We’re happy to announce that you’ve secured a place at the school you’ve picked. Now you have to sort out your student housing, which may seem like an overwhelming task considering that you’re not yet living in the UK yet.
There’s good news, there are a lot of good quality choices for student housing in the UK that we’ve analyzed to make it easier for you to choose the best one in this article together with some pros and cons of each!
University-run accommodation
Living in university accommodation (which is often called’student residences’) is popular with first year students because it’s a fantastic way to meet other students and to make new friends. The halls are usually quite close to your university this is a good thing if you’re new to the area, and in addition, if you’re running late for a lecture!
Room costs vary between universities, but this option is by far the cost-effective and the rent could include all of your expenses, including internet connections to your room. A few universities also offer meals wherein breakfast and dinner are covered.
Most universities try to provide international students with access to student accommodation Leicester when you meet the deadline to apply.
Benefits of living in university run accommodation
Sometimes, the campus is close by
A great way to get to know the other students at your school.
It can be an economical alternative
Cons of living in university-run accommodation
You often must share a kitchen and sometimes a bathroom with other students
The rooms are usually very small.
They can be very noisy due to the sheer number of students living there
Rent a house or flat privately
In the UK there is always plenty of houses and flats near universities. This option may suit you If you’re looking to be with your friends or move to UK with your family. UK with your family.
You can rent a whole place or even a room known as house share or flat, and could mean you are sharing the property with students or even locals. This option will mean you will have to locate the property on your own, and that the rent will usually not include the expenses, such as broadband, gas, water as well as electricity. you’ll have to handle.
In the end, you’ll need to work with an individual landlord. But don’t fret, there is a lot of protections for tenants in the UK like the Tenancy Fee Act, which is a law that limits deposits to five weeks’ rent.
University and Students’ Unions often offer list of licensed estate agents and landlords , where you can discover private flats and houses to rent.
Advantages of having a private house or flat
A house or flat is a wonderful way to fully immerse yourself in in the UK and getting to know the localsand helping to immerse yourself into the local culture.
There is greater privacy, and you’ll also save money by cooking at your home.
You’ll enjoy greater security and privacy. You can also choose to reside on your own that will create a calmer, tidier and more serene environment.
Cons of owning a private house or flat
Localities that are convenient for the commute to school may be expensive.
In most cases , you’ll be the one to pay for all expenses and maintaining the property, as well as the landscaping, if it is one.
If you don’t share a home with fellow students, it can be harder to make friends which could lead to isolation.
Living with a host family
If you’re in search of a home away from home, have you considered the possibility of living with a host parent? There are a variety of websites that allow you to pair international students with host families, based on what they require. You’ll need to fill in an application form to identify what you want and you’ll then be presented with some possibilities that will meet your needs. You can, for instance, opt to stay at a family that includes meal plans, such as breakfast, lunch packed and dinner. You can also opt for self-catering where you have access to the kitchen of the host.
Benefits of living with a host family
It will help you settle into your new home quicker, avoid culture shock and assist you in feeling less sick
Rent will include the cost of bills and possibly meals
The university you attend should be an easy commute from the host family
Cons to living with an host family
It is possible to feel disengaged from university life
It is unlikely that you’ll be able to invite your friends over
Private purpose-built student accommodation
Accommodation for students in private student housing within the UK is generally in new multi-storey buildings designed to a very high standard. The benefit of this choice is that often it includes the entire cost of your bills, insurance on contents, and internet to ensure you know the amount you’ll be spending each month.
The rooms are designed and decorated in a manner that is of a high standard. The majority of rooms get your own private bathroom. Some apartments even have the option of a kitchen for yourself, which isn’t always the case with accommodations for students.
Private accommodations do attract a lot of students from other countries than the UK This means that you’ll be among people who have travelled from around the world to study at different universities – thus, you’re not going to have a reason not to enjoy a fantastic time and make lots of new acquaintances.
Pros to private purpose-built student accommodation
A lot of the time, the city’s centre, close to amenities and close to the university
You’ll get to meet students from your school and other universities located in the city.
All charges and, often content insurance are included in the rent.
Contradictions to student accommodation
This can be more expensive
They can be very noisy, especially given the number so students living there
You might end up living with lots of other international students, rather than the home students