If you’re planning to go to university, deciding on your place of residence is the first important decision you’ll make in your own time (no stress). Finding the perfect accommodation for you is going to require some study and a keen eye. Here are some items you should consider when making your decision…
The amount of rental
If you come across a place with a an affordable rent it’s likely that you’ve found the perfect accommodation However, remember that a lower cost per month typically means that the cost of bills isn’t included. If you’re in a hall or apartments, you won’t need to be concerned about as cost of rent is usually accompanied by internet and bills included.
If you’re considering private accommodations, don’t be discouraged! Check if the bills are included in the rental If not, then ask how much they are usually per month. In the case of Wi-Fi at student homes make sure that the connection is adequate enough to satisfy the requirements of a large family with students or Netflixers.
Do you have to decide if private accommodation is worth the additional costs? It is possible to count on many benefits to justify your expenditure and could even help you save money over the long term.
Modern cinemas, state-of-the-art gaming rooms and gyms are now a regular offered as a feature which students have access to. Similar to halls, private accommodation providers also place a lot of emphasis on creating a sense of community for their residents and host many events so that you can connect with your fellow residents.
T&Cs on your contract
Nobody likes reading the tiny printed text on contracts, however an accommodation contract has much more weight than terms and conditions you be able to read while downloading an application.
It is important to be familiar with the duration that the agreement is, what the deposit amount is and if there’s a grace period to walk away without breaching the contract in case you decide the place isn’t the right fit for you.
Are you considering living in a house shared by several people? The agreement should clarify whether you’re each individually responsible for unpaid bills, or if the burden rests with the whole house.
If you are concerned about your deposit, be sure your landlord is putting it in a deposit security scheme, and will provide you with all the details required for this.
The people you’ll be sharing your space with
It’s likely that you’ll be living with strangers, not your family members, so you’ll need to ensure you know the people you’ll be sharing your space with. In the uni-owned and private halls you are able to usually indicate that you’d like to live in an all-female or all-male apartment which can be more difficult to organize in a shared home.
Halls also have a tendency to put people who are in the same year of studies with each other, which means that even if you were admitted through clearing, you’ll likely be living with fellow students in the same situation as you.
What are the things you’ll need along
Bring everything except the sink for the kitchen is an easy error to make that leads to some students ending up in a kitchen with more toasters and kettles than they have any idea of about.
If you’re moving to a private or halls-of-rest ensure you know what’s already available. The majority of student housing has staples like kettles toasters, kettles, and ironing boards already provided.
Location
What ever type of lodging you’ll be staying at it’s location that’s one of the most crucial factors to think about. Yes, a room that is located away from the city center is nice now, but will it look like a dream when you’re taking an hour long journey to the dreaded 9am class? Perhaps but not.
Finding the ideal location requires three elements:
A fair price
Close proximity to the university and student necessities like supermarkets and supermarkets
A close GP
Before signing the contract, make sure you investigate how secure the location is. The student neighborhoods are generally safe, but it is never a bad idea to do some research.
A property’s view
The ability to view a property is crucial even if it’s private residence. After narrowing down your options for Leicester university accommodation using the above list, schedule the opportunity to see.
While you’re viewing, ensure that you are checking for critical issues such as security, damp, and the quality of fittings such as the boiler, as well as any indications of insects.
If you think you require additional support to make a decision do not be afraid to contact your school, particularly when you’ll reside in a different location. They’ll be able to suggest various local options to you and assist you with any concerns you might have.
Ask a parent for advice. They’ll be more than happy to be involved in your search since they want to ensure that you’re secure at uni.