If you’re planning to go to university, selecting your place of residence is the first major decision you’ll have to make on your own (no stress). Finding the perfect accommodation for you is going to require some study and a keen eyesight. Here are the factors to consider when making your decision…
The amount of rental
If you come across a place with a an affordable rent You’ll think you’ve won the lottery for accommodation But remember that a lower cost per month typically means that there aren’t any bills included. If you live in halls or apartments, you won’t need to be concerned about as rental will typically include internet and bills included.
If you’re considering private lodging, don’t worry! Check if the bills are included in the rental If they aren’t, be sure to inquire how much they are usually per month. In the case of Wi-Fi in homes for students ensure that the signal is sufficient 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 that could reduce your expenses over the long term.
Modern cinemas, state-of-the-art gaming rooms and gyms are now a regular included in the amenities which students have access to. As with halls, private lodging providers also place a lot of emphasis on creating a sense of community for their residents. They also host numerous events so you can meet your neighbors.
The T&Cs in your contract
Nobody likes reading the tiny text in contracts, but the terms of an accommodation contract carry much more weight than terms and conditions you read when downloading an application.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of your Leicester university accommodation contract. Also, what the deposit amount is and if there’s a time limit to walk away without breaking the agreement if you decide that the property isn’t the right fit for you.
Are you considering living in a shared home? The contract should specify whether you’re each individually responsible for late payments on bills or if the liability rests with the entire house.
If you are concerned about your deposit, be sure your landlord has put the deposit in a deposit protection scheme, and will provide you with all the information you need about 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 are aware of who you will live with. In university owned buildings, and private halls you are able to usually indicate whether you’d prefer to live in an all-female or all-male apartment which can be more difficult to organize in a house shared.
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 be sharing a room with 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 students being in a kitchen that is stocked with more toasters and kettles than they have any idea of about.
If you’re moving into a private residence or a hall ensure you know the amenities already in place. The majority of student housing has staples like kettles toasters, ironing boards already provided.
Location
What ever type of lodging you’ll be staying at it’s location that’s one of the most important factors to think about. A cheap hotel located away from the city center is nice now, but will it appear the same when you’re making an hour-long drive to the dreaded 9am class? Perhaps but not.
Finding the ideal location requires three components:
A reasonable cost
Close proximity to the university and essential student amenities like shopping and supermarkets
A GP in the area GP
Before signing the contract, make sure you know how secure the location is. The student neighborhoods are generally safe, but it’s never hurts to verify.
A property’s view
The ability to view a property is crucial even if it’s private property. After narrowing down your options for accommodation using the above list, schedule the opportunity to see.
If you’re looking at the property, be sure to look for critical issues such as security, damp, and the quality of fittings such as the boiler, as well as any evidence of insects.
If you think you require additional support when making a choice Don’t be hesitant to contact your institution, especially in the event that you’ll reside in a different location. They’ll be able to suggest the best local accommodations to you and assist you with any concerns that you may have.
Ask a parent for advice. They’ll be more than willing to get involved in your search since they want to ensure that you’re safe at university.