is a huge argument about everything from the past week.

Addressing problems politely when they first appear is usually much easier.

You do not need to turn everything into a formal house meeting.

Sometimes a simple conversation such as, “Would you mind washing the pans after you use them? I needed one earlier and they were all dirty,” is enough.

Focus on the behaviour rather than attacking the person.

There is a big difference between saying someone left the kitchen messy and telling them they are a messy person.

Have the Occasional House Meeting

It might sound slightly formal, but a quick house meeting every now and again can genuinely help.

It does not need minutes, agendas and a PowerPoint presentation.

Ten minutes around the kitchen table can be enough to talk about cleaning, bills, upcoming parties or anything else affecting the household.

It also gives quieter housemates an opportunity to raise something they might otherwise avoid mentioning.

If your accommodation is managed by a university or student accommodation provider, there may also be support available if disagreements become difficult to resolve independently.

Make an Effort to Do Things Together

You do not have to become best friends with your housemates, but making a small effort socially can make the house feel much more relaxed.

Cook dinner together occasionally.

Watch a film.

Go for a drink.

Explore the local area.

Even something as simple as ordering a takeaway together after lectures can help people get to know each other.

Living with people becomes much easier when everyone sees each other as individuals rather than simply the person who keeps leaving pasta in the kitchen sink.

At the same time, nobody should feel pressured to participate in everything. Some students need more downtime than others, particularly during busy periods of university.

Respect Goes Further Than Having Loads of Rules

Successful student houses rarely work because they have dozens of rules stuck to the fridge.

They work because people think about how their actions affect everyone else.

Wash the pan after using it. Turn the music down if someone has an early lecture. Replace something if you finish it. Ask before inviting ten people over. Pay your share of the bills on time.

None of these things are particularly complicated, but together they can make shared living much easier.

Give Everyone Time to Adjust

The first few weeks of university can feel intense.

People are dealing with new courses, unfamiliar surroundings, new friendships, finances and being away from home, often all at the same time.

Your housemates might be nervous, homesick, overwhelmed or simply tired.

Relationships can also take time to develop.

You might not instantly click with everyone during Freshers’ Week, only to become much closer a few months later.

The best approach is usually to communicate, be considerate and give people a little space when they need it.

Living with new people is a learning experience, but it can also become one of the most memorable parts of university life. A good student house does not have to be perfect. It simply needs people who are willing to respect each other, talk when something is bothering them and occasionally remember whose turn it is to take the bins out.

Blogs you may also like:

Sexual Health Week: Where Uni Students Can Find Advice and Support

Starting university can mean a lot of firsts. Your first time living away from home, your first proper taste of independence, new friendships, new relationships and, for some students, new sexual experiences too.

That makes looking after your sexual health just as important as looking after your physical and mental wellbeing.

Sexual Health Week takes place from 14 to 20 September 2026, according to the Association of Directors of Public Health London campaign calendar.

This year’s campaign provides a useful opportunity for students to learn more about sexual health, understand where confidential support is available and feel more comfortable asking questions when something does not feel right.

Sexual Health Is Part of Looking After Yourself

Sexual health is about much more than avoiding sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

It can include contraception, consent, healthy relationships, pregnancy, testing, sexual wellbeing and understanding how to access professional help when you need it.

For university students, this can be particularly important. Moving somewhere new often means leaving behind a familiar GP surgery, pharmacy or healthcare service. You may also be navigating relationships and situations that you have not experienced before.

The important thing to remember is that you do not have to already know all the answers. Sexual health professionals are there to provide information and support without judging you.

Sexual Health Services Are Confidential

One of the biggest worries students can have about seeking sexual health advice is privacy.

NHS sexual health services are confidential. This includes services relating to contraception, pregnancy advice and testing for STIs including HIV. In most circumstances, information discussed during an appointment will not be shared with your parents, university, friends or even your GP without your permission.

There are limited exceptions where a healthcare professional believes somebody may be at serious risk of harm, but they would normally discuss this with you.

This means you should not avoid getting advice because you are worried that somebody else will automatically be told.

Where Can Students Get an STI Test?

If you are concerned about an STI, have developed symptoms or simply want reassurance after having sex with a new partner, there are several places you can turn.

Sexual health clinics offer STI testing and treatment, and many areas also provide options through GP surgeries, pharmacies and dedicated young people’s services. Some areas offer postal home-testing kits too, making testing easier for students who feel uncomfortable attending a clinic in person.

NHS STI information and testing services are available regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality.

If you have recently moved to university, search for the nearest sexual health service rather than assuming you need to travel back to your home GP.

Students studying at universities such as the University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, Cardiff University or the University of Nottingham, for example, will usually have access to sexual health services within the wider city alongside healthcare and wellbeing information available through their university.

Contraception and Emergency Contraception

Choosing contraception is personal, and what works well for one person may not be right for somebody else.

Free contraception is available through NHS sexual health clinics, as well as some GP surgeries, pharmacies and young people’s services. Options range from condoms and contraceptive pills to implants, injections and intrauterine devices.

If contraception fails, such as a condom splitting or missing contraceptive pills, seek advice as soon as possible rather than waiting and worrying.

Emergency contraception is available through various NHS sexual health services and pharmacies. A healthcare professional can explain the available options and help you decide what is most appropriate.

Brook Can Be Another Useful Source of Support

Brook is another organisation students may come across when searching for sexual health information.

It provides sexual health and wellbeing information as well as services in parts of the country, with many locations particularly focused on people aged under 25. Depending on the local service, support can include contraception, condoms, STI testing, pregnancy advice, HIV prevention information and general sexual health advice.

Brook also states that its services are confidential and non-judgemental, which can make it a useful starting point if you are unsure exactly what type of help you need.

Your University Can Point You in the Right Direction

Do not overlook the support available through your university either.

Student wellbeing teams, university health centres, students’ unions and campus support services may be able to direct you towards local sexual health clinics, contraception services or specialist support.

Some universities also run sexual health campaigns, distribute condoms or organise wellbeing events during the academic year.

You do not necessarily have to explain your entire situation to ask for directions. Something as simple as asking, “Where is the nearest confidential sexual health service?” can be enough to get started.

Consent and Healthy Relationships Matter Too

Good sexual health is not only about contraception and testing. Feeling safe, respected and comfortable matters just as much.

Consent should be freely given and can be withdrawn at any point. Being in a relationship, having had sex with somebody previously or agreeing to one activity does not automatically mean consenting to something else.

If something has happened that you were not comfortable with, support is available. Sexual health clinics can help people following sexual assault, and universities will usually have dedicated safeguarding or wellbeing services that can explain your options.

Do Not Be Embarrassed About Asking

Perhaps the most useful message during Sexual Health Week is a simple one: asking for help is completely normal.

Sexual health professionals deal with these questions every day. Whether you need an STI test, contraception, reassurance about a symptom or simply reliable information, there is no reason to feel embarrassed.

University is a time when you gain more independence, and part of that independence involves learning when and where to seek support.

Looking after your sexual health does not need to be complicated. Know where your local services are, understand that support is confidential, communicate openly with partners and never be afraid to ask a professional when you are unsure.

That is exactly what services are there for.

Blogs you may also like:

1 2 3 … 47 Next »