A guide to living in South West England

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

It’s in an ideal area in the city center. Easy access to the local GP, shops, and public transport. Temple Meads is a short walk away. There’s some noise in the park especially in the summer, and very little parking.

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

We have had frequent issues with maintenance and some concerning the package lockers that have not been addressed.

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

Maintenance is going to be an issue. It needs a lot of follow up otherwise nothing gets done. Also if you are facing castle park, be aware of the noise during the summer and just a lot of ruckus from time to time.

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

Amazing loads of shops nearby as right in the centre and loads of restaurants around so no need for a car

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

Great always tried to sort out and never a problem

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

There’s so many events on each month which is so nice for things to do

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

There are plenty of shops local, including 2 family run shops, sainsburys, tescos, and lidl within a 5-10 minute walk. There’s many bus stops only a few minutes away and the building is also only 5 minutes from temple meads train station. The area is nice however there are a lot of homeless people in the park opposite, and it can be dangerous after dark.

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

They have been very responsive and quick to help getting a spare key, and helping you collect parcels, borrow equipment or replace items.

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

I wish i had known how friendly the staff were and how clean the building is, as i would’ve moved in a lot sooner!

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