Viewing for student house share - Things I should be aware of?

So the story is, I'm viewing a college student house tomorrow. It was advertised on a college facebook accommodation page by one of the students living there. It's available for 3 months and is non owner occupied, all which suit me perfectly.

So what might be the things I need to be aware of, as well things I should ask, when viewing it? I'm not sure whether many others will have viewed it; so I don't know if I'll be in a position to say "okay, now that I've seen it, I'll have a think about it". Saying that might put me at a lesser chance of getting it. Also, the place itself could be quite different from the way I imagine it based on the photos in the advert. There might be a lot to take in during a viewing and I and don't want to feel forced into making a quick decision!

I'm not sure in these situations if it's the landlord who's chosen the price advertised, or the student? Should I expect to be handing the cash each month to the student, or the landlord? There was also no mention of a deposit. In the digs I'm in at the moment, there's no deposit as there's an element of trust. Might that be the case here too. There'll be about 3 weeks between when I view it, and when I move in, so should I be skeptical if I'm asked for money before the very day I move in?

Thanks

 

is it being offered by someone with legitimately the authority to offer it? furst question.
are the levels of fun, quiet, et c. of potential housemates compatible with you needs?
electrical outlets and internet access.
skeptical? always of everything. assume nothing, expect nothing, avoid dissapointment.
that being said, try to avoid creating dissapointment in others by being too blatant about it.

yes it is normal to ask for a move in deposit, especially for people who don't yet know each other to do so.

and make sure you know the actual arrangement. are you buying a share of equity in the mortgage, or renting a room?
what other expenses are you going to be asked/expected to share?

are you paying a flat rate, or are expenses calculated and assessed on a month by month basis?