Finding the perfect student pad doesn?t have to be a slog ? it?s just a case of knowing what to look for, and what to avoid, says Lauren Hickford
If you?re applying to university, deciding where you?re going to live during your studies is an important decision. Living in the right sort of environment means that you?ll enjoy your experience far more, and have better opportunities to learn, flourish and benefit from your time away from home. So what should you be looking for in your student accommodation and, more importantly what should you avoid"
Quality digs
You?d think that the days of grotty old accommodation were behind us ? but think again! These sorts of properties do still exist, unfortunately, and many pads that are privately-rented often have problems regarding cleanliness and damp. Some students also have issues with their landlords and the speed at which maintenance faults are dealt with. At iQ Student Accommodation, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality services to our residents. Each property has its own onsite cleaning and maintenance staff to help students, plus an online portal in which any faults can be logged and resolved promptly. Our houses also offer a variety of facilities, from fully-equipped gyms to cinemas and game rooms.

Location, location
Location makes all the difference to your university experience ? being close to the campus, public transport, and the social and cultural life that the city has to offer, really helps you make the ...