A viewing is your one chance to catch problems before you commit for a year. Go in daylight, bring a friend if you can and work through this list. It takes about 20 minutes.
Before you go
Confirm the exact room you'd get is the one you'll see. Save the listing, note the price and what's included, and plan your route using a landmark or GhanaPost GPS address.
Water and bathroom
Water problems are the most common complaint in student housing.
- Open the taps and flush the toilet: is there pressure?
- Is there a storage tank, and what happens when supply is off?
- How many people share the bathroom?
Power
Ask how electricity is paid for and how top-ups are split.
- Switch on lights and fans and test the sockets
- Is there a prepaid meter, and is it shared?
- Is there backup power during outages?
Security
You'll be walking back after evening lectures, so check the area as well as the room.
- Do the door and window locks work?
- Is there a gate, wall, burglar-proofing or security guard?
- Is the compound well lit at night?
The room itself
Photos you take now help avoid deposit disputes later.
- Look for damp, leaks, cracks and signs of pests
- Check the bed, wardrobe, desk and ventilation
- Take photos of any existing damage
Questions to ask before paying
Get the answers in writing, even if it's just a message.
- What exactly does the rent include?
- How much is due up front, and will I get a receipt?
- What are the house rules on visitors, noise and cooking?
- How are repairs reported, and how fast are they fixed?
- What happens if I need to leave early?
The route to campus
Walk or ride the route you'd take to lectures, ideally at the time you'd travel. A room that looks close on the map can be a long trip at rush hour.
If anything important doesn't match the listing, or you're pushed to pay on the spot, take a step back. Good rooms don't need pressure. Request viewings for the rooms you've saved on UniRooms and compare them against this list.