So , you’re going to university. But hang on a minute, isn’t there that small matter of where to live? While many universities offer accommodation on campus during the first year, there are many options to pick among – and you might need to find your own.
It’s not an easy task especially if you’re acquainted with the place you’re going to however, your school will be able to offer plenty of guidance throughout the process.
We spoke with The Student Housing Company, who was able to help us create this detailed guide to finding an appropriate place – to live.
Take a look at the various Leicester uni accommodation on offer
Each university has at least a few types of accommodations available for first-year students that include:
Catered halls.
Self-catered halls.
Self-catered flats/houses.
There’s no better way to help you make a decision than visiting the residence and looking at the rooms. It’s not uncommon that this is a part of an open day, but if you haven’t yet had the chance to or can’t remember the options, it’s worth asking your school again.
The complete information and photos of every accommodation can be found on the web site of the institution or inside the prospectus, in case you forget.
What if I got a place through clearing?
Finding accommodation for students could be a bit difficult if you got your place in university by clearing. Some universities will offer some places for students who have cleared, but if this is not the case, there are alternatives available in addition to university-owned properties.
Your institution will be able to give options for private accommodation providers, whether this is private student halls or student house-shares. It is important to book visits to these properties when possible too, so that you have a better idea as to the suitability of these properties for you. You should also be sure to ask concerns to the landlord or provider if you’re unclear on what the rooms include.
Know what you want and don’t wish for anything else.
It is helpful to think about what you want from your student accommodation as well as what you don’t want. Each student residence should be fully furnished with everything you’ll need, so that you don’t have to worry about organising bulky furniture. There are some key items you should take into consideration however:
Catered/self-catered.
En-suite bathroom.
Shared or single room.
Communal space.
Storage/parking facilities.
If you’re uncertain about cooking for yourself then a catered room could be the ideal option, but if you have particular dietary needs, it might be more beneficial to have the option of cooking for yourself in self-catering accommodations.
Student rooms differ dramatically between those that have en-suite bathrooms, to those with shared wash facilities, as well as huge rooms to box rooms. Possessing more space or even your private bathroom can push the cost up quite a some, therefore it’s essential to consider whether the amenities are within your budget.
Some universities have shared rooms in addition to the more standard choice of having your personal space. If you do not want to share your room with someone else, make sure you specify this in your application.
Most accommodation options include communal spaces. In halls, you might have to share with several people, but in house-share , you might only live with up to six other people. It isn’t easy to move in with complete strangers and sharing a dining or living room area will make it much easier to get together with your housemates, and get to know them.
If you’re planning on driving to school in a car, then you will need to verify that parking is available in the vicinity of your hotel or near. Likewise, if you are cycling with your, ensure there are safe storage facilities. A lot of universities are building bike shelters throughout campuses.
Factor in cost and location
With the basic elements now in mind You can begin thinking about the cost and the location of each accommodation you consider suitable. Cost is an essential factor – try to stick within your budget as well as your student loan allowance, avoiding any unnecessary extras if you are struggling with costs.
Be sure to verify whether the cost is monthly or weekly and if it is inclusive of bills, and how many weeks it covers. Certain accommodation that is catered or private halls may appear to be more expensive, but it could be due to the fact that they include all the bills you pay for as part of the price.
Also, certain university-owned accommodation might need you to move between the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons, so it’s crucial to know how long you’ll be paying for. Never enter into a 12-month agreement – you’ll only be in the university for nine months in the course of the year.
If you don’t know the city of the university very well, it is essential that you check where exactly the accommodation is. In some of the bigger cities you may find that there is no specific campus and that lecture buildings along with accommodation facilities are scattered across the city. Find out the transport routes from your accommodation to the lecture halls prior to booking anything – to avoid any anxiety over not getting to your lectures in time after the term begins.
Make contact with your university or accommodation service
Once you’ve weighed up all of the pros and cons of each hotel before you decide the most appropriate one for you. If you’re selecting a hotel which is managed by your institution you may need to fill out certain forms that you need to fill out to secure your room. It’s worth contacting the university first to verify this information should you be unsure.
If you’ve selected privately-owned student accommodation the landlord or the provider to organise your contract and to reserve your room.
Before you sign a contract, make sure that you’ve read the entire contract and understand what the costs include. Then , it’s time for you to be excited about moving-in day! If you’re looking to be fully prepared, why not create a list of all things you’ll need to pack and anything you require to purchase prior to the moving day.
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