What you need to know about student accommodation

Settling into college is critical to your student's overall experience, so make an informed decision about which accommodation option best suits your budget and lifestyle.

To make the move as simple as possible, it is worth researching where you might live and what type of accommodation would be the most suitable for your needs.

Discover your options

As Heidi Cooper-Hind, Director of Academic and Student Services at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) says, "Choosing where to live is one of the most exciting and important decisions you will make in college."

You can usually start your accommodation application once you've accepted an offer on a course, but check with your university for details on the process.

"It's always wise to do some research," advises Claire Henshaw, accommodation coordinator at the University of Northampton, and you should start this as soon as possible.

Bedrooms

The corridors are large blocks of flats that house hundreds of students, with individually furnished rooms arranged around corridors or apartments with a shared kitchen. In some cases, bathrooms are also shared, although rooms with a bathroom are becoming more and more common.

They are usually run by the university or in association with a private company, and the quality is generally good as they must comply with national codes. Private residences offer all the benefits of university residences, but they are not linked to the university (you reserve a room directly with the specific residences you are interested in) and most have simple online reservation systems.

Many colleges guarantee a hallway spot for full-time freshmen and international postgraduates, as long as you meet the application deadlines. However, this will vary between institutions; for example, you may not be eligible if you have been through Clearing.

The hallways are especially popular with new students living away from home for the first time, Heidi says. "Usually invoices are included, so you know exactly what you are budgeting for, and it's easy to organize your accommodation by applying directly to the university, usually online."

As they are typically located on or near campus, living in hallways puts you at the center of student life. It's a great way to make friends and participate in social activities. While your room may be small, all the facilities you need (for example, a laundry room) are usually on-site, and the university's housing team is on hand when it comes to maintenance.

Several universities also offer attended accommodation. This is worth considering if you don't feel ready or can't cook for yourself, although it will add to your rental cost.

However, in exchange for the comfort of the hallways, you may pay more than you would in a private house or apartment. You can't choose who you live with, which can complicate things if you don't get along with others in your apartment, and with so much going on, the hallways are not the place to be if you value peace and quiet.

Please note that you will need to purchase your own TV license. Heidi adds, "Remember that you will be collectively responsible for the common areas of your hallways, which means you may have to contribute to repairs."

To find out how much you will pay in rent, check your university's website, as costs vary significantly based on location and facilities.

Private rented accommodation

You may prefer to live in a private rental home, which generally sleeps four or five. This is the path followed by the majority of students from the second year, but also by some of the first year.

A bonus is being able to choose who you live with (for sophomores this usually means moving in with friends made in the freshman year), which can make for a better experience.

Another benefit is that you will have more options for where to live. You'll be further from campus, but popular student accommodation in Johannesburg areas in most college towns have good transport links, as well as many shops, bars, and food outlets.

Your university's housing office can help you find available houses. "It is a good idea to see the properties you are considering before registering," advises Heidi, to make sure everything is in order.

There are a few other key points to remember. "Usually the rent is cheaper than the hallways, but you will also pay the bills," says Heidi. It will be up to you to sort out your payments for things like utilities, Wi-Fi access, content insurance, and a TV license. But remember, as long as everyone in your household is a full-time student, you don't have to pay city taxes.

In addition to managing your budget carefully, you should feel comfortable communicating with your landlord or letting the agent fix any problems or arrange repairs. Make sure you read and understand your lease and know your rights as a tenant.

For example, Heidi explains that landlords must use a rental deposit protection plan, and the local council may insist on repairs if the landlord does not maintain reasonable standards.

Living at home

For many people, leaving home, and the sense of freedom that comes with it, is one of the main attractions of going to college.

But if you've chosen to study locally, staying home can be a great alternative. Save money on rent and bills, it's convenient, and you'll avoid the stress of moving in with new people.

However, you will be further removed from student life and it may be more difficult to make friends away from the social hub of the hallways or a NSFAS accredited accommodation Johannesburg. To make it work, take part in activities like sports clubs and societies.

Making your decision

This is not an easy choice to make, so get advice from as many sources as possible. Family and friends who have been to college before are a good starting point.

"Many colleges, including AUB, invite you to attend the application days before the start of the term, where you can meet other students and take a look at some of the local rental properties available," says Heidi.

Claire adds that she shouldn't be afraid to contact the university staff if she has any questions about the hallways or private accommodation. You can also read more at University of Northampton - Our Accommodation.

In the meantime, it is never too early to start preparing financially. "If you intend to live in hallways or private accommodation while studying, you will have to save some money," says Claire. Most colleges will ask you to pay an advance rent payment or deposit when you apply for accommodation.

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