For an international student, the opportunity to study abroad is like a dream come true. Finding a suitable apartment might be challenging for a young person moving to a new nation for further education. This article serves as a go-to guide for all your needs.
Due to the presence of numerous highly regarded universities and colleges, the UK is one of the most coveted study abroad locations in the world. Given the number of international students in the UK, it's hardly surprises that there are some top-notch student housing options. On-campus housing is a popular option in the UK, but there is a limited supply and a number of guidelines that must be fulfilled. On the other hand, off-campus housing offers additional amenities and releases you from many limitations. There are also several excellent student housing options close to institutions.
We'll give you some information on the different types of accommodations in the UK in this blog. You'll find the ideal student housing on your own with its assistance.
Preparing for your housing
Before you arrive in the UK, you can plan for university housing, some other long-term housing, and the majority of temporary lodging. Only once you arrive in the UK can alternate long-term housing be secured.
Make sure you are aware of your options, your deadlines, and
what you desire
what's required
what is within your means (Budgeting)
Geographic Preferences.
Basically, there are two types of housing options:
Student Housing
Other Housing
Student Housing
Student housing or dorms are referred to as student halls of residence in the UK. The university hall and the private dorm off campus are the two different kinds of student housing.
The common areas like the kitchen, living room, or reading room are shared by up to 10 rooms on a level in these dorms. Typically, a shared bathroom is available in each of these rooms. You may engage with other students nearby if you live in a student residence, which is a big advantage. There are both catered and uncatered student halls available. You will have access to the communal kitchen in addition to receiving three meals a day in the catered halls. Depending on your budget, you can pick between different accommodation kinds including single or double bedrooms.
If you choose to live in a university residence hall, your life may become more comfortable because you won't need to use public transportation since they are on campus. You merely need to get out of bed and dress to head to class. The majority of student accommodation has internet access, either via a university server or through personal contracts with commercial providers for each individual student. The lease agreement will specify that utilities (such as water and energy) are often included in the rent.
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Application Procedure:
Preparation is almost usually required before travel to the UK. If a course spot is granted to you, you will typically be asked if you'd prefer your school to help you find privately rented housing or to provide housing of your own. Make sure you adhere to the application guidelines, especially in regard to meeting the deadlines.
Go over the housing details and online links that the institution sends you in great detail. Make sure your intentions are clear and that you are aware of your possibilities. For most students who are new to the UK, institution housing is the best option for a number of reasons:
Positive opinions of the organisation, faith in their dependability and honesty, and satisfaction with the calibre and value of provided accommodation are all indicators of the institution's success.
Being at the centre of the establishment makes you feel safer and more protected.
Having more social opportunities and feeling more connected.
Being able to utilise the institution's resources and services more easily.
Book in advance to travel safely and with confidence.
These aspects of your institution's housing may or may not be accurate but based on many new students experiences these aspects should to be crucial. However, consider what is best for you and base your choice on that.
Other Housing
House or Flat Share
Studio Apartments
Hostels
Home share
House or Flat Share
Many university students choose to rent homes or apartments instead of living in residence halls because they are more affordable.
University students can find private apartments and rooms on a number of websites, including Spare Room, Zoopla, Right Move, and Gum Tree. The lodging near the campus of the university can be a little pricey. In order to make your life as a student more convenient, try to select a home close to the bus stop or any other type of public transportation.
Studio Apartments
A studio is a single room with a sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom. Although this kind of dwelling is often only for one person, some larger studios might work for a pair.
Studios are typically the most expensive type of housing available to students, so before renting, you should give the cost some careful thought. Sharing a home or amenities might cause conflict, but it can also be a great opportunity to meet new people. Meeting new people can be more challenging when you live alone in a studio.
Hostels
In London, hostels are very prevalent and are frequently run by charitable organisations. Students who are single or in a pair can find lodging in some hostels. Some meals may be provided by the hostels, while those that have kitchens can let guests cook for themselves. If you stay in a hostel, you can get a chance to get to know the region where you are studying, which is beneficial if you want to obtain private housing later.
Home share
You might also want to think about home sharing. Young people and older homeowners are matched in this housing exchange for assistance in return for lower rent and a mutually agreed-upon amount of support. Visit Home Share for more information.
Documents Required
If you live with your landlord, less documents can be needed, but if you reserve housing through an agency or online, you'll need some paperwork. Having a written contract is something you should always ensure.
When making a reservation through an agency or web site, you will be needed to sign a contract. Some may even request that you pay a deposit that will be reimbursed after the rental agreement is over, as well as one month's rent in advance.
Hopefully by this point you have a basic understanding of student housing in the UK. To find the most affordable student housing options in the UK, visit Homes for Students
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Lastly Here are a few things to remember
Contracts and Tenancies: Depending on what you want and need, this is where things might become a little complicated. It can be challenging to get a room in one of the student housing complexes if your needs fall outside of the terms of the 51- or 44-week leases. Why is this!
Rooms throughout the summer may not be available if you want to move in sooner and you will need to sell the room if you want to leave early if the existing students are on a 51-week contract. This can also be challenging if you want to move in for a December or January move-in. Some are really good and can make the adjustments, but others won't and want to adhere to a predetermined leasing agreement.
Last but not least, everything depends on if there are any open rooms. Every lodging establishment would ideally sell their lodging on a 51-week contract and would both offer and not provide January starts.
If you desire a semester 2 lease, which runs from January to March or April, it becomes more difficult because few landlords have rooms available for this brief term. Why? because they are looking for students who will attend till July or August.
Check your finances: The main factor in choosing a location to live is likely going to depend on your ability to pay the rent each month. Depending on how close to the university an apartment is, different costs apply. The cost of rent is lowest in rural locations, with city apartments typically costing more than those in the suburbs.
Create a spending plan that considers your rent and essential living costs. Look into the rent's included as well. What happens and who foots the price if damage from normal wear and tear occurs? Plan your budget to account for water and power costs, as well as any unforeseen costs, as they are typically not included in monthly rent.
Geographical Considerations: To ensure that you never have to travel far, find out what amenities are nearby. For instance, how far is the closest grocery shop for weekly supplies and is there a convenience store nearby for things like milk, bread, or bandages. Can you study in a nearby coffee shop with Wi-Fi or a nearby library if the lodging is in a noisy area? Can you discover a local yoga studio, join a nearby gym, or hang out with your buddies in the bar for some downtime? Lastly, consider the accessibility of the universities, entertainment venues, and other transportation hubs through public transportation.
Preparing your apartment: Many international students struggle with homesickness. Make your place feel like home by bringing in personal touches once you've unpacked. Instead of merely being a place for you to eat, sleep, and occasionally stay in, turn your apartment into a place where you can relax. You'll have a far more enjoyable stay if you do this.
Consider purchasing tools that make life easy for students if you can afford to buy new furnishings for your homes. The majority of apartments come fully equipped, although some may be missing certain things like storage space, furniture, or appliances for the kitchen.
by Sudheer Gupta
Sudheer Gupta, a University of Essex graduate, works as a Supply Chain Professional at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). He is a INSA Coordinator at University of Nottingham.
*This column is part of the iGlobal Campus Roundup series with Indian National Students Association (INSA) UK
**Disclaimer: Each and every piece of material on this guide is presented in good faith and is solely intended to provide general information. INSA UK disclaims all responsibility for the reliability, accuracy, and completeness of this information. You alone are responsible for any actions you take in reliance on the information you discover on this article. INSA UK disclaims all responsibility and liability for any losses and/or damages arising from the use of this guide.