. savHey Beans,
I would advise against Unicom at all costs because they are notoriously awful - high prices, bad quality homes, slow service, unreasonable demands.
Many would also advise against Club Easy for most of the same reasons, but their houses are a little nicer, but still quite expensive in comparison.
However, those two are the biggest companies with the most advertising so its easy to see why people get sucked into that.
I've been with Longman Jones for 2 years (final year and MA Year) and in my 2nd year had my bad experiences with UniCom.
Cannot rate Longman Jones highly enough. Steve, the main man, is straight talking, he wont give you a sales pitch, just say it how it is, and trust me after going around visiting with all other companies, its mighty refreshing. Whenever we've had problems with the houses theyve been sorted pretty much the same day. Last year, not our or his fault, we had a flood from a burst water main - he found us alternative accomodation the same day and gave us compensation. He also part paid our electricity bill for the massive dehumidifier we had in to dry out the house.
It seems to me that the smaller companies are the best, they want to look after their tenants so that theyll stay on, whereas Unicom and ClubEasy know that with their marketing budget, theyll always get students.
Others include - Accomodation Warehouse - mixed reviews but the houses are to a high standard (probably 3rd largest company for student letting), Kexgill, who offer crazy beer / food deals for signing up early, Rooms4U, Wardbright - i know nothing on these 2 I'm afraid.
You've also got to bear in mind...
1) How many people you want to live with. Choose carefully!
2) Whether you want to have an all-inclusive contract, or bills separate. Generally its cheaper to have bills separate but you have the faff of sorting out payment when the bills arrive. Personally I've always done bills separate and its been no bother. On average, companies will whack a tenner on top of basic rate, per week, to have bills in. I would say that this is far too much. If you calculate say, 5 of you in the house. thats 50quid a week to the company on bills. It does not cost 50quid a week to have gas, water and electric in your home!! Its probably about half that, if anything!
3) Think about also... TV Licence - 140quid ish for the house. Is this included in your contract, some are, if not, another extra cost. INTERNET - is this included. If not you've got set up fees if the wireless is not already installed - near on 50quid sometimes and your basic rate of about 14.99 a month plus line rental at about 9quid a month.
Sorry for such an essay but make sure you shop around, DONT be pressured into thinking - omfg i must getz a house asaplike! - thats not the case. there are NEVER any people without accomodation. make sure you get a house right for you, close to the uni if thats what you want - think about shops nearby for food shopping if you havent a car, etc etc.
Good luck!