Moving into student accommodation for the first time in India can be overwhelming, particularly if you are moving to a new city. This checklist covers everything you need to confirm before choosing, signing, and moving into your student accommodation. StudentBuddy is India's student accommodation, university, and scholarship platform.

Before you start searching

• Confirm your university's hostel application deadline and apply immediately after admission.
• Set a realistic monthly budget, include rent, food, transport, phone, and personal expenses.
• Research the areas close to your campus using Google Maps before visiting.
• Ask seniors from your course or college for recommendations, this is often the best source of reliable information.
• Decide whether you want meals included or prefer to cook independently.

What to check at every viewing

• Test taps, showers, and flush mechanisms, water supply issues are common in many Indian cities.
• Check for damp, mould, or water staining on walls and ceilings.
• Test the electrical points and confirm the power supply is stable.
• Check mobile phone signal in the room you will occupy, signal dead zones are more common than you expect.
• Confirm the Wi-Fi speed, ask for a live Speedtest on your phone before committing.
• Ask about power cuts and whether a UPS or generator backup is available.
• Check the security, CCTV, door locks, building entry protocol, and the presence of security staff.
• Meet the landlord or manager in person, trust your instincts about their responsiveness and attitude.

Questions to ask every landlord or manager

1. What is included in the monthly rent, meals, Wi-Fi, electricity, water?
2. What is the deposit amount and under what conditions is it returned?
3. What is the notice period for leaving?
4. Are there restrictions on timings for guests or returning home at night?
5. How are repairs handled and how quickly?
6. Is the accommodation registered with the local municipal authority?

Before signing any agreement

Read every line of the rental agreement before signing. Do not be pressured to sign on the spot. If the landlord insists on immediate signing without allowing you time to read, treat this as a serious warning sign. Keep a signed copy of the agreement in a safe location. Take photos of the room's condition before moving in. verified student accommodation in India to reduce the risk of encountering unregistered or misrepresented properties.

Key considerations before you decide

Your action plan

1. Apply for university hostel
   Immediately after receiving your admission offer. This is the single most cost-effective accommodation action available.
2. Research your specific area
   Use universities in India to understand campus geography, then identify the closest safe student-zone neighbourhoods.
3. Start your search 2 to 3 months before
   Browse student accommodation in India to compare verified options in your target city and price range.
4. Shortlist and visit
   View at least 3 properties in person. Test Wi-Fi speed, check water pressure, speak to current residents, and walk the campus route in the evening.
5. Read, negotiate, and sign
   Read every line of your rental agreement. Negotiate the advance deposit and monthly rate. Pay by bank transfer. Get a signed receipt and copy of the agreement.
6. Document and move in
   Photograph every room before unpacking. Report any existing damage in writing within 24 hours. Start your academic year with your accommodation sorted.