I emigrated to England
My family and I used to live in Belgium and, to me, life was great. Most of my extended family live there, so there was never a loss of aunts to spoil me, or cousins to play with. My Dad is a...
View ArticleExpert chat: Moving out to university
[Josh]YNQ:When you want to move out, how do you go about doing it? [David role=expert]It really depends on why you’re moving out, what you’re looking for, that sort of thing. Do you have a situation in...
View Article5 tips for choosing the right student house for you
When do I need my student house sorted by? The scenario: All your new uni friends are starting to panic about getting a house for next year because the estate agents are telling you “all the best...
View ArticleHow to live with your parents
My parents keep treating me like a child It’s easy to slip back into old teenage habits, but all of you have to accept you’ve grown up now and your relationship has changed. You can’t change your...
View ArticleGetting rid of a flatmate
I just can’t live with them anymore! Living with people is hard work. But getting someone to leave is socially awkward and legally complicated, so think about it carefully before you scream at them:...
View ArticleAm I homeless?
Am I legally homeless? In legal terms, being homeless isn’t simply about whether you have somewhere to sleep. In England, Scotland and Wales, to be classed as legally homeless you’d have to fit into...
View ArticleWill I ever be able to buy a property?
What if I can’t afford a mortgage? If there really isn’t enough in the pot it doesn’t mean your dreams of owning your own home are over. There are several Government schemes that can help you buy a...
View ArticleFamily therapy
Why would I need to go to family therapy anyway? All families have their ups and downs, and it’s usual to slam your door sometimes and scream, “I NEVER ASKED TO BE BORN.” But if the downs in your...
View ArticleI was neglected as a child
I noticed my parents treated me differently from other parents when I was 12. I was staying the night at a friend’s house. Her dad tucked her in to bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead. I couldn’t...
View ArticleBefore you rent checklist
1) Read the small print Get a tenancy agreement so you’re protected from backtracking landlords. It should state: how much the rent is, as well as when and how it’s due; how to end the tenancy and how...
View ArticleMoving into social housing checklist
Before you move into social housing Here’s what to think about before moving in day. Read the small print What to check: What kind of tenancy agreement you’ll have [Cross-link to social housing tenancy...
View ArticleSocial housing tenancy agreements
What is a social housing tenancy agreement? It’s a contract between you and a local authority or housing association, which lets you legally live in a property in return for paying rent. What am I...
View ArticleHousemate ground rules
Issue 1: Cleaning and tidying Whether you’re working full time, studying or working from home, living with more than one person can lead to a build up of bathroom mildew, dirty dishes and criminally...
View ArticleWater bill
Do you pay for your water, or does your landlord/housing association? You need to find out, stat. Check your tenancy agreement – it should say so there. If your landlord/housing association pays for...
View ArticleHow to clean
So… what’s the minimum amount of cleaning you can do without being totally gross? Ideally, you want to do the following once a week: BATHROOM You’ll need: A toilet brush Bathroom spray Toilet cleaner A...
View ArticleDealing with damp
How do I know if I have damp? You’ll often notice damp on your walls or ceilings. Looks-wise, it shows up as gross speckle patches of black mould, sort of like someone’s flicked black watercolor paint...
View ArticleHow to get online in my new place
Getting a good broadband deal Use comparison sites to find a cheaper deal, but don’t be fooled by dirt-cheap offers. It often means slower speed, which can be really annoying if you continuously...
View ArticleHow do I set up electricity in my new home?
Does your house have a prepayment meter? A prepayment meter allows you to pay for your electricity upfront and works in a similar way to a pay-as-you go mobile phone. You use a key or token to top up...
View ArticleGas bills and boilers
How to choose a gas supplier This is the company that will send your bills. Use a comparison website to find the best supplier for you. And remember that many gas suppliers will also supply...
View Article5 tips for choosing the right student house for you
When do I need my student house sorted by? The scenario: All your new uni friends are starting to panic about getting a house for next year because the estate agents are telling you “all the best...
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