Important Things to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation in the UK

There are a lot of things you should think about before moving into your student housing. You'll have a greater chance of finding an apartment to share with friends or other people you know you want to live with if you make your reservations in advance. Selecting the ideal UK student housing is essential for a fruitful and fulfilling time in college.

Things to Consider

Make your Reservation as Soon as you Can

As soon as you receive your offer letter, begin your search for UK student housing. Your institution will assume that you have found or will find private housing if you do not apply for housing held by the university. You will have more possibilities when it comes to private rental properties and university housing if you start early.

Use Social Media to Network

Facebook is one of the best resources for learning about housing options for university students in your community. Facebook groups contain a wealth of information for anyone wishing to "buddy-up" with others to rent private shared accommodations or sublets, as well as rooms and flats available for short- or long-term rental. There's probably a FaceBook group at your university dedicated to housing for the next school year, which is a positive beginning. Large purpose-built student apartments (PBSAs) and university halls typically have their own Facebook pages where you may read more about them and ask questions. Additionally, several colleges provide services for housing students to aid in guiding and supporting you during the process.

The Different Types of Accommodation

1. Living on Campus

Opting for on-campus housing will put you in close proximity to your university and make it easier for you to meet plenty of new people. Although it gives you less freedom to select the specific room, first-year students frequently choose this choice. Usually, reservations for on-campus housing are made for a single academic year.

2. Private Residences

These accommodations provide greater date flexibility and facilitate the selection of your preferred location and room type. They are not just for students, so you can find yourself in the building with a mix of professionals and students.

3. Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

These are sizable apartment buildings constructed with a focus on housing students. They are renowned for having excellent amenities, such as on-site fitness centers, game rooms, and In-house fitness centers, game rooms, and study areas in addition to more "traditional" common areas. Additionally, you will have a lot of freedom in selecting the kind of room you like and the times you would like to rent it.

Different Types of Rooms

Various kinds of rooms Similar to other sorts of lodging, there are often three alternatives when it comes to rooms.

1. Shared Room

A shared room has a shared bedroom and all other amenities. You live with a roommate in a shared room. This is typically the least expensive and more socially interactive choice, but it will give you less privacy. This is less typical in the UK than it is, say, in the USA.

2. Private Room

Depending on the property, a private room may also include a private en suite bathroom in addition to a bedroom all to yourself. There are communal spaces for things like washing rooms and kitchens. In terms of cost and privacy, this might be considered a sort of "medium choice," since the majority of UK students choose to rent private rooms.

3. Studio Apartment

Everything that's not within the front door of a studio apartment is yours alone. This is the greatest option for anyone looking for both privacy and personal space because it is completely private and requires no sharing. It comes as no surprise that renting a studio apartment is more expensive than other possibilities.

What is your Budget?

One of the first things you'll need to do is figure out your budget before you start looking for a place to reside. What is the monthly rent amount that you can afford or are prepared to pay? Your choice of lodging will be influenced by your budget, among other things. Usually, sharing is the most economical option. A studio apartment, however, can be your best option if you can afford to pay extra and privacy is really important to you.

Remember that before you move in, most rental properties, particularly those in the private sector, will probably need a deposit equal to one month's rent. As a result, you must account for this in your budget.

Location

One of the most crucial factors to take into account when searching for student housing is location. Your new residence will serve as your base, so think carefully about where you want it and how you'll get around from there. Would you be near your campus, for instance? In your spare time, how simple would it be for you to explore your new location? How crucial is it that you can swiftly, simply, and affordably go from your house to the town center or other attractions? How accessible are bus, subway, and train stations, among other forms of public transportation, to the university? Could you get there by bike or foot?

What is the Accommodation Really Like?

Have you visited the area or room in person? It's especially crucial that you carefully go over any pictures or videos of the room and the building if you can't or won't be able to. This can help you reduce the number of options available to you by giving you a clearer picture of what it would be like.

Virtual tours, which go beyond simple photos to give you a sense of the area and how everything goes together, are now widely available from lodging companies. Make sure to take advantage of the virtual tour if you are unable to attend in person.

Is the Place Furnished?

Make sure you are aware of what will be in your lodging when you get there. Does your lodging, for instance, have a bed? Are there chairs and a desk here? perhaps a curtain for the shower? Knowing what is and is not supplied before you arrive may help you make other arrangements without feeling rushed. It's better to avoid arriving at your new lodging late at night after a long day of travel to discover there isn't a bed. Examine the amenities offered, including the study places, common areas, laundry rooms, and leisure spaces. Check for maintenance services, security precautions, and Wi-Fi availability.

Safety and Security

• Give preference to lodging in secure neighborhoods.
• Verify whether the building has safety features like CCTV, keyless entry, and emergency procedures.

Inclusive or Exclusive

Verify whether or not utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and internet are covered by the rent or if you are responsible for paying them individually.

Make Sure you Understand the Contract

Make sure you are aware of your rights and obligations before signing any contracts. Before you move in, is there a deposit required? If yes, how much is it? Do you require a surety who will consent to cover your rent in the event that you are unable to? What happens if your plans change, and how can you cancel? What occurs, for instance, if you are denied admission to your university, if you are denied a visa, or if additional travel restrictions are imposed? It's always preferable to be ready and know what to do in case of an unexpected event, even if these things seem rare. Examine the lease's duration to see if it coincides with your school schedule. Verify the lease's flexibility in the event that Unexpected events or modifications to your academic schedule.

Find out who you Can Contact for Support at your Accommodation

Make sure you ascertain who your point of contact is before or shortly after you arrive at your house. Know what kind of support they can provide and have their phone number and email address on your phone. For instance, in the event of a water leak, to whom would you turn? What is the procedure for fixing a broken boiler or a malfunctioning cooker? It is also helpful to know who to contact if you have any other practical questions concerning your accommodations.

Reviews and Recommendations

• Examine past renters' reviews to gain insight into the quality of living and the administration of the place.
• Ask for recommendations from students who have studied or lived in the area in the past.

Transportation

• Assess public transportation's accessibility for ease of travel
• If you prefer to ride a bike, find out if there are places to store your bikes.

Environmental Consideration

• Evaluate how the lodging will affect the environment in terms of waste management and energy efficiency.