Heading Home for Christmas: A Student's Guide to a Smooth Festive Break

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1. Wrap Up Your Studies

Before you head off, tie up any loose ends with your coursework. Whether it’s submitting that final essay or revising for January exams, leaving things organised will make your return to uni much easier.
Top tip: Create a checklist of tasks to complete before leaving. It’s satisfying to tick things off, and you’ll avoid any last-minute panics!
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2. Plan Your Journey

Christmas travel can be hectic, so book your tickets early if you’re taking public transport. Trains and coaches fill up quickly, and prices often spike closer to the date.
For drivers, check your car is in good condition for the journey – the last thing you want is to break down on a frosty motorway.
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3. Pack Smartly

While it’s tempting to pack everything, remember you’ll likely be returning with more (hello, Christmas presents!). Prioritise essentials, including warm clothing, toiletries, and any study materials you might need over the break.
Don’t forget: If you’ve got a secret Santa gift or something special for your family, make sure it’s safely tucked away.
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4. Tidy Up Your Accommodation

No one wants to come back to a messy room or flat in January. Give your space a quick tidy before leaving – empty the bins, clean out the fridge, and do any leftover washing up. It’ll make your return so much more pleasant.
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5. Check Your Bills and Security
If you’re in rented accommodation, make sure all bills are up to date and any direct debits are in order. Before you leave, double-check that all windows and doors are locked, and turn off any appliances to save on electricity.
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6. Start Thinking About Next Year’s Accommodation

The Christmas break is the perfect time to start planning where you’ll live next academic year. Many landlords and letting agencies start advertising properties in November, and the best ones are often snapped up quickly.

At First 4 Lettings, student properties have been on the market since November, and many have already been taken. There aren’t many left, so if you haven’t started your search yet, now’s the time to act.

• Talk to your housemates: Confirm your group and budget before enquiring about properties. Make sure everyone is on the same page and available to attend viewings. It’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for as a group.
• Check our listings: You can browse First 4 Lettings properties on Unihomes, Rightmove, Zoopla, or directly on our website. These platforms make it easy to find the right property for your needs.
• Book viewings ASAP: Properties are going fast, so don’t miss out on securing your ideal place.

Pro tip: Look for properties that include bills in the rent – it’s one less thing to worry about during term time!
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7. Stay Connected with Friends

Before you scatter to your respective homes, take a moment to celebrate with your uni friends. A festive meal, a trip to the Christmas market, or even a cosy night in with hot chocolate and a cheesy Christmas film can make for lovely memories.
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8. Look After Yourself

The end of term can be exhausting, so take time to rest and recharge. Christmas is a perfect time to slow down, enjoy good food, and spend quality time with loved ones.
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Final Thoughts

Heading home for Christmas as a student is a magical experience – a time to swap the hustle of uni life for the warmth of home. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can make the transition seamless, leaving you free to focus on what truly matters: celebrating the season with the people you love.
And don’t forget, while you’re enjoying the break, spare a moment to think about where you’ll call home next year. With properties going fast, getting ahead now will save you stress later!

Merry Christmas, and enjoy the break!

 

Written by Faye Sliney

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PERMITTED PAYMENTS

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments:

1) Holding Deposit: Up to one week’s rental

2) Deposit: One month’s rental (5 weeks rental dependent on individual’s circumstances)

3) Payments for utilities (gas, electricity & water), communication services (telephone & broadband), Installation/Subscription of cable/satellite, TV licence and council tax

4) Default Fee (late payment of rent): If full Rent is not paid within 14 days or more of the Rent Due Date there will be a charge 3% plus the Bank of England base interest rate of the full rental amount until full payment is received

5) Default Fee (breach of tenancy agreement, any other permitted payments, under relevant legislation including contractual damages): For any breach of the tenancy agreement based on the reasonably incurred costs of the agent or landlord

6) Replacement of keys, fobs or other security devices

7) Default Fee (changes to the tenancy): An administrative charge of £50.00 or greater for any assignment, variation or novation of the tenancy agreement made at the tenant’s request (only if agreed by The Landlord and/or The Landlord’s Agent)

8) Payments in respect of early termination of a tenancy agreement at the tenant’s request


TENANT PROTECTION

First 4 Lettings is a member of Client Money Protect which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of PRS (Property Redress Scheme), which is a redress scheme.