Top Considerations When Choosing Student Accommodation

Your comfort and well-being are some of the most important things when starting your journey as a university student, as these factors could directly affect your overall experience. For students who choose to move to a different city or plan to study abroad, it is very important to select the right student accommodation. 

 

While looking for your ideal student accommodation, you may encounter two main types: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus housing is provided by the university, while off-campus housing consists of private properties tailored for student living. 

 

On-campus Vs Off-campus Accommodation

The comparison between these two types of accommodation options depends majorly on 4 major factors – Privacy, lease flexibility, facilities available and availability. So, let us briefly discuss on-campus and off-campus accommodation on the basis of these four factors: 

 

On-campus accommodation:

• Privacy: Due to common shared rooms and communal living spaces, on-campus accommodations typically offer less privacy than off-campus options. 

 

• Lease flexibility: Leases for on-campus housing are usually tied to the academic calendar, offering less flexibility. 

 

• Facilities: Universities often provide comprehensive facilities, including libraries, gyms, dining halls, and laundry services. Maintenance and security are also generally included.

 

• Availability: On-campus housing is often in high demand, and availability can be limited since the preferred candidates for on-campus housing are usually first-year students. Early application is crucial to secure a spot.

 

Off-campus accommodation:

• Privacy: Off-campus accommodations offer greater privacy. Students can rent individual apartments or houses, which provide more personal space and fewer shared facilities.

 

• Lease Flexibility:  Off-campus housing typically offers more flexible lease terms. Month-to-month or customisable lease periods are common.

 

• Facilities:  The facilities in off-campus housing can vary widely. Some places might offer amenities like gyms, pools and other facilities.

 

• Availability:  Off-campus housing generally has more availability and variety. Students can choose from a range of options in different price ranges and locations, providing greater flexibility in finding suitable accommodations.

 

When selecting the ideal student accommodation, it's crucial to consider factors that will provide a comfortable and supportive living environment and enhance your academic performance. Let's delve into what to consider while looking for off-campus housing:

 

6 Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Home Away from Home!

 

1. Location

Your accommodation location is the first thing to consider before choosing the right student housing for you. You might want to be close to campus so it's quicker to get to class and attend campus events. 

 

While you may not always find your accommodation 5 to 10 minutes away from your campus, you can always consider an area about 20 minutes away so you can get to uni by public transport. 

 

As a young person living alone, you should always consider your personal safety. Research the area and the accommodation supplier before reaching out to make sure the area is safe enough for students. Remember to take someone with you as you go for a viewing. 

 

2. Budget

 

When it comes to rent, setting up a realistic budget is vital. Explore different types of accommodation options within your budget constraints, which will provide you with multiple options to choose from. 

 

However, rent varies from city to city, and taking all your requirements into account—especially proximity to campus—might cost a bit more. 

 

For example, choosing student accommodation in Manchester or London close to your University/campus comes with various pricing scales depending on your needs. So, list your housing preferences and all the options before booking your future accommodation. 

 

Below are the average rents in some of the most popular cities in the UK for a brief understanding:

 

London: £200 - £400 per week

Manchester: £120 - £180 per week

Birmingham: £110 - £170 per week

Leeds: £100 - £160 per week

Bristol: £140 - £200 per week

 

3. Room Types and Layout

Every student has dreamt of living on their own, and you may have some expectations of the kind of accommodation you want to live in, whether sharing it with a friend, a single room, a studio apartment, and the list goes on.  So, being a little picky about how you want to live and what type of layout you want is completely fair on your side. Considerations for privacy, noise levels, and room size may take a little time and effort, but at the end of the day, you deserve to live in a comfortable accommodation that gives you the space to rest and grow! 

 

4) Lease Terms and Conditions

Since you will be renting your student accommodation, you must review the lease agreement and its flexibility for short-term or long-term stays. You also need to understand the rental terms and conditions, deposit requirements, and policies for your lease termination. 

 

For a new adult, this might look a bit scary at first, but don’t worry; with the help of the amberstudent app, you can book accommodation with no hassle. You can also get help from your parents and peers to understand the renting process better. 

 

5) Lifestyle and Preferences

Compatibility with personal preferences and lifestyle choices means you can create your own little safe space in your accommodation. Factors like cleanliness, social atmosphere, and community engagement can keep you busy in your leisure time, which can be especially great for university students. Many purpose-built student accommodations include essential amenities on the premises to fit your lifestyle. These features are designed to save you time and energy, making them well worth considering. 

 

For example, this student accommodation in London has a dedicated 24/7 Team, Bi-Weekly Cleaning for a Shared Flat Kitchen, Gyms, Dining Rooms, Karaoke and Cinema Rooms, Lounges, Gaming Zones, and much more!

 

6) Reviews and Feedback

Researching online reviews and testimonials from previous tenants will give you more confidence about the property. To avoid scams, seek recommendations from your peers, university resources, or online forums. 

 

Online student accommodation platforms with verified services can also help you find your accommodation in no time. These platforms have verified properties with reviews and feedback from previous tenants, making them trustworthy. You will find all your essential needs on these platforms, making house hunting 10 steps closer. Most importantly, the entire process is super simple, even for someone doing house-hunting for the first time!  

 

Conclusion

From the location of the property to the amenities provided, every factor is equally important while looking for your dream accommodation. This article aims to help you choose your perfect student housing and thus have the best university experience that you can have. Considering the above-mentioned factors and doing thorough research before making your final decision can be a great place to start. Happy house hunting!

 

This article has been done in collaboration with Amber Student - they are one of the leading student accommodation platforms, established in 2016 and serving over 80 million students globally. Amber Student is your one-stop destination for all your housing needs, fully assisted by Amber experