So you’re off to university. But wait, isn’t there that small problem of where you’ll stay? While many universities offer housing on campus in there first year, you’ll have lots of options to choose between , and you could need to find your own.
It’s not an easy job especially if you’re familiar with your chosen city However, your institution is likely to be able to give plenty of guidance on the way.
We talked to The Student Housing Company, who assisted us in putting together this thorough guide for finding an apartment – the ideal space – in which to live.
Check out the many accommodation options on offer
Every university should have at least a couple of kinds of accommodation on offer for first-year students, such as:
Halls with catering.
Self-catered halls.
Self-catered flats/houses.
There’s no better way to assist you choose than taking a look around the place and viewing the rooms. It’s very common that this is part of your open day but if you’ve never experienced this or can’t remember the options It’s worth asking the school again.
The details and pictures of each Leicester uni accommodation can be found on the official website of the university, and in your prospectus if you forget.
What if I got some space through clearing?
Finding student accommodation might be a bit difficult If you were able to secure a place at university through clearing. Some universities reserve a number of spaces for students who are clearing, but if this is not the case, there are alternatives available outside of university-owned properties.
Your institution can provide recommendations for private accommodation providers, whether this is private student halls or private student house-shares. Make sure you book viewings for these properties where you can, so that you have an understanding of which ones are right for you, and be sure to ask any concerns to the landlord or provider if you aren’t clear regarding the amenities offered in the rooms.
Know what you want , and do not wish for anything else.
It’s helpful to have an idea about what you want in your student home and what you’re not looking for. Each student residence should be complete with everything that needed, so you don’t have to think about the logistics of arranging large furniture. There are a few key things you do need to be aware of:
Catered/self-catered.
En-suite bathroom.
Rooms that are shared or one room.
Communal space.
Storage/parking facilities.
If you’re uncertain about cooking on your own catering services could be the best option, but if you have certain dietary restrictions, it could be simpler to have the freedom to cook on your own in self-catered accommodations.
Rooms for students differ greatly and range from those with private bathrooms to those that have communal wash facilities as well as large rooms to box rooms. A bigger space or own bathroom may bring costs up quite a bit, so it’s important to determine if these amenities are affordable.
Some universities offer rooms that are shared, in addition to the more usual choice of having your own space. If you don’t really wish to share a space with another person, make sure you specify this on your application.
There are many options for accommodation that include communal spaces. In halls, you could share an extensive number of people, but in house-share , you might only share a home in a house with six or more others. It can be daunting moving to a completely new location However, having a shared living room/dining area could make it easier for you to meet with your housemates and get acquainted with each other.
If you’re planning on taking a car to university then you will need to make sure there is parking in the vicinity of your hotel or near. Likewise, if you are taking a bicycle with you make sure there is secure storage facilities. Numerous universities are currently creating bike shelters on campus.
Cost and location are factors to consider.
With the basic elements with which to start it is time to think about the cost and the location of every type of lodging you believe is appropriate. Price is incredibly important and you should try to stay within your budget and loan allowance. Avoid unnecessary costs if you’re having a hard time paying the bills.
Make sure you know if the price is monthly or weekly in addition to whether or not it includes any bills, and also how many weeks of coverage it has. Certain accommodation that is catered or private halls might appear more expensive, but this could be due to the fact that they include all your expenses included in the total cost.
Also, certain university-owned accommodation could require you to move out at the time of the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons, so it’s vital to find out how long you’re paying for. Do not sign a 12-month contract – you’ll only have to attend university for about nine months during the year.
If you aren’t familiar with the city of your university, it is essential that you verify where the accommodation is exactly. In the larger cities, you might find that there isn’t a specific campus, and lecture halls or accommodation units are scattered all about the city. Find out the transport routes from your accommodation to the lecture halls before booking anything; it will ease the anxiety over not getting to your lecture on time once the term starts.
Contact your school or accommodation service
After you’ve considered all the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation and you’re now able to pick the one that is most appropriate for you. If you’re selecting a hotel which is managed by your university you may need to fill out an application form that you have fill in to secure your space. It’s best to call the university first to confirm this in case you’re not sure.
If you’ve selected private student accommodation, make contact with the landlord or provider to arrange your contract and then book your room.
Before you sign the contract, ensure that you’ve read all the terms and know what the charges include. Now it’s time to prepare for your move-in day! If you’re well-prepared, why not make a list of all the items you’ll need carry and any other items you’ll must purchase before the move.