Help me move to Oxford

cowboy

Hi all, I'm from Bristol and just found a job in Oxford. Looking to move in a few weeks' time, so any help in the following will be greatly appreciated:

1) Accommodation
- any suggestion on websites/agencies to look at? I've looked up at gumtree but not much choices there...

2) Moving stuff
- I've got quite a lot of stuff to bring over from Bristol, so any suggestion on moving services (van/car), esp those that will not break my wallet? I requested a quote from Sevenseas Worldwide and they are quoting me £250 to £300 which is quite steep.

3) More to add in the future...

Thanks in advance!

pinkshoes

To look for accomodation, use the web site https://www.dailyinfo.co.uk then click on the renting room or renting house section. Most the rentals are for Oxford city centre.

As for moving stuff, the cheapest option is usually hiring a car and driving yourself and all your stuff over! £250 is an expensive quote!! Look on your local gumtree and find yourself a man with a van! Polish guys will usually do it for a very reasonable rate

cowboy

Thanks a lot, pinkshoes. I'll check out the website you recommended and gumtree for moving stuff.

cowboy

Any other recommendation of places to look for accommodation? Or any recommended letting agent? I think I'll prefer staying in a 1-bedroom flat/studio in Headington area (as close to JR hospital as possible) but couldn't find a suitable one yet so far.

Marty06

I'd second the Daily Info recommendation - it's a mine of information and good deals, and is non-commercial. Often many of the letting agencies advertise on their, as well as people letting privately, so you can click through to their websites. You can try Finders Keepers for a start. You might also want to search Marston area as it is v. close to the JR with good bus services (Oxford Bus Company No. 13) and also the Northway estate, which is v. close to hospital through back entrance and probably cheaper than Headington or Marston.

cowboy

Thanks Marty06 for the information. Btw, how much does a 1-bedroom flat/studio/house roughly cost in areas close to JR hospital? Most of the ones I find are around the range of £650 - £800pcm, that's a lot more expensive than in Bristol I think...

Marty06

That's about right for the price - maybe a bit lower if you search hard but I don't think you'd get anything below £550. £800 would be relatively expensive for 1-bed flat, although hopefully that price would get you something furnished and in good condition. Yes, Oxford is v. expensive property wise, almost London prices at times! But there are good deals - the best, in my experience, are from landlords who only have one property, or are renting a granny-annexe, and so ask for the price they need to pay the mortgage, which is probably lower than the market price!

.

pinkshoes

Could you not house share?! Lots of house shares on offer around the JR...

cowboy

pinkshoes, I know house sharing is much cheaper but I don't know anyone in Oxford and sharing with strangers can be a bit risky. I want to make sure I have a quiet and comfortable property...not sharing with someone who parties and makes lots of noise every night.

So, I was thinking of maybe renting a 1-bed property for a year and move out once I've made some friends (and if they are willing to share).

D4WNO

I can also recommend https://www.rightmove.co.uk, I've found all my homes through here

lindsaygalaxy

I would try https://www.ukpropertyshop.co.uk, you can find all the agents and their websites for a town.

Also, not sure as havent looked at it, but try the Uni websites Oxford, and oxford brookes) as they will likely to have info on cheaper rentals. Other alternative look for someone outside the city and commute by train in? e.g. didcot