Before reporting to school, one of the things that one should do as a student is to get information about the accommodation services that are available. You can either arrange for a temporary place before finding a better place for settling down or you can immediately move into a permanent place. Either way, student accommodation is one of the biggest choices that you will need to make.
Various accommodation options are usually available but not all students live in the same place and while others will want to live privately, others stay at home or in student halls. If you won’t be commuting from home or are an international student, you need to fully prepare yourself before your course starts. Your university is the first place that you can go to for more information where you will get guides or websites with contacts of student agencies that can advise you. Others even do the hunting on their own, but it can be a bit difficult. Let’s look at the things that you will need to look for.
1. The cost versus your budget
The cost of the accommodation is one of the most important things that you need to look at versus what you can afford. There are normally options available ranging from a place in an independent student hostel, homestays (pay as a guest while living in someone’s home), on-campus student accommodation which comes in different room sizes and varying price ranges, sharing a rented house or room or getting an entire apartment on lease.
For private accommodation, always ensure that you have all the details on the bill payments. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s a realistic price that you can afford and save some money.
2. Facilities
Find out the facilities present in the vicinity like eateries, gyms and sports arenas as well as those available in the residence and the amenities. Amenities like water supply, electric appliances, the security and safety conditions, hygiene levels, house insulation among other are very important. If there are extra hall costs, what are they for? Is there access to the university gym? Or are the meals covered in the student hall accommodation?
3. Location
This is also very important in case you might be late. Make sure you require less time to get to lecture rooms. Most accommodation close to the campus is normally pricey and if the accommodation near is too expensive, check for alternative transport links, can you walk or is it within a short train or bus ride?
4. Compatibility with your student life
Even as a student, you have to have a balance between books, work, and your social life. If you happen to be working part-time, the accommodation you find has to be in a place where you can juggle between both and still delivering both at work and in your studies. Find a place close to either your workplace or school and save some time.
5. Special requirements
If you happen to have any special needs such as a disability or dietary requirement, you will need to notify the campus on time during your application especially if you will be staying on the campus premises. This will be taken into consideration when halls are allocated.
Student accommodation doesn’t have to be hard and with the right accommodation services, your student life will go smoothly enabling you to concentrate more on your studies.
