Student
Accommodation
What You Should Know
Leaving home
for the first time is a big step. Before you venture out
into the “real world” make sure you’re aware
of the issues involved. Most educational establishments
have an accommodation office with experienced staff to give
advice to overseas students. If you are a new student this
is likely to be your first port of call. They are here to
provide help so don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Several
options are open to you. These include staying in the college
halls of residence, renting a room privately in a family
home-or sharing a flat with other students.
Halls of Residence
If you are in
a strange town and new to student life, halls can be ideal.
Most establishments regard first year students a priority
when allocating places. Go and visit if you can to find
out what’s available and what facilities are on offer.
These vary, but generally you can expect a laundry, a telephone
and shared cooking facilities.
Rooms tend to
be single occupancy. Most rooms have a wash basin, but you
may have to share a bathroom with other students. Some halls
have their own refectory in addition to the college canteen.
Particularly if located off campus. Once you’ve been
offered a place make sure you confirm right away that you
will be taking it.
It always helps
to be flexible. You may find after a while in the halls
that you wish to change your accommodation arrangements.
You could, for instance meet others you wish to join in
a house-share somewhere off campus. Be aware though that
the majority of colleges require you to commit to a year
at a time.
Renting Private
Accommodation
There is a huge
range of accommodation available in the rented sector ranging
from a room in a house to multi-occupancy housing. The quality
of living arrangements can have a serious effect on your
ability to study.
Again, the accommodation
office can advise you. Many have a register of suitable
accommodation in the area. You can also check local newspapers
and look for advertisements posted in shop windows and on
college notice boards.
Unless you know
the people who have advertised the accommodation, try not
to go and see it alone. If there is no other option, tell
someone where you’re going.
The NUS has produced
a leaflet with details of what to look for when you view
a place. It also outlines your rights as a tenant regarding
repairs that need carrying out. Make sure you fully understand
the terms and conditions before signing anything.
Ensure the accommodation
has the facilities you need. You may want access to a washing
machine, or a telephone. Are these included? Does the property
have regular gas safety checks? The landlord should be able
to provide a list of these.
Whether in halls
of residence or private accommodation, you need to sign
with a local doctor. Your local library can provide you
with names and addresses and some universities have a health
centre on campus.
