If you’re moving to the UK for the first time, finding accommodation can be overwhelming. Here’s how to succeed in finding a place to call home.
Once you've confirmed your university choice, the next step is to find a nice student home. As you’ll be living there for at least a year, you need to ensure it fits your criteria.
If you're not sure what to look for, don't fret. Here are some suggestions for finding the ideal student home:
Research the place you’re moving to
To obtain a true sense of your chosen town or city, you'll need to do your research. Look for information on the cost of living, local attractions, popular student neighbourhoods, how to get bargains, and the best broadband packages. This part of your accommodation search can actually be a lot of fun.
When you’ve found a place you like, try to arrange a viewing to make sure it’s up to your standards. Look out for things like a quiet study room, bike parking, and a nice living room. Research nearby amenities, like gyms, stations and bus stops.
Location
As the saying goes, three of your top priorities should be location, location, location. If you're not staying in halls, it’s important to find out about where you’ll be living.
Are there easy routes to campus and town? Is the area student-friendly and is there a nearby library? These are the questions you should be asking.
Budget
Consider what you’d be willing to pay for accommodation and set a monthly budget to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember that bills aren't usually included with rent either, so budget accordingly.
When planning your study abroad budget, determine what is viable. It pays to budget pragmatically when moving to a foreign country.
Types of accommodation
There are a few different types of student accommodation in the UK. You can rent an entire apartment, a single room in a shared house, or student halls on campus. Cleaning and bills are normally covered if you opt for the latter.
While student halls are normally reserved for first year students and postgraduates, they sometimes make concessions. Contact your chosen university to find out which options are available.
Don't get frustrated
Remember that student housing can sell quickly, especially in big cities like Leeds, Manchester, or London. To avoid disappointment, start your search as early as possible.
Remember that other students, both international and domestic, will be looking at the same places.
How Amberstudent can help you
AmberStudent wants to help international students planning to study abroad in the wake of this pandemic. We feel responsible for our students, which is why we've revised our cancellation policy to provide students with clarity about their accommodation.
