A majority of students who are in their first year discover that residence halls provide an ideal base for making people and living close to the campus. But there are other options to consider, especially as you get immersed in the university experience.
Student accommodation at a glance
You can decide to live in halls, private accommodation or even at home.
If you are deciding where to live, ask for advice from family and friends and try to attend accommodation open days.
Be sure to research the pros and cons of each option prior to making a choice.
Start the application for accommodation after you’ve accepted a place on a course.
Find out what options are available
As Heidi Cooper-Hind, director of student experience and employment within Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) says, ‘Choosing where you’ll live is one of the most exciting and vital choices you’ll make while at university.’
In general you have four main choices. You could live:
in accommodation that is managed by the university (typically the halls of residency)
in private-owned halls of residence
along with other students in shared flat or privately rented house
at in your home.
If you decide to use your university’s provision for accommodation, you’ll be able to begin your accommodation application once you’ve accepted an invite to some course. But make sure you be sure to inquire with your school for details of the process.
‘It’s always wise to do a little research,’ advises Claire Henshaw, accommodation services team leader for the University of Northampton. You should start this in the early stages as the majority of universities operate on a first come, last served basis. Also, popular rooms are usually booked up quickly.
“We promote the dates on which applications open and give ‘how to’ guides as well. The website of the university is a great way to gather information and make sure you’re well informed,’ adds Claire.
Alternatively, get in touch with the accommodation office at your school Don’t be afraid to ask questions in the event of something you’re not confident about.
University accommodation open days provide the opportunity to talk to staff and discover what’s on offer. Claire advises that even if you can’t visit in person, do check out the university’s website for more information. They’ll probably include descriptions, photos of floor layouts, floor plans and even interactive tours.
Halls of residence
“Houses of residence in a university setting allows you to experience the student community from the very beginning,’ says Rebecca O’Hare, assistant director of accommodation and residence office, for Leeds University. University of Leeds.
“Moving away from home can be a huge transition, but it’s important to remember that most of your fellow students will be in the same situation, and living in university accommodation gives you access to help from your residence teams.’
To clarify, halls of residence are huge blocks of flats housing hundreds of students, with individual furnished bedrooms organised around hallways or apartments that include an open kitchen. In some cases bathrooms can also be shared, however en-suite bedrooms are becoming more frequent.
They are typically run by the university or in collaboration with a private company They are generally excellent, given that they have to comply with the national code of conduct. Privately-owned halls of residence provide all the advantages of halls, but they aren’t associated with the university. they book rooms directly with the particular hall you’re interested in – most have booking facilities that are easy to book online.
Most universities will guarantee a space in the halls of full-time first-year students and international postgraduates, provided you meet deadlines for application. But, this can vary among institutions. For instance there may be a problem with your eligibility when you’ve passed Clearing.
Halls are particularly popular with new students who are living away from home for the very first time, according to Heidi. In most cases, bills are included so you’ll know exactly what you’re spending your money on It’s easy to arrange your accommodation through direct application to the university , usually on the internet.’
Because they’re often in close proximity to campus or within travelling distance living in halls can put you at the centre of the student experience. It’s a fantastic way to meet people and take part in social activities. While your bedroom may be small, all the facilities you’ll need (for instance, a laundry) are generally available on the premises and the accommodation team is on hand in the event of maintenance.
A number of universities also offer catering. This is a good option when you’re not sure or are able to cook for yourself, though it can increase the cost of your rent.
However, in exchange for the convenience of halls, you may find yourself paying more than in a private home or apartment. You aren’t able to pick who you live with – which can create a challenge when you aren’t able to get along with other residents in your home With so much happening halls aren’t the ideal location to live in if you are looking for peace and quiet.
Be aware that you’ll have to purchase your TV licence. Heidi says, ‘Remember that you’ll be accountable for any damage in your halls. That means that you’ll need to pay for repairs.’
To learn more about the amount you’ll have to pay rent, see your university’s website, since costs can differ significantly depending on your location and the facilities.
To make the most of your time in your student residence, Rebecca advises students to connect with their flatmates via the residence Facebook pages before welcoming week, and attend events on campus as well as in halls, and be involved with the residence life events at your university.
Privately rented accommodations
You could prefer to live in a privately rented house that usually sleeps four or five persons. This is the way that most students follow from second year onwards However, it is also the case for the first year students.
One benefit is that you can pick who you’ll reside with (for second-year students this normally means living with other students), which can make for a better experience.
Another advantage is the fact that you’ll have more choice over where to live. It’s a bit further away from university, yet have excellent transport connectivity, and plenty of bars, shops and eateries serve the popular student areas of most university cities.
The accommodation office at your university can help you find houses. It is a good idea to go through the properties you’re considering before signing up”, suggests Heidi in order to make sure that everything’s right. The accommodation team will likely provide plenty of advice about what to look out for and which questions you can ask during viewings, for example.
There are some important points to keep in mind. In general, rent is cheaper than halls, but you’ll be paying for the bills in addition according to Heidi. It’s your responsibility to sort your payments for things like Wi-Fi and utilities, contents insurance and a TV licence. Remember, the moment that the entire household is a full-time student, you don’t have to pay council tax.
As well as managing your budget carefully It is essential to feel confident in contacting your landlord or letting agent to resolve any issues or make repairs. Make sure you study and comprehend your lease and be aware of your rights as tenants.
For example, Heidi explains that landlords should use a deposit protection plan, and the local council may demand repairs if the landlord fails to keep up with decent standards.
Home-based living
Many people find that going away to college – and the feeling of freedom that it brings is among the major benefits of going to university.
But if you’ve chosen to pursue your studies locally, staying at home could be an excellent option. It helps you save money on rent and bills it’s convenient and you’ll not have to worry about moving out to live among new acquaintances.
You’ll also be removed from your student life and it may be more difficult to find friends from the social scene of halls or a student home. In order to make it work you must be involved in activities such as sports clubs and societies.
Making your decision
This isn’t an easy choice to make, so take help from all the sources that you can. Friends and family members who’ve been to university previously are good places to start.
AUB is among them. AUB and AUB, encourage you to attend an applicant day ahead of the start of term, where you will meet fellow students and take a look at some of the nearby rental properties,’ Heidi says.
Claire advises you not to be shy to speak to the university staff if you have any questions regarding halls of residence or private Leicester student studio.
Meanwhile, it’s not too early to begin getting ready financially. ‘If you intend to stay in halls or private accommodations while you study it is essential to save some cash in order to save,’ says Claire. The majority of universities will require you to pay an upfront rent or deposit when you apply for housing.
Also, saving money now in preparation for university is a great strategy to make sure you’re protected during the initial months, particularly if you’re moving from your home.
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