So , you’re going to university. But wait isn’t there a tiny problem of where you’ll stay? While many universities offer accommodation within their campus for the initial year, there are several options to choose between – and you may require a private.
It’s not a simple task particularly if you’re not familiar with the city you’re choosing However, your institution should be able to provide plenty of guidance in the process.
We spoke with The Student Housing Company, who helped us put together this comprehensive guide on how to find the perfect place – to live.
Check out the many accommodation options that are available
Each university has at least a few types of accommodation available for students in the first year like:
Catered halls.
Self-catered halls.
Self-catered flats/houses.
It’s the best way to help you decide than by actually exploring the accommodations and inspecting the rooms. It’s not uncommon in this case to make it part of your open day however if you’ve not yet had the chance to or can’t remember the options It’s worth asking the university again.
The complete information and images of each residence will be readily available on the website of the university or in the prospectus in the event you don’t remember.
What if I found the chance to clear a space?
Finding accommodation for students could be a bit more difficult when you have secured your spot in university by clearing. Some universities will reserve certain spaces for students who are clearing however if this is not the case there are other options available in addition to university-owned properties.
The university you attend is likely to be able to provide options for private accommodation providers that offer private student halls or student house-shares. Make sure you book tours of these properties whenever you can, so that you will have an idea of the suitability of these properties for you. You should also be sure to ask concerns to the landlord or provider if you’re unclear about what rooms are included.
Know what you want , and do not want
It’s good to be aware of what you want from your accommodation for students as well as the things you do not want. Each student residence should be complete with everything that you require, meaning you don’t have to worry about how to arrange furniture. There are a few key aspects you need to be aware of:
Catered/self-catered.
En-suite bathroom.
Single or shared room.
Communal space.
Storage/parking facilities.
If you’re not confident about cooking on your own then a catered room could be the best option If you’re a vegetarian or have certain dietary restrictions, it could be more beneficial to have the ability to cook at home in self-catering accommodation.
Rooms for students differ greatly, from those with en-suite bathrooms to rooms with bathrooms shared, and large rooms to box rooms. A bigger space or bathroom could push costs up quite a amount, which is why it’s crucial to determine if these amenities are affordable.
Certain universities provide rooms that are shared, in addition to the more common alternative of having your personal space. If you’re not sure you want to share a room with someone else, make sure you specify this on your application.
There are many options for Leicester uni accommodation that have communal spaces. In halls, you might be sharing with several people, but in house-share arrangements, you could only live with up to six other people. It’s a bit daunting to move into a room with no one else and sharing a dining area or living room will make it much easier to get together with your housemates as well as get acquainted with the people they share with.
If you are planning on using a car for your trip to university, then you will need to ensure that parking is available near your residence or close to. Also, if you’re cycling with your, ensure there are safe storage facilities. Numerous universities are currently creating bike shelters on campus.
Consider the cost and the location
With the basic elements having been sorted out you can begin to think about the price and the location of each type of accommodation that you feel is appropriate. The price is crucial and you should try to stay within your budget and loan allowance, and avoid unnecessary extras if you are struggling with costs.
Be sure to check if the price is either monthly or weekly in addition to whether or not it includes any bills, and also the amount of time it will last. Certain accommodation that is catered or private halls may appear to be more expensive, but it might be because they include all the bills you pay for as part of the price.
In addition, certain accommodations owned by the university could require you to move out in the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons, so it’s essential to determine the length of time you’re paying. Don’t sign a 12-month contract , as you’ll have to attend university for about nine months of the year.
If you don’t know the university city very well it is imperative to double-check where exactly the accommodation is. In some major cities you may find that there’s no campus, and lecture halls along with accommodation facilities are dotted across the city. Look up the transportation links from your accommodation to your classes before you book anything – it will ease the anxiety over making it to your lecture on time when the term begins.
Make contact with your university or accommodation provider
After you’ve evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of each place before you decide the one that is most appropriate for you. If you’re choosing a place which is managed by your university There may be a specific form you need to fill out to secure your space. It’s best to call the university first to confirm this for any doubts.
If you have opted for private student accommodation, make contact with the provider or landlord to organise your contract and reserve your room.
Before signing a contract, make sure that you’ve read all of the terms and know exactly what the prices cover. It’s now time to prepare for your move-in day! If you’re truly prepared, why don’t you create a list of all things you’ll need to pack and anything you must purchase before the moving day.
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