Student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham

Posted on 13 November 202513 November 2025 by joe

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

Posted on 13 November 202518 February 2026 by joe

If you are studying at the University of Gloucestershire’s Francis Close Hall (FCH) campus, the “holy grail” of student living is finding a spot where you can roll out of bed 10 minutes before a lecture and still arrive early.

We know that for FCH students, every minute of sleep counts. That is why our portfolio is focused on the best streets in St. Paul’s and the surrounding area.

Here is a guide to the best spots and the specific houses available for the 2026/27 academic year, ranked by walking time to campus.

1. The “1-Minute Walk” Zone: St. Paul’s Lane

Time to Campus: 1 Minute ⏱️

If you want to be virtually on campus, this is the spot. St. Paul’s Lane is tucked away just off the main road, offering a rare combination: it is incredibly central but slightly removed from the noise of the main street. You can leave your front door at 8:55 am and be in your lecture by 9:00 am.

👉 View our house at 5 St. Paul’s Lane (1 Min Walk)

2. The Student Hub: St. Paul’s Street North

Time to Campus: 3 Minutes ⏱️

St. Paul’s Street North is the heart of the FCH student community. It is a vibrant street packed with other students, meaning you are right in the middle of the social buzz. A 3-minute walk means you are close enough to pop home for lunch or forgotten books without a second thought.

👉 View our house at 5 St. Paul’s Street North (3 Min Walk)

3. Town Centre Access: Granville Street

Time to Campus: 3 Minutes ⏱️

Granville Street is a fantastic option if you want to be incredibly close to campus but also want immediate access to the town centre amenities. It is a fast 3-minute walk to uni, but you are also perfectly positioned for the High Street shops, part-time jobs, and Cheltenham’s nightlife.

👉 View our house at 24 Granville Street (3 Min Walk)

4. The “Best of Both Worlds”: Albert Street

Time to Campus: 6 Minutes ⏱️

Located towards the Pittville side of St. Paul’s, Albert Street offers a slightly different vibe. You are still just a quick 6-minute stroll from the lecture halls, but you are also right next to the stunning Pittville Park. It is ideal for groups who want the convenience of St. Paul’s with a bit more green space on their doorstep.

👉 View our house at 28 Albert Street (6 Min Walk)

Summary: Which location suits your group?

Closest to Uni: St. Paul’s Lane (1 min)
Most Social Street: St. Paul’s Street North (3 mins)
Town & Gown: Granville Street (3 mins)
Near the Park: Albert Street (6 mins)

Ready to secure your house for next year? We are a family-run business, meaning you deal with us directly. Our houses in these prime locations go quickly.

Book a Viewing Now

Student bills in Cheltenham: a simple guide

Posted on 13 November 202525 November 2025 by joe

Many student houses now offer bills included to make life simpler, especially if this is one of your first homes away from halls. But bills included doesn’t always mean the same thing – each landlord can decide what’s covered.

Not sure what you’ll be paying for, or how to split bills fairly if they’re not included? This guide will walk you through the basics so you can budget with confidence.

What’s Usually Included?

In most bills-included student houses, you can expect some or all of the following:
- Energy (gas/electric) – Heating, hot water and general electricity usage.
- Water – Your mains water and sewerage charges.
- High-speed fibre broadband – Essential for streaming, online lectures and gaming.
- TV licence – If provided, this will usually cover watching or recording live TV on any channel and using BBC iPlayer. In a shared student house with a joint tenancy, one licence normally covers both communal areas and individual bedrooms (unless stated otherwise in your contract).
Always check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/agent to confirm exactly which bills are included.

Fair Usage Caps (and How to Avoid Extra Charges)

Most landlords will have a ‘fair usage’ cap on energy (and sometimes water or broadband). This is there to stop extreme over-use, and it varies from property to property.

To protect yourself:

Ask what the cap is in kWh or £ per person / per house.
Agree house rules on heating, hot water and appliances.
Don’t turn the heating too low – this can lead to condensation and mould, which can be bad for your health and may damage the property.

If you’re worried about damp or condensation, see our [guide to preventing condensation and mould]

Internet Speeds and Reliability

Good Wi-Fi can make or break a student house.

When viewing a property:

Ask what broadband package is included (download/upload speeds, fibre vs standard).
Check if the speed is likely to be enough for multiple people streaming, gaming and joining video calls at the same time.
Ask where the router is located and whether there are any known Wi-Fi “dead spots” in the house.

You can also use online speed-checking tools at the address once you’ve moved in to see if the connection matches what you’ve been told.

Author: joe