You will be spending a lot of time at university, so it is essential that you make the right choice about where to live.
Accommodation for students at a glance
You can live in halls or private accommodation.
Get advice from family members and friends before deciding where you want to live.
Before you make a decision, be sure to thoroughly compare the pros and cons of each option.
After you accept a course place, it is time to start your application for Leicester uni accommodation.
You can make your move as smooth and easy as possible by researching where you could live, and what kind of accommodation would best suit your needs.
Find out your options
Once you accept a course offer, your application can be started for accommodation. But make sure to contact your university to get more details.
There are generally four main choices. You can live:
University-managed accommodation (normally halls of Residence)
In privately-owned halls of residence
In a privately rented apartment or house, you can meet other students.
Home.
Halls of residence
Halls are blocks of flats that can house hundreds of students. Each bedroom is furnished and organized around corridors, or apartments with a shared cooking area. Although en-suites are becoming more common, bathrooms may be shared in some cases.
They are typically managed by universities, or in partnership. The quality of the halls is usually high as they comply with national codes. Private halls are available for residents, and they offer all the advantages of halls. However, they are not affiliated with the university. Instead, you can book a room directly through the halls that interest you. Most halls have an online booking system.
As long as you submit your application by the deadline, many universities will guarantee a spot in halls for first-year international students. Clearing is not an acceptable way to get in, so it’s possible that you won’t be eligible.
Heidi says halls are particularly popular for students who live away from home for their first time. You will find that bills are included in your budget. Also, it is easy to arrange your accommodation directly by applying online to the university.
You will be in the center of student life because halls are often located close to campus. It is a great place to make new friends and participate in social activities. Even though your bedroom is small, most of the necessary facilities (such as a laundry room) are available on-site. Also, the university accommodation team can help you with maintenance.
Some universities offer catered accommodation. Even though this is an option if your budget doesn’t allow you to cook at home, it can be worth looking into.
You may pay more for halls than you would in your private house or flat in exchange for their convenience. You are not able to choose the person you live with. This can lead to problems if there is too much going on in your home.
Remember that you will need to purchase your own TV licence. Heidi states, “Remember that your halls will be shared responsibility for communal areas, and you may need to make repairs.”
Check out your university’s website to find out how much rent you will pay. Because costs vary depending on location and facility, it is important to know what the exact cost of renting is.
Private rented accommodation
Privately rented houses usually have four to five people. This is the most popular path, followed by many students in their second year. However, it has been used by some first-years as well.
There are many benefits to living with your own friends (for second-year students, this means that you can move in with first-year classmates), which can result in a more rewarding experience.
Another advantage is the fact that you will have more choices about where to live. While you will be closer to campus, most student areas are well-connected by public transport and have plenty of shops, bars, and food options.
You can find houses for rent through your university accommodation office. Heidi advises that you should inspect any properties you are interested in before signing up. This will ensure that everything is in order.
These are just a few of the key points you should remember. Heidi states that while rent is usually less expensive than halls, bills will still be paid. It will be up to you how to pay for utilities, Wi Fi access, contents insurance, TV licence, and other expenses. You don’t have council tax to pay if your entire household is full-time students.
In order to properly manage your budget, you will need to be comfortable talking to your landlord or letting agent in order to resolve any issues or arrange repairs. You must read and comprehend your lease and be informed about your rights as tenant.
Heidi explains, for example, that landlords must use an appropriate tenancy deposit protection system and that repairs can be demanded by the local council if your landlord does not maintain reasonable standards.
Living at Home
Many people see university as a way to leave their homes and experience freedom.
However, if you are able to live in the area and choose to study there, it can be a good alternative. It’s easy to save money on rent, bills, and it also makes it convenient.
But you will be further from student life. It may be harder to make friends away form the social hub of student houses or halls. You can make it work by joining sports societies and clubs.
