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 your own home.
If you are deciding where to reside, seek suggestions from your family and friends and make sure you attend the open days for accommodation.
Be sure to research the pros and cons of each option prior to making the choice.
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 the place you’ll reside is among the most thrilling and crucial choices you’ll have to make during your time during your time at university.’
In general, there are four major options. You could live:
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 usually be able to start 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 advisable 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 rooms that are popular can be gone fast.
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 the event isn’t in person, you should always visit the website of the 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 immersed 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 classmates will be similarly situated 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 a kitchen shared. 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 are not tied to the university. You reserve a room directly with the halls 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 in a different location at first, 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 are 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 a fantastic 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 something to consider 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 want peace and tranquility.
Be aware that you’ll have to purchase your own TV license. Heidi says, ‘Be aware that you’ll be accountable for any damages that occur in your halls, meaning you could be required contribute to the repair costs.’
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 accommodation, 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 followed by the majority of students from second year onwards 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 a group of other students) This can make more of a difference.
Another advantage will be that there is a greater options for where you reside. It’s a bit further from campus, however there are good transportation connections, and numerous bars, shops and restaurants serve the student-friendly areas of the major cities with universities.
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 other important points to keep in mind. The rent will usually be 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 a full-time student, you won’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 if your landlord fails to adhere to reasonable standards.
Click here for Leicester uni accommodation.
Living at home
For a lot of people, the idea 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 different people.
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 activities 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 gone to university previously can be a great starting point.
Many universities, including AUB are inviting applicants to attend a day of application prior to the start of the term. You will meet fellow students and have a look at some of the local rentals available in the area,’ Heidi says.
Claire says that you shouldn’t be afraid to speak with University staff if you have any questions about halls or private accommodations. There is more information on University of Northampton – Our Accommodation.
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 want to live in a private room, you’ll need to save some cash according to Claire. The majority of universities will require for an upfront rent or deposit at the time you apply 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.