🏡 Learn from My Mistake: I Rushed into a Rental Out of Panic

🏡 Learn from My Mistake: I Rushed into a Rental Out of Panic — Don’t Do the Same

July 22, 2025

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🏡 Learn from My Mistake: I Rushed into a Rental Out of Panic — Don’t Do the Same

When I first arrived in the UK, I had nowhere permanent to stay. I was spending a lot of money on hotel accommodation and felt pressure to find a house quickly. In my desperation, I agreed to a rental that was above my budget, just to escape the rising hotel costs.

Looking back, that decision created unnecessary financial stress. I want to share what I learned, so you don’t fall into the same trap.

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😓 The Panic Was Real

The hotel was charging me per night, and it was adding up fast. Every day I delayed felt like I was wasting money. So when I found a house that looked decent and was available immediately, I accepted it—without properly:

Comparing alternatives

Calculating monthly expenses

Checking if bills were included

Thinking long-term

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🔍 What I Overlooked

The true cost of the house included council tax, bills, and internet.

There were cheaper and safer options, like short-term shared rooms or hostels.

I had the right to take a day or two to decide—but panic made me rush.

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💡 What I’d Do Differently

1. Have a realistic budget before arrival

2. Use hotel time wisely by viewing multiple properties

3. Ask questions about what's included in the rent

4. Take a day to think before signing any tenancy agreement

5. Reach out to support networks (students, migrants, Facebook group

✅ Quick Tips for New Migrants or Students

Don’t let hotel pressure push you into a long-term mistake.

Always calculate the total monthly cost (not just rent).

Consider temporary shared housing while you settle.

Use trusted platforms like SpareRoom or Rightmove.

📚 Helpful Resources

🏠 Shelter – Housing Advice for Renters

💷 MoneyHelper UK – Budget Planner

🤝 Citizens Advice – Understanding Tenancy Agreements

💬 Final Words

Everyone wants to settle quickly when they arrive in a new country. But trust me—taking an extra 24 hours to read, ask questions, and compare options can save you from months of financial struggle.

You deserve comfort and stability. Don’t rush—plan wisely.

---https://mailchi.mp/fortressmgb/uk-buddy-newsletter

📚 References

1. Shelter England. (2024). Understanding private renting.

Retrieved from https://england.shelter.org.uk

2. Citizens Advice. (2025). Tenancy agreements.

Retrieved from https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

3. MoneyHelper UK. (2025). Budget Planner Tool.

Retrieved from https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

4. Gov.uk. (2025). Private renting: Your rights and responsibilities.

Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/private-renting

5. National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). (2024). Advice for tenants.