Student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham

Looking for your next student house in Cheltenham? Use this quick checklist to keep things simple and avoid surprises later on.

Location & travel

  • Walking time to Francis Close Hall and Park Campus.
  • Bus routes, frequency, and night services.
  • Noise levels at night and lighting on your walk home.

Condition & safety

  • Damp, mould, or condensation around windows and in bathrooms.
  • Working smoke alarms and recent gas/electrical checks.
  • Good locks on doors and windows, plus safe escape routes.

Practical bits

  • Water pressure in showers and heating controls.
  • Desk space in bedrooms and reliable broadband options.
  • Bin days, bike storage, and parking permits if needed.

Before you sign

  • Read the contract carefully and clarify anything unclear.
  • Understand deposit, guarantor requirements, and fees.
  • Agree on an inventory and take photos on move-in day.

Best areas for students near Francis Close Hall

Trying to decide where to live near FCH? Here’s a quick overview of popular neighbourhoods and what they’re like day-to-day.

Pittville

Close to FCH with green space and Pittville Park. Mix of houses and flats, good for quick walks to campus.

Fairview

Short walk to town with plenty of smaller terraced houses. Handy for shops and bus links.

St Paul’s

Student-friendly and close to both town and FCH. Expect busy streets and lots of student houses.

Money & travel tips

  • Check walking times to campus before committing.
  • Compare typical rent bands per room by street.
  • Look at lighting and routes home after dark.

Student bills in Cheltenham: a simple guide

Not sure what bills you’ll face and how to split them fairly? Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you budget.

What you’ll usually pay

  • Energy (gas/electric), water, and internet.
  • TV licence if you watch or record live TV or BBC iPlayer.
  • Council tax: full-time students are normally exempt. Mixed houses should check with the council.

How to split fairly

  • Use one shared account or bill-splitting app.
  • Put bills in multiple names where possible.
  • Agree usage habits to avoid surprises.

Internet speeds

Look for reliable fibre options and check speeds at the property address, especially if you have lots of devices and video calls.

Trusted by students and accredited by

  • University of Gloucestershire
  • mydeposits Tenancy Deposit Scheme
  • Fit to Rent Accreditation
  • National Residential Landlords Association
  • Energy Efficiency Rating

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