Viewings are your chance to picture your life next academic year. This isn’t just about a room – it’s about where you’ll sleep, study, cook, relax, and make memories.
At CODE, we know how important it is to ask the right questions before booking. So, here’s our 5 key things to consider.
1. Your Room – Does It Have Everything You Need?
First things first: can you actually live comfortably there with all the essential stuff you’ll need? Including:
A comfortable bed
A decent-sized TV
Sofa or armchair
Fridge and freezer
Microwave
Plenty of storage
Fast Wi-Fi for all your internet needs
At CODE, your room comes with all this – so you can move in with just your suitcase and a few bits of bedding and kitchenware. No stress. Just unpack and settle in.
Ask yourself during a viewing:
“Can I see myself living here every day?”
2. Location – Is it close to uni?
Location is everything. Especially if you want to make sure you can get to class quickly.
Take the time to find out if it’s a short walk or bus ride from campus because nobody wants a stressful commute.
CODE is just 320m from De Monfort University (you can literally see the uni from your accommodation!) and if you attend Uni of Leicester, there is a bus stop right outside to take you there in just 20 minutes.
Ask during your viewing:
“How long will it realistically take me to get to uni?”
3. Is it safe (even at night)?
When you’re heading home, is there that extra layer of security? Whether you’ve been studying late, or you’re returning from a night out.
At CODE, our building is access-controlled, meaning only residents can enter. Plus, there is security on site 24hrs a day, every day of the year! And we have CCTV throughout, including in hallways and lifts.
When viewing, ask:
“How secure is the building? Is there someone I can contact 24/7?
4. Nearby shops and restaurants – can you grab what you need easily?
Late-night snack? Quick grocery run? Coffee before class?
We have a Morrison’s Local convenience store on the ground floor of one of our blocks. Tesco is a 5-minute walk away and Lidl just 8 minutes away.
And for all the foodies, Narborough Road is just a 3-minute walk away and one of the most diverse streets of Leicester with cafes, restaurants and shops of every cuisine and culture.
Convenience matters more than you think. As does having warm food when it arrives by Uber Eats or Deliveroo!
Ask:
“Can I get food and essentials within a few minutes?”
5. Communal spaces – is there room to relax?
Student life isn’t just lectures and deadlines. And while you’ll want a great student lounge, sometimes there is no substitute for being outside. So that’s why we have both options available at CODE, to suit whatever the mood (or weather).
CODE offers a newly refurbished student lounge and games room with a table tennis table, pool table and other entertainment for when you want a bigger space to socialise, as well as study spaces for when you want a change of environment that’s not the library. There are even conference rooms that are great for group projects!
Outdoor communal spaces are also available, which are perfect for socialising, relaxing and even sunbathing when the weather’s nice- an ideal hangout spot for the summer! It’s one of the areas where smoking is permitted.
Because where you live should feel like more than just a room.
Ask:
“Where can I grab a breath of fresh air? Or a vape/smoke (if that is your thing)?
Final Thoughts
Choosing student accommodation isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about feeling confident and comfortable.
So next time you’re on a viewing, don’t just look around. Ask questions. Picture your daily life.
And if you can’t be bothered to visit in person, can you see it from the comfort of your sofa?
At CODE you can! Thanks to our personalised on-line tours. And that’s because we’ve designed everything to make student life easier, safer, and more convenient.
Choose a place that truly feels right.
