A guide to living in South West England

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I live in The Helm, Bournemouth. The area is generally quiet and safe, with nice sea views and some open spaces nearby. There are a few local shops and restaurants within walking distance, but the variety is limited, so I often go to the town centre for more options. Public transport is decent, buses are frequent but sometimes delayed, especially on weekends. Parking can be difficult at times since spaces are limited, and traffic gets busy during summer. Bin collections are regular and reliable, and the neighbours are friendly overall. However, noise from nearby roads or student gatherings can be a minor issue occasionally.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

At first, the building management often ignored complaints or handled them poorly, sometimes speaking to students in an unprofessional way, as if we were asking for favours instead of paying tenants. I personally faced this with the contract renewal manager. However, communication has recently improved, and I hope things continue to get better and more respectful in the future.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known how difficult communication with management could be, even though there is an app for residents. The lifts were also out of service for a long time, which made things very inconvenient. For the price, the overall service quality does not really match expectations. My flat was unfurnished, and utilities are not included in the rent, which makes dealing with them quite complicated. My advice for new residents is to check all these details carefully before signing and be prepared for some management delays.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Parking availability is really bad obviously, though I don’t have a car. When my friends drive cars to my place, always hard to find a parking spot. And what I really unsatisfied with is the cleaneaness of the building. Everting looks fine, but when you explore it deeper, you’ll find many fly surrounded the main gate. I’m living at the block a, and I can’t open windows because everytime I open, a great many flies have flown into my flat.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Quick and responsible. I love it! They sent people to check as soon as possible.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I didn’t realize that there are many fly again. That’s all

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living at Signal Box Yard has been such a good experience as a Uni of Bath student. The location is ideal — it’s close to the train station, bus routes to campus and an easy walk into town for shops, cafes and nights out. The building itself is modern, clean and feels really safe, with friendly staff and a great student community. The river nearby is lovely for walks or runs, and there are loads of nice spots to chill in the area. Overall, it’s a super convenient and comfortable place to live while studying in Bath!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management team has been consistently helpful and professional. They always respond quickly to any issues or questions and make sure everything is properly followed up. Communication is clear and friendly, and it’s easy to reach someone when needed. Overall, the management is reliable and genuinely cares about residents.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I’d known how much nicer it is living this close to the city centre. Everything’s within walking distance — shops, bars, gyms, the river — and it just makes day-to-day life so much easier. Definitely beats being further out, especially for students or anyone new to Bath.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Nearby train stations and bus stops although not many shops nearby. Also, parking availability is bad and cost for tenants is high for parking slots.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Quick response time and always aiming to keep tenants satisfied

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Landlord won’t allow any air conditioning unit to be installed even with the tenants covering the cost.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Excellent location: Closeby the train station, close to all supermarkets and walking distance to the Town Centre. Excellent transportation links.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Stuart is very helpful and has a positive approach in solving issues.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I would have taken a picture of the cracks on my hob as soon as I moved in and would have raised the issue to the Management immediately instead of lingering with laziness myself.