What type of accommodation should you go for is one of your most important decisions as a student. This choice can set the tone for your entire university experience. It can also affect how well you can enjoy your life away from home.
Choosing student accommodation is not always easy, but it can be simple. This article highlights eight factors that you should take into account.
Price Range
One of the most key factors to consider is the price range. Most of the time, you have to live within your means, especially if you don’t have a lot of money saved up for school. Thus, finding an affordable place to live that fits your budget is crucial.
First of all, you should figure out what is the acceptable price range for you. You can do this by looking at how much you are willing to pay per month and then making adjustments based on how many people are sharing the space with you. You may keep reading free resources online to find an affordable place.
Location
When choosing your accommodation, determine where do you want to live. Will you be comfortable living near the main street or Greek row? Will you like to be closer to the university for easy travel or somewhat far from it for some peace? If there is a lot of noise from traffic or other people living nearby, there may be better options so that you can have undisturbed sleep at night. Having noisy neighbors or ones who like throwing loud parties means getting little rest, which is not conducive for students.
When checking your options for student accommodation, you can look around online and go through reviews. It would be better if you pay a visit. This will help you find out if the location meets your conditions.
Amenities And Services
Amenities and services are essential features to look for when choosing student accommodation. It is crucial to find a place that has all the amenities that you need. The more amenities and services a place have, the better it is for students.
Some amenities include a kitchen with available equipment, so you won’t have to purchase your own. This also allows you to save up on food because you can cook your own instead of eating out every time.
Others also offer a laundry room where you can clean your clothes. Rather than paying for laundry services outside, you can do it inside your apartment instead of going out whenever you want to wash clothes.
Size
Finalize what size of accommodation is appropriate for your lifestyle. Would you rather have a room all to yourself or is it okay to have a roommate? College dormitories usually have rooms for two to three people. If you are okay with a smaller space, then maybe you can choose a room for three people. The more people sharing the space, the cheaper the rent.
You can visit the website of your college or university to find out how many students stay in the dorms. If there are more than one hundred students, and you’re not comfortable sharing your building with that many people, then maybe an apartment will be a better option for you. You may choose an apartment with at least two bedrooms and bathrooms so that you’ll still have your own space yet have someone to help you cover the rent.
Security
As a student, the last thing you want to worry about is a security issue, as you leave your things inside your apartment. For instance, an intruder may break in and steal anything valuable from your room.
To avoid security issues, check the area before signing any contracts. Look up the crime rate. If you have any safety concerns, look at other options.
Some landlords have added cameras to their properties, while others have installed alarms throughout the property. Some hire private security guards for added protection. This way, you won’t have to deal with security issues when moving in or out of your new place.
Ease Of Access
The next thing you should look for when choosing student accommodation is whether or not it’s easy to get around in the area. You should be able to find parking spaces near your new home as well as bus stops and other public transportation options. If there aren’t any nearby places close enough for you to walk, you might want to reconsider.
To check if an apartment has easy access, ask the landlord if they can provide a list of nearby restaurants and grocery stores. You can also use a global positioning system to determine whether your new home is close enough to get to places on foot. You can always visit the place. It’s also an excellent way to get used to the area and find out how long it takes to get around by car or bus.
Social Scene
The social scene is a good measure of how much fun you can have during your college days. An excellent social scene will have activities catering to all people. If you like music and art, there will be a place to hang out and make new friends with others who share your interests.
You should consider whether or not the social scene at your preferred accommodation includes all students. You may want to live in an area where many different types of ethnicities are represented, such as a multicultural area or one that welcomes all people from around the world. This can help you feel welcome and make your transition into university easier.
Cleanliness
A well-maintained and clean establishment will make you feel comfortable, at ease, and even motivated. This is a must for any student accommodation. You want to study in a space free of debris, dust, dirt, and other harmful substances.
Choose an accommodation with adequate lighting so you don’t have to worry about tripping over anything or bumping into something. Also, check if there are bugs, insects and wild animals around the place because they’re likely to spread diseases.
Key Takeaway
Choosing your accommodation is a big decision. The features you look for in student accommodations will differ depending on your needs, but these are key factors to consider. Signing a lease with something that does not check all these boxes can have potentially catastrophic consequences.
With this guide, you can find the best option for your needs and ensure that you’ll have a great time while in college.
