So you've passed the exams, had a long break and now is the time to take that next step. For many of you choosing to start your undergraduate degree at a top university, this year will be your first real taste of living away from home. QS Top Universities looks at the different types of student accommodation you can choose from.
There are so many types of student accommodation to choose from that finding the right one depends on you. In the UK you can choose to live either on campus in halls of residence or rent privately from a landlord. Halls of residence are usually offered to first year students, but some schools provide them for second and third year students if home is still some distance away.
Living on campus does offer a few advantages; you don�t have to go house hunting, rent is all inclusive; you don�t have to worry about bills or cleaners; it�s easy to make friends with fellow students and it can be good value for money, which means you can save for the important things like socialising.
Some halls of residence sleep hundreds of students, each have their own bedroom but bathrooms are communal. These halls also have bars and caf�s. Other complexes are made up of small self-catering flats. However, regardless of the type of accommodation you choose it�s important to apply early, and do your research. Visit the university website or get a prospectus as it will help you in the long run.
Sabarinath Kumar lived on campus during his first year at Birmingham University. He recommends students should try and apply for housing that is close by. �Some universities also have separate campuses for different classes so check out where your classes are going to be and apply for accommodation accordingly.�
For those choosing to study abroad, living on campus may be a bit tricky. France offers accommodation only to students on government scholarships. Studentenwerke (university housing) in Germany can be either a room in a shared student apartment, or a full-sized apartments for families. The US has similar student accommodation to the UK, international students are usually offered a dorm where they can choose to live with other international or domestic students.
Second year students are not always guaranteed student housing on campus so renting privately is usually the next best thing. You can find a flat to live with friends or strangers, house/flat share, rent a room, or even ask your parents to buy you a place.
Once you find a suitable place to rent you need to pay a deposit it�s a �just in case� policy. Just in case you damage the property or just in case you miss payments, your landlord will use the deposit to cover it. Always get a written receipt for money paid to the letting agents or landlords. Ask them for an inventory of the contents in the house including kitchen goods. You can get the deposit back if the house is still standing and if all fees are paid once you decide to move out.
Before moving into a house, landlords will ask for a guarantor, this is someone who will agree to cover costs if you don�t pay the rent or cause damage to the property, this is usually a parent or guardian.
Tenants have to sign a contract otherwise known as a tenancy agreement. Before you sign the document read it carefully, they protect your rights and outline your responsibilities. There are different types of agreements and whatever you choose you are still expected to look after the property. If your break the terms of your agreement i.e. cause damage or fail to pay rent, thelandlord can and will kick you out.
If you run into difficulties speak to your housing officer on campus or seek advice from independent sources such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or housing and homeless charity, Shelter.
After living on campus for his first year, Sabarinath chose to go flatting in his second year and his experiences have taught him to be careful. �Flatmates might be fun to hang out with and go clubbing, but they could also be the ones who leave the house in a complete mess and have absolutely no regard for the house and your belongings. Set expectations with your housemates as to what you expect of each other before you even go looking for a house.� As for landlords, make sure they are reputable and remember to negotiate before you move in as its easier and they are a likely to listen to any requests you may have of the property.
Students renting abroad face similar issues. If you decide to live off-campus in the US, it�s probably wise to wait until you arrive before making any commitments to signing a lease (tenancy agreement) or placing a deposit. International students also have the option of renting in fraternity orsorority houses or staying with an American family. These options can be a very good way of gaining the most of your university experience.
Private residences in Europe are easier to get hold of. In France they are more expensive but these organisations can help; R�sidences Estudines have services in 20 major French towns, with prices between �300 and �400 and ADELE (Association pour le D�veloppement �conomique du Logement �tudiant), runs a website with student accommodation available in some 100 French towns. In Germany sharing with flat mates is quite popular. Adverts are often placed in local papers and on notice boards around campus.
There are many options available in the world of student accommodation, if your do your research there�s no reason why you can�t turn a student house into a home.
