A lot of first-year students discover that residence halls provide an ideal base for making acquaintances and staying near campus. However, there are many other options available particularly as you become involved in the university experience.
Accommodation for students at an enumeration
You may choose to reside in halls, private accommodations or in your own home.
If you are deciding where to live, seek suggestions from your family and friends and make sure you attend the open days for accommodation.
Be sure to research the benefits and costs of each choice prior to making the decision.
Begin your application for accommodation once you’ve been accepted for the course.
Explore your options
Heidi Cooper-Hind, director of student experience and employment in the department of student experience and employability at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) states, ‘Choosing where you’ll live is among the most thrilling and crucial choices you’ll have to make during your time at university.’
In general there are four main choices. You could reside:
in accommodation managed by universities (typically in halls of residence)
in private halls that are owned by the residence
together with other students in a with other students in a privately rented flat or house
at the home of my family.
If you choose to take advantage of the facilities offered by your university for accommodation, you’ll be able to begin your application for accommodation once you’ve accepted an offer for the course, but make sure to make sure to check with your institution for more details on the procedure.
It’s always a good idea to conduct some research and do some research,’ says Claire Henshaw, accommodation services team director for the University of Northampton. It is recommended to start at the earliest possible time, as most universities operate on a first come second served basis, and the most popular rooms can be booked quickly.
We announce the dates when applications are open, and provide instructions on how to apply as well. The website of the university is a excellent resource to find details and ensure that you are fully informed,’ says Claire.
If you prefer, contact the accommodation department at your university Don’t be afraid to ask questions when there’s something you’re not certain about.
Open days for accommodation at universities provide the opportunity to talk to staff members and learn about what’s to be found. Claire advises that even if you are unable to attend in person, you should always visit the website of your university because they’ll likely include descriptions, photos of floor layouts, floor plans and even video tours that are interactive.
Halls of residence
Living in residence halls at university lets you be fully involved in the student community right from the very beginning,’ says Rebecca O’Hare, assistant director of accommodation and residence office, in Leeds University. University of Leeds.
Moving away from your home is an enormous change, however it’s crucial to keep in mind that the majority of your peers are in the same situation and living in a university residence gives you access to assistance from the residence and campus teams.’
To be clear, halls of residence are huge blocks of flats that house thousands of students, and have private bedrooms that are furnished and set around corridors , or apartments that have the kitchen shared by all. Sometimes bathrooms are shared, though en-suite bathrooms are becoming more common.
They are typically managed by the university or in collaboration with a private business The quality is generally high, since they must be in compliance with the national code of conduct. Privately-owned halls of residence provide all the advantages of halls, but they aren’t connected to the university. they book rooms directly with the halls that you’re interested in. Most offer easy online booking options.
A lot of universities offer a spot in halls for first-year full-time students as well as international postgraduates provided you meet the deadlines for applications. But, this can vary among institutions. For instance it is possible that you are not eligible for admission if you’ve been through Clearing.
Halls are particularly popular with students who are away from their home for the first time, according to Heidi. Bills are typically included, to ensure you know the amount you’re budgeting It’s also easy to find a suitable accommodation by submitting an application directly to the university , usually on the internet.’
Since they’re usually close to or on campus, or within a short distance of the campus living in halls places you in the middle of the student experience. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and take part in social activities. Although your room may be tiny, the amenities you require (for instance, a laundry) are typically on site and the accommodation staff is available for maintenance issues.
Many universities offer accommodation with catering. It is worth looking into in case you aren’t sure or capable of cooking for yourself, even though it could increase the cost of renting.
In exchange for the comfort of halls it is possible that you will end up paying more than you would in a private home or apartment. You aren’t able to pick the people you live with, this can be a problem when you aren’t able to get along with the other people in your apartment and there’s a lot happening halls aren’t the best location to live in if you prefer peace and quiet.
Be aware that you’ll have to purchase your TV licence on your own. Heidi says, ‘Remember that you’ll be accountable for any damages that occur in your halls, meaning you could be required to pay for repairs.’
To determine how much you’ll have to pay for rent, check out your institution’s website, as prices vary greatly based on the the location and facilities.
To get the most out of your time in the student living quarters, Rebecca advises students to meet their flatmates via the residence Facebook pages prior to the week of welcome, go to events on campus as well as in the halls, and get involved in residence life activities at your institution.
Privately rented accommodations
It is possible to live in a privately-rented home that typically accommodates five or four people. This is the way that most students follow beginning in the second year however, there are certain first-year students.
Another benefit is the ability to select who you will reside with (for second-year students , this typically involves moving in with your friends) This can make more of a difference.
Another advantage is that you’ll have a greater options for where you reside. It’s a bit further away from campus, however there are good transportation connections, and numerous bars, shops and restaurants are available in the student-friendly areas of the major cities at universities.
Click here for the best Leicester student studio.
The accommodation office at your university can assist you in finding houses. It is a good idea to look at the houses you are contemplating before signing up”, advises Heidi to make sure everything is right. The team at accommodation will provide a wealth of information about what to look out for and the best questions to inquire during viewings, for instance.
There are important points to keep in mind. The rent in most cases is lower than halls, however you’ll have to pay for bills on top according to Heidi. It’s up to you to manage your bills for Wi-Fi, utilities as well as insurance for contents and the TV licence. However, so long as all of your household members are full-time students You don’t need to pay council tax.
In addition to taking care of your budget You’ll also need to feel confident in contacting your landlord or letting agent in order to resolve any issues or make repairs. Make sure you study and comprehend your lease and know your rights as an occupant.
For example, Heidi explains that landlords have to use a tenancy deposit protection plan, and the local council may demand repairs in the event that your landlord fails to adhere to acceptable standards.
Home-based living
For many , the prospect of getting away from home and the sense of freedom that it brings is among the main reasons to go to university.
If you’ve decided to go to school locally, living at home is an excellent option. It can save the cost of rent and other bills as well as being convenient. you’ll be able to avoid the stress of having to move out and living in a new area with strangers.
But, you’ll be more away from the student experience, and it could be more difficult to find friends from the social scene of the halls or even a student home. For a successful experience be active, join events like societies and sports clubs.
Making your decision
It’s not an easy decision to make, so seek assistance from the most diverse sources you can. Friends and family members who have been to college before can be a great starting point.
Many universities, including AUB will invite applicants to attend a day of application prior to the start of the term. You will meet fellow students and take a glance at the rentals in the area in the area,’ Heidi says.
Claire says that you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to University staff with questions about halls or private accommodations.
In the meantime, it’s never too late to begin planning financially. If you plan to reside in halls or private accommodations while you study and you’re planning to live in halls or private accommodation, then you’ll need to save some cash according to Claire. The majority of universities will require for an initial rent payment or deposit prior to submitting an application for housing.
Also, saving money now to prepare for college is a great method to make sure you’re protected during the initial few months, particularly if you’re moving away from your home.
