Finding a place to live while studying abroad can be quite the challenge.
If you are planning to pursue your studies in the UK typically, you will have the option of the university’s halls of residence or privately renting a flat or house. Once you have decided which one to opt for, there are additional factors to take into consideration when choosing accommodation.
Here are five ways to help you finding accommodations for your stay in the UK.
1. Select the kind of lodging you’d like to have
The first thing you must be thinking about when you think of the type of accommodation you want. There are three major types available in the UK including university accommodation and private student halls, or a rented house or flat.
The accommodation available at universities can be varied , from a small room and shared bathroom, to an en suite room within a smaller students “flat”. The university usually provides information on the types of rooms it offers so you can pick and then apply for the one that meets your needs. You can also pick between self-catering and catered options.
It’s crucial to note that university accommodation will be available primarily for first-year undergraduates as well as postgraduate students. So if you’re a second or third-year undergraduate student, you may not be able to select a university residence.
If you are moving into a large city you may have the option of renting private or purpose-built student halls. They are usually higher than accommodation at universities however, they could be more modern and provide more modern rooms and facilities. Students of any age typically can apply for them.
Alternately, you can lease a flat or house through an estate agent. The most efficient way to locate the right place is to use a reputable local estate agent. Contact your university’s students’ union and ask them to recommend estate agents or contact others who have previously rented privately.
It might be difficult to visit houses in person before you arrive in the UK to start your studies. Make sure to request plenty pictures and don’t be afraid to ask the landlord or estate agent will take you on an audio tour inside the home. It’s even better if you could ask a friend or family member to visit the property with you, but that might not be feasible in all cases.
2. Determine your budget for accommodation
When choosing your accommodation take note of the sum you’ll be able to spend on accommodation when you study in another country.
If you are staying in an accommodation at a university there is a possibility to choose a payment plan (such as the one that allows you to pay at the beginning of each month) or pay for it all in at once. With most university accommodation fees, the cost for services such as water and internet access are included in the cost.
If you’re renting privately in a house or in halls, you’ll have to locate a house that is within your budget and comes with costs that you are able to pay every month. Certain apartments or houses include utility bills as part of the monthly rent, while others will require you to pay them in addition to your rent. Be sure to check this and add allowances to your budget for the various costs prior to signing the lease.
If you are living with your friends, be sure you’re all sure of who’s paying what amount prior to moving in. This will make sure that there are no surprises or disagreements once you’ve all settled in.
With a house or a house, you could also require the rent for a couple of months in advance as a deposit, so be sure that you add that to your moving costs. Look into deposit protection schemes or ask your landlord if they’ll protect your deposit with an arrangement to guarantee that your deposit will be refunded at the expiration of your lease.
3. Choose your location
The place you reside is crucial and must be taken into consideration.
Do your homework on the town or city you are moving to and select a few areas which you’d like to live in. It is possible that you want to live near or close to the school as possible, or you may prefer to be a bit further away from the action.
Verify that the place you’re looking to reside in is secure and has good transportation links throughout the city.
No matter what you pick be sure it suits all your needs.
4. Service providers or research providers. They must also have licences
If you’re staying in a private accommodation for students in Leicester, it’s likely that you don’t need to consider paying bills or think about creating the internet for yourself. However, this may not be the case, so be sure to check what will be required of you prior to moving in.
If you are renting a flat , or house, however, it is necessary to do some studies on electricity and internet providers and have a good idea of the service you’ll join when you arrive. It is not likely that you will be able to set this up until you arrive in the property, but knowing about the prices, providers and paperwork you’ll need before you leave is always advised.
If you’re also planning to have a TV at home or even watch TV in real-time on your laptop, you will need to purchase the TV license, which can be paid at once or over a period of monthly instalments.
You’ll also need to take out some kind of contents insurance to be sure that all your possessions are covered when you move into your new residence.
5. Make sure you know what you’ll have to bring with you and what’s included
The majority of university rooms are with a fully-furnished kitchen, however you’ll need food and bedding (if you’re self-catered) at a minimum. Most international students will usually purchase these items when they arrive in order to prevent them from traveling abroad.
If you are renting a flat or house, you must check whether the place is fitted or unfurnished. A majority of international students prefer a furnished apartment so they don’t have to consider investing in furniture when they get to the UK.
If you find an item that is missing from a home you have fallen in love with, you may inquire with the landlord about whether they are willing to provide it for the cost of an extra charge which will be included in the rental or security deposit. They may even supply the furniture for free should you be fortunate enough.
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