🔍 The Ultimate Checklist for Viewing Student Accommodation in Loughborough (2025 Edition)

Searching for student housing in Loughborough? Whether you’re a fresher planning your first house or a returning student looking for a better pad, choosing the right property is about more than just picking one with a nice sofa.

This ultimate guide will walk you through what to check during viewings, what questions to ask, and how to make sure your next house is safe, comfy, and fit for student life.

📍 Most Popular Student Areas in Loughborough

Before you start house hunting, get to know where students live in Loughborough:

• Golden Triangle – The most sought-after area for second and third years. Close to campus and the Students’ Union.

• Kingfisher Estate – Purpose-built housing with good parking, quieter vibe.

• Ashby Road – Busy, student-friendly road with shops, takeaways, and great transport links.

• Forest Road – Leafy and residential, but still popular with students thanks to its location.

• Radmoor Road / Alan Moss Road – Near the Engineering side of campus and good for parking.

Each area has pros and cons – think about what you value more: walking distance to lectures, nightlife, peace and quiet, or parking.

🏠 What to Look For During House Viewings

1. Location & Safety

• Is it walking distance to Loughborough University or a reliable bus route?

• Are the streets well-lit at night?

• What’s nearby – shops, takeaways, student pubs?

• Is the front door secure and windows lockable?

2. Property Condition

• Look for damp or mould (check corners, behind curtains, and inside wardrobes).

• Are the windows double-glazed?

• Do radiators work? Ask to test the heating.

3. Bedrooms

• Is the room large enough for a bed, desk, and wardrobe?

• How many plug sockets are there?

• Do windows have blinds or curtains?

• Is there a lock on the bedroom door?

4. Kitchen & Living Room

• Enough fridge/freezer space for everyone?

• Are appliances clean and working (hob, oven, microwave)?

• Is there a communal living space or just a kitchen?

• Are sofas and chairs in good condition?

5. Bathrooms

• Enough toilets and showers for the number of tenants?

• Good water pressure?

• Is there an extractor fan or window for ventilation?

❓ Smart Questions to Ask the Landlord or Agent

• What’s included in the rent? Are bills included (gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, TV licence)?

• Is there a fair usage energy cap? What happens if we go over?

• How much is the deposit, and is it protected in a government scheme?

• Who manages repairs and how fast are they dealt with?

• Is the tenancy joint or individual?

• Can we decorate or bring extra furniture?

• Has the property been recently refurbished or had a gas/electric safety check?

🚗 Parking, Bins, Wi-Fi & Other Essentials

Car Parking

• Does the house come with off-street parking?

• Most roads around campus require a resident permit. You can apply via Charnwood Borough Council.

• Check if spaces are limited or shared.

Bins

• Ask when bins are collected and where they’re stored.

• Loughborough has colour-coded bins for general waste, recycling, and garden waste.

• You can check your bin day here: Charnwood Bin Collections

Wi-Fi

• Who provides the broadband and how fast is it?

• Is the router central, or hidden in a cupboard under the stairs?

• Check signal strength in the bedrooms.

Heating & Damp

• Are radiators working?

• Are there extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens?

• Does the heating have individual controls or one master thermostat?

Neighbourhood

• Do other students live on the street?

• What’s the landlord or agent’s reputation locally?

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

• “It’ll be fixed before you move in” – always get it in writing.

• No proof of deposit protection.

• Agent won’t answer questions clearly.

• No inventory or move-in checklist.

• Pushy behaviour: “We need a signature today.”

🔗 Useful Links

• Loughborough University Accommodation

• Charnwood Borough Council Bin Collection

• Resident Parking Permits – Charnwood

• Tenancy Rights for Students – Citizens Advice

• Student Housing – Loughborough

✅ Final Tips

• Take photos during the viewing so you can compare houses.

• Make a shared checklist with your housemates.

• View more than one place before deciding.

• Don’t rush – the best houses go early, but it’s better to choose wisely.

Want to book a viewing with a trusted agent? Explore student accommodation in Loughborough now.