You’ve been accepted to the university. But wait a second isn’t that a small issue of where you’ll live? Although many universities provide accommodation on campus during the first year, there are many options to pick from – and may require a private.
It’s not an easy job particularly if you’re not familiar with the city you’re choosing however, your school will be able to offer ample guidance throughout the process.
We talked to The Student Housing Company, who assisted us in putting together this comprehensive guide on how to find an appropriate Leicester uni accommodation to live.
Explore the various accommodation options available
Each university has at the very least two types of accommodation available for students in the first year for the first year, including:
Halls with catering.
Self-catered halls.
Self-catered flats/houses.
It’s the best way to assist you make a decision than exploring the accommodations and looking at the rooms. It’s commonplace that this is a part of an open day, however if you’ve not yet been able to attend or aren’t sure what options you have you have, it’s worth asking your university for a second time.
The complete information and photos of every accommodation are available on the website of the university as well as in their prospectus in the event you don’t remember.
What happens if I find an area through clearing?
The search for student housing could be a bit more difficult when you have secured your spot in university by clearing. Certain universities reserve some places for students who have cleared however if this is not the case, there are alternatives available other than university-owned buildings.
The university you attend is likely to be able to provide recommendations for private accommodation providers which include private student halls or student house-shares. Be sure to schedule visits to these properties when you can, so that you will have an idea of the suitability of these properties for you. Also, make sure you ask any questions to the landlord or service provider if you’re not clear about what rooms are included.
Be aware of what you want and do not wish for anything else.
It is helpful to know what you want from your accommodation for students and, most importantly, the things you do not want. The student homes should be completely furnished with everything you require, meaning you don’t need to fret about organizing furniture that is bulky. There are some important items you should be aware of:
Catered/self-catered.
En-suite bathroom.
Single or shared rooms.
Communal space.
Storage/parking facilities.
If you’re not sure about cooking on your own catering services could be the best choice however if you have particular dietary needs, it might be easier to enjoy the flexibility to cook at home in self-catering accommodation.
Rooms for students vary greatly in size, from rooms with en-suite bathrooms to rooms with bathrooms shared, as well as large rooms to box rooms. The extra space or having your bathroom could push costs up quite a amount, which is why it’s crucial to determine if these amenities are within your budget.
Certain universities provide rooms that are shared, in addition to the more popular possibility of having your own space. If you don’t really wish to share a space with someone else, be sure to mention this in your application.
Many accommodation options offer communal areas. In halls, you might be sharing with many individuals, however in house-share arrangements, you could be sharing a space with up to six other people. It isn’t easy to move into a new place with strangers however having a shared dining room or living space will make it much easier to get together with your housemates and begin acquainted with the people they share with.
If you’re planning on driving to school in a car, then you will need to ensure that parking is available near your residence or close to. If you’re riding a bicycle make sure there is secure storage facilities. A lot of universities are installing bike storage facilities on campuses.
Cost and location are factors to consider.
With the basic elements that you have in mind it is time to think about the cost and location of every type of lodging you believe is appropriate. The price is crucial and you should try to stay to your budget and loan allowance, and avoid unnecessary expenses if you’re having a hard time paying the bills.
Be sure to check if the price is monthly or weekly and if it includes expenses, and the number of weeks it covers. Private or catered halls might appear more expensive, however this could be due to the fact that they include all your expenses included in the total cost.
Additionally, some university-owned accommodations might have you move out in the Christmas and Easter holidays, therefore it is crucial to know how long you’re paying for. Do not sign a 12-month contract as you’ll be in the university for nine months during the year.
If you aren’t familiar with the city of your university It is vital to double-check where exactly the accommodation is. In some larger cities, you might find that there isn’t a specific campus, and lecture halls as well as accommodation buildings are scattered throughout the city. Find out the transport routes from your accommodation to the lectures prior to booking anything – this will help avoid anxiety about getting to your classes on time when the term begins.
Contact your school or your accommodation service
After you’ve considered all the advantages and disadvantages of each hotel and you’re now able to pick the one that is most appropriate for you. If you’re choosing a place which is managed by your institution There may be an application form that you have to fill out in order to secure your space. It’s a good idea to contact the university first to confirm this in case you’re not sure.
If you’ve chosen privately-owned student accommodation, you must contact the landlord or provider to arrange your contract and reserve your room.
Before signing an agreement, make sure that you’ve read all the terms and know what the charges include. It’s now time to be excited about moving-in day! If you’re looking to be well-prepared, why not create a list of all the items you’ll need to take with you and everything else you’ll require to purchase prior to the moving day.