Useful websites:
http://www.shelter.org.uk
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentHousing/
So you've passed the exams, had a long break and now is the time to take that next step. For many of you choosing to start your undergraduate degree at a top university, this year will be your first real taste of living away from home. QS Top Universities looks at the different types of student accommodation you can choose from.
There are so many types of student accommodation to choose from that finding the right one depends on you. In the UK you can choose to live either on campus in halls of residence or rent privately from a landlord. Halls of residence are usually offered to first year students, but some schools provide them for second and third year students if home is still some distance away.
Living on campus does offer a few advantages; you don�t have to go house hunting, rent is all inclusive; you don�t have to worry about bills or cleaners; it�s easy to make friends with fellow students and it can be good value for money, which means you can save for the important things like socialising.
Some halls of residence sleep hundreds of students, each have their own bedroom but bathrooms are communal. These halls also have bars and caf�s. Other complexes are made up of small self-catering flats. However, regardless of the type of accommodation you choose it�s important to apply early, and do your research. Visit the university website or get a prospectus as it will help you in the long run.
Sabarinath Kumar lived on campus during his first year at Birmingham University. He recommends students should try and apply for housing that is close by. �Some universities also have separate campuses for different classes so check out where your classes are going to be and apply for accommodation accordingly.�
For those choosing to study abroad, living on campus may be a bit tricky. France offers accommodation only to students on government scholarships. Studentenwerke (university housing) in Germany can be either a room in a shared student apartment, or a full-sized apartments for families. The US has similar student accommodation to the UK, international students are usually offered a dorm where they can choose to live with other international or domestic students.
Second year students are not always guaranteed student housing on campus so renting privately is usually the next best thing. You can find a flat to live with friends or strangers, house/flat share, rent a room, or even ask your parents to buy you a place.
Once you find a suitable place to rent you need to pay a deposit it�s a �just in case� policy. Just in case you damage the property or just in case you miss payments, your landlord will use the deposit to cover it. Always get a written receipt for money paid to the letting agents or landlords. Ask them for an inventory of the contents in the house including kitchen goods. You can get the deposit back if the house is still standing and if all fees are paid once you decide to move out.
Before moving into a house, landlords will ask for a guarantor, this is someone who will agree to cover costs if you don�t pay the rent or cause damage to the property, this is usually a parent or guardian.
Tenants have to sign a contract otherwise known as a tenancy agreement. Before you sign the document read it carefully, they protect your rights and outline your responsibilities. There are different types of agreements and whatever you choose you are still expected to look after the property. If your break the terms of your agreement i.e. cause damage or fail to pay rent, thelandlord can and will kick you out.
If you run into difficulties speak to your housing officer on campus or seek advice from independent sources such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or housing and homeless charity, Shelter.
After living on campus for his first year, Sabarinath chose to go flatting in his second year and his experiences have taught him to be careful. �Flatmates might be fun to hang out with and go clubbing, but they could also be the ones who leave the house in a complete mess and have absolutely no regard for the house and your belongings. Set expectations with your housemates as to what you expect of each other before you even go looking for a house.� As for landlords, make sure they are reputable and remember to negotiate before you move in as its easier and they are a likely to listen to any requests you may have of the property.
Students renting abroad face similar issues. If you decide to live off-campus in the US, it�s probably wise to wait until you arrive before making any commitments to signing a lease (tenancy agreement) or placing a deposit. International students also have the option of renting in fraternity orsorority houses or staying with an American family. These options can be a very good way of gaining the most of your university experience.
Private residences in Europe are easier to get hold of. In France they are more expensive but these organisations can help; R�sidences Estudines have services in 20 major French towns, with prices between �300 and �400 and ADELE (Association pour le D�veloppement �conomique du Logement �tudiant), runs a website with student accommodation available in some 100 French towns. In Germany sharing with flat mates is quite popular. Adverts are often placed in local papers and on notice boards around campus.
There are many options available in the world of student accommodation, if your do your research there�s no reason why you can�t turn a student house into a home.
Useful websites:
http://www.shelter.org.uk
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentHousing/