Mindful moments: staying calm during house hunting season

Housing season is fast approaching, with some university students already on the hunt for their house next year. For some, this process can seem quite easy, especially if you are a second or third-year. However, for first-year students, the house hunting process can be daunting and stress-inducing. With recent surveys showing that 96.4% of students look for housing while at a UK university, the quest for a house is something almost all of us must navigate at some point. However, this process does not have to be unenjoyable if you take time to be mindful of yourself and your future housemates.

With potential housing options in Coventry, Earlsdon, Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa, and Canley, you do not need to settle on the first house you visit just to get the job done

Although much advice will be thrown around during this time, there is one tip that goes above all others: do not rush. Hearing other friends talk about how many house viewings they have done, or a course-mate saying that they just signed up to rent a house, does not mean that you should be in the same position. Everyone moves at their own pace, considering there are many locations to look for and everyone’s budget and needs can be different. With potential housing options in Coventry, Earlsdon, Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa, and Canley, you do not need to settle on the first house you visit just to get the job done. Perhaps, set up a meeting with your future housemates, and create a checklist of everyone’s wants and needs before rushing into a decision.

One of the most stressful things about house hunting season can be the hunt – with lengthy house viewings and the miserable weather, it can be hard to not see this as a chore. However, with a few steps, viewing a house can change from a chore to an enjoyable break from university with your friends. Firstly, try to make a fun day out of it. If you are searching for a house in Leamington, you could go to an independent coffee shop beforehand, or visit Jephson Gardens for some fresh air. Another step can be changing your perspective. You and your friends are finding a place where you can hang out and have fun next year: this is an exciting time for you that is full of new opportunities. It may be the first time you have been able to have a say on where you want to live and what that will look like, and there should be a sense of pride, excitement, and accomplishment that comes with this.

If the house talk is getting overwhelming, practice 10 minutes of mindful breathing or treat yourself to a walk outside

Another thing to be mindful of, however, is the tensions that can be caused during house viewing season. Trying to choose housemates so early on, and learning what everyone likes can cause rifts between friends and potentially some awkward moments. There are simple ways to combat this, such as taking time to hang out with your friends without any housing talk. Make sure to still engage in fun activities with your future housemates to remind each other why you are choosing to live together next year, whether that be a movie or a game night. Just as importantly, make sure to take care of yourself and remain mindful of your own stress levels. If the house talk is getting overwhelming, practice 10 minutes of mindful breathing or treat yourself to a walk outside. It is important to remember that on top of our degree, the stress of house viewing is very real, and we must actively counteract these overwhelming times through mindful activities.

However, if the stress of house hunting still weighs on your mind, many workshops are held on campus to give advice, as well as the webpage ‘Life at Warwick’ which has advice on what to look for when renting a house and what you can expect. Renting a house is a new experience for most, and there is no shame in using all the facilities given to you to gain as much knowledge as possible.

Although house viewing can be testing, I hope I have made it clear that it does not have to be a stressful time. If we continue to stay mindful of others and ourselves, we can make house hunting an enjoyable activity that brings a new sense of independence and new types of experiences.