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Finding the right student accommodation can be one of the most stressful parts of starting university. For many students in Zambia, it is their first time living away from home, and the decisions they make about housing can shape their entire academic experience. Unfortunately, many students make avoidable mistakes that lead to wasted money, frustration, and even safety concerns.
Over the past few years at UniHouse, we have spoken with hundreds of students across the country — from UNZA and CBU to Northrise and Mulungushi. The same housing mistakes come up again and again. In this guide, we break down the most common pitfalls and give you practical advice on how to avoid every single one.
Top Mistakes Students Make
Not Viewing the Property in Person
This is the single most common mistake, and it is also the most costly. Photos posted online — whether on social media, WhatsApp groups, or listing sites — can be edited, outdated, or taken from angles that hide problems. A room that looks spacious in a wide-angle photo might turn out to be barely big enough for a bed.
How to Avoid It
Always visit the property before paying anything. If you are relocating from another city and cannot visit in person, ask a friend, relative, or fellow student who is already in the area to view it on your behalf. Request a live video call walkthrough from the landlord — and be wary of anyone who refuses.
Ignoring the Lease Agreement
Many students sign rental agreements without reading them carefully — or without receiving a written agreement at all. Verbal agreements offer almost no legal protection. Without a proper lease, you have no recourse if the landlord raises rent unexpectedly, refuses to return your deposit, or kicks you out mid-semester.
How to Avoid It
Insist on a written lease agreement. Read every clause, paying special attention to the deposit amount, conditions for getting it back, notice periods, maintenance responsibilities, rules about visitors, and what happens if you need to leave early. If you do not understand something, ask before signing. Consider having a parent or trusted adult review the document as well.
Choosing Location Over Safety
A property right next to campus might feel like the dream setup — no transport costs, a five-minute walk to lectures, and a central location for social life. But proximity means nothing if the property is unsafe. Students have ended up in poorly secured buildings, in areas with high crime rates, or in houses with dangerous electrical faults, all because they prioritised convenience.
How to Avoid It
Visit the neighbourhood at different times of day and night. Check for street lighting, talk to current residents, and research the area's safety reputation. Use our Student Housing Safety Checklist to evaluate the property itself. A ten-minute bus ride to a safe home is always better than a two-minute walk to a risky one.
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Not Budgeting for Hidden Costs
Rent is only part of the equation. Many students commit to an amount that seems affordable, only to discover that electricity, water, internet, transport, and the initial deposit push their monthly expenses well beyond what they can handle. Some landlords quote "all-inclusive" prices that turn out to exclude critical services.
How to Avoid It
Before committing, create a full monthly budget. Ask the landlord exactly what is included in the rent and what is not. Factor in electricity (especially if you use a hot plate or heater), water, internet, and daily transport if the property is far from campus. Add at least 10-15% as a buffer for unexpected expenses. Remember that the deposit — typically one to two months of rent — needs to be paid upfront.
Starting the Search Too Late
The best student properties — those that are safe, affordable, and well-located — get snapped up quickly. Students who wait until the last few weeks before semester starts often find themselves choosing from the leftovers: overpriced rooms, inconvenient locations, or properties with obvious problems. Desperation leads to bad decisions.
How to Avoid It
Start your housing search at least two to three months before you need to move in. Set up alerts on UniHouse for new listings in your preferred area and price range. If you already have friends or classmates at the university, ask them about vacancies or roommate opportunities well in advance.
Not Documenting the Property's Condition
Moving in without taking photos or videos of the property is the state is a mistake that often costs students their entire deposit. When you move out, landlords may claim that damage was caused by you — even if it existed before you arrived. Without evidence, it becomes your word against theirs.
How to Avoid It
On your move-in day, take detailed photos and videos of every room, including walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, and any existing damage. Send these to the landlord via email or WhatsApp so there is a time-stamped record. Request a written inventory that both you and the landlord sign.
Falling for Scams
Housing scams target students every year. Common tactics include advertising properties that do not exist, collecting deposits for places the "landlord" does not own, or showing a nice property but assigning you a different, inferior unit after payment. Students who are desperate or searching from a distance are especially vulnerable.
How to Avoid It
Never pay a deposit before viewing the property in person. Verify that the person collecting payment is actually the owner or an authorised agent. Ask to see ownership documents. Be sceptical of deals that seem too good to be true. Using a trusted platform like UniHouse, where properties are verified, significantly reduces your risk.
How to Make Better Choices
Do Your Research
Before starting your search, research the average rental prices in different areas near your university. This gives you realistic expectations and helps you spot overpriced listings immediately. Talk to current students about their experiences in different neighbourhoods. Online forums, university notice boards, and student WhatsApp groups can be invaluable sources of information.
Ask the Right Questions
When viewing properties, come prepared with a list of questions. Do not rely on memory — write them down and tick them off:
- What is included in the rent? (electricity, water, internet, cleaning)
- How are maintenance issues reported and how quickly are they resolved?
- What is the average monthly electricity or utility cost?
- Are there any restrictions on guests, noise, or cooking?
- What is the security deposit, and what are the exact conditions for getting it returned?
- Are there any planned rent increases in the next 12 months?
- Who are the current tenants, and can I speak with them?
Create a Comparison Spreadsheet
View at least three to five properties before making a decision. For each one, note down the rent, included services, distance from campus, safety features, landlord responsiveness, and overall impression. Comparing them side by side makes the right choice much clearer than relying on gut feeling.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about a property, a landlord, or a deal, it probably is. Never feel pressured into making a quick decision. A landlord who refuses to answer questions, avoids putting things in writing, or demands immediate payment is not someone you want to do business with. Walk away — there are always other options.
"The most expensive mistake is choosing the wrong accommodation. Take your time, do your research, and don't settle for less than you deserve."
Using UniHouse to Your Advantage
All properties on UniHouse are verified to help you avoid scams and unreliable landlords. Our platform allows you to filter properties by price, location, and amenities, making your search significantly more efficient than scrolling through social media posts or walking around neighbourhoods.
Connect with other students through our community features to get honest reviews and recommendations about different properties and areas. The experiences of students who came before you are one of the most reliable guides you can use.
Finding the right student accommodation does not have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes and approaching your search with preparation and patience, you can secure a home that supports your studies, your budget, and your wellbeing.
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