Guide to Living in Huddersfield

Located within the historic county boundaries of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Huddersfield is the tenth largest town in the UK and technically owned by its residents…well, sort of. In 1920 the Huddersfield Corporation bought what is now the town from the Ramsden Estate for the princely sum of £1.2m. And since then the local council has ‘assumed' control of the area.

Huddersfield has developed a reputation as one of the cultural hubs of the UK. Dubbed the Poetry Capital of Europe for its vast array of poetry publishers, magazines, and the writers who flocked there to work with them such as internationally acclaimed poet Simon Armitage, Huddersfield's reputation for creative excellence is deserved, as is the town's thriving café society that it has stimulated.

Huddersfield constantly features in those Top Ten lists that attempt to popularise various parts of the country for a variety of different things but whatever list you read, the fact remains that Huddersfield is an up and coming area that has a vibrant, social and cultural mix.

Getting around Huddersfield

Huddersfield's location alongside the M62 (about 3 miles away) and just a few miles from the M1 (about 10 miles away) make it easily accessible by car. First Huddersfield and Arriva Yorkshire run regular services along dedicated bus lanes into the town centre. Alternatively, the main train station is well connected with a number of local and regional routes.

Eating, drinking and shopping in Huddersfield

Huddersfield town centre has plenty to offer shoppers eager to part with their cash. Kingsgate Centre at the bottom of King Street has the typical collection of leading retailers with some notable exceptions including House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer. Whilst the Byram Arcade, close to the train station, is home to a number of small, independent retailers, selling clothes, books, gifts and music.

Elsewhere, Queensgate Market and Market Hall have over 350 stalls between them selling everything from food and jewelry to clothes and fabrics.

When it comes to food it is often said that Huddersfield's restaurants have something of a Jeckyl and Hyde personality. On the one side, the town boasts about its true Yorkshire roots, yet on the other side it is attempting to position itself as a true cosmopolitan town by offering a wide range of exotic, Oriental, Asian and European cuisines.

Restaurants and eateries are spread out throughout the town centre with a number of budget eateries close to the University and some very good options in nearby Marsden.

Huddersfield is also home to an increasing number of new, fashionable bars and pubs that seem to be opening up across the town as fast as you can say "Mine's a pint, please". Undoubtedly, this growth has been fuelled by demand from an expanding student population at the University and Kirklees College.

With a number of clubs in Huddersfield holding as few as 300 people to those that can cope with 1,000+ people in a night, there are certainly enough late night bars and clubs to ensure a grand night out. Again most of these are located in and around the main town centre.

There are over 200 listed buildings in the town that convey the cultural heritage of Huddersfield and entice you to share their experiences. But once you've ogled for a minute or two then a more productive way to spend some time would be to drop by Huddersfield Art Gallery, located on Princess Alexandra Walk in the centre, watch a performance at the Lawrence Batley Theatre or enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbuster at the Odeon opposite the football stadium – the only cinema in Huddersfield.

Sports-wise, Huddersfield has much to offer. There are fourteen leisure centres, a number of health and fitness clubs, gold clubs, swimming pools and a variety of other sporting and outdoor activities on offer. And the University of Huddersfield has a number of sports clubs and facilities that can be shared with the general public. The Students Union organises a number of sports clubs in the city, including martial arts, motorsports and athletics, but these are not all open to the public. Not forgetting Huddersfield Town football club who play at The Galpharm Stadium (formerly the Alfred McAlpine Stadium).

Main residential areas

Huddersfield Town Centre, Lockwood, Marsh, Newsome and Lindley are especially popular with young professionals and a significant number of students. And when completed, the Waterfront will inevitably be the most desirable location on the town, with a collection of modern apartments, cafes and restaurants clustered together.

Outside of the town centre, the areas of Golcar, Linthwaite, Marsden, Scapegoat Hill and Slaithwaite are equally as desirable locations to rent or buy.

Keep Your Home FREE From Damp and Mould

Is your home Damp? Damp can create mould on walls and furniture. Damp can be caused by condensation. Please read below which will explain how condensation forms and how you can prevent it happening in your home.


First Steps against Condensation:


You (tenants) can help prevent condensation in your home by wiping down all windows and window sills every morning (or when moisture is present) rinsing out the cloth rather than drying it on radiators.


You can purchase condensation channels and sponge strips which can be bought from B & Q etc. These are fitted to windows to collect the condensation and moisture around the windows, which will help prevent the windows frames from rotting and preventing damp.


First Steps against Mould:


If you deal with mould at the first point of noticing it, it should not re-appear. To kill and remove mould wipe down walls, window frames, furniture etc with bleach. Do not dilute the bleach and wear marrigolds at all times to protect your skin. Brushing down the mould or vaccuming can increase the risk of respiratory problems.


Is it Condensation?


Condensation is not the only cause of damp, it can also be formed from the following:

• Leaking pipes
• Rain seeping through roof tiles, is a tile or slate is missing.
• Blocked gutters

If your home is damp you will need to heat and ventilate the property to be able to dry out. Using a dehumidifier will help.


What is Condensation?


There is always moisture in the air. If the air does get colder and it can not hold all the moisture tiny drops of water will appear which is knowen as condensation.


Condensation occurs mainly during cold weather, even if its not raining. Can be seen in the corners  on or near windows, in or behind wardrobes and cupboards.


How to avoid Condensation?

1. Produce less moisture.
1. Cooking: Cover pots and pans to reduce moisture
2. Washing Clothes: Put all washing outdoors to dry or put it in the bathromo with the door closed and windows open or turn the extractor fan on.
2. Ventilate to remove moisture
1. Keep a small window on a trickle ventilator open at all times and especially when you are in.
2. When in the kitchen and bathroom making sure the windows are open wider, or alternatively turn the fan on (if have one). Close the kitchen and bathroom doors when you are using the rooms even if you have an extractor fan on, this will help not let moisture into other rooms.
3. Allow space for the air to circulate. Open doors to ventilate all cupboards and wardrobes. Always leave space between the backs of furniture and internal walls and external walls.
3. Insulate
1. Ensure the landlord has provided insulation in the loft.
4. Heat your home a little more
1. When the weather is cold the best way to keep the room warm enough and to avoid condensation is keep low background heating on all day, even when you are not in. This is very important in flats where the bedrooms are not above a warm living room. Turn your Central heating on to provide background warmth in all rooms including the rooms you do not use.

Points to Remember:

• Produce less moisture
• Cover all pots and pans
• Dry clothes outside
• Ventilate to remove all moisture
• Ventilate at all times, especially when you are in
• Increase ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom when in use and shut the doors
• Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes by opening wardrobes and cupboard doors
• Insulate
• Ensure insulation in the roof
• Heat your home
• Have low background heat on all day, with windows open on trickle to provide ventilation

I hope this information helps anyone who is struggling with damp/condensation in the household. Follow the tips above.

How to start looking for Student Accommodation with Student Haven?

Where would you like to live? Get your group together and discuss areas of where you would like to live in Huddersfield and what you exactly want. You should never just look at one, broaden your horizons. There are soooooooo many different types of Student Acoommodation to choose from, from houses to apartments, it can be so confusing and stressful, unless of course you make the list and decide from the beginning EXACTLY what you want.

Let’s not settle for second best, it is important to find good quality student accommodation. Student Haven can make your accommodation a smooth and enjoyable experience, with many photos, videos, viewings, advice etc available at your dispense. Some private landlords do have a wide range of student accommodation, if you like a landlord and wish to stay with them then advise us and we will see what we can do for you.

While you’re in the process of looking for Student Accommodation check out the surrounding areas, local amenities etc, at the end of the day you don’t want to be living in the middle of know where :)

This is probably on most occasions the first step of living by yourself, dealing with bills etc however feel reassured Student Haven are here to guide you along the way providing advice and support. Once you have found your accommodation you’ll feel a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Huddersfield is a friendly town, the nightlife is vibrant and varied, and plenty of transport.

Summarizing, make your list with requirements, see as many properties as you can, ensure the area is right for you and has everything you want i.e. shops etc, and your search for Student Accommodation in Huddersfield will be as exciting and productive as the rest of your University life.

Student Haven are a well established agency who provide plenty of quality student accommodation, from houses to flat shares, apartments and even finding tenants we are always here at the end of the phone to help you. Our new website also provides relevant information to help you not only about the properties, but areas and local businesses. Visit us at http://www.studenthaven.com for a great, fresh start to your searches for student accommodation. You will not be disappointed.

Happy searching students :)

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Finding the Right Student Accommodation

As a student, you have several options available to you regarding accommodation during your years of study at University. You can stay on campus, residing in the University Halls of Residence, arrange your own private accommodation with flatmates, live with a family,or stay at home. As a rule of the thumb, the more convenient the option, the higher the cost. But there are many variables that make each situation different. The following is a brief introduction that may help you to decide.

The University Halls of Residence provide the convenience of being close to the school, and you will be sharing the facilities with like minded students. You have no travel time and the convenience of the all your needs as a student close by. Most Universities will offer you the choice of catered or non-catered accommodation. If you choose catered, you will be provided with three meals a day. If you choose to self cater, you can do so in a kitchen that is usually shared with other students. The downside of living in the halls of residence is cost. You pay for the convenience of living so close, with catered accommodation costing more than self catered. The accommodation will also likely be a 'no-frills' variety.

A second option is to rent private accommodation with flatmates. It may not necessarily be cheaper than residence at the school, but you get to choose the quality and standard of accommodation, and your company. This kind of arrangement is generally of a higher standard with a homey atmosphere. Naturally, with it being off-campus, there will be some travel time, but the extent is entirely dependent on where the flat is situated. You also have to deal with a landlord and negotiate things like rent, bills and repairs.

You might like to live with a family who live close by. You'll have the familiarity of family life to come back to after a hard day at school, and company that is not related to your studies, to allow you to "switch off" and relax at night. Cost will usually be the same as with sharing a private flat, unless you have an arrangement whereby you help out with cleaning or child-care in return for board and lodge. If you are funding your own studies, this might be the ideal arrangement.

If you are lucky enough to be attending a school near your own home, you can just stay where you are, with all your own home comforts and the familiarity of your own family. This is the cheapest option, although it may involve the time and cost of travel. Depending on how you would like to spend your student years, this option will either appeal to you, or it won't. You miss out on student life, be it for the benefit of 'living' your studies, or for enjoying the night life, but you have the stability of your own home, where you can tune out, unwind, and relax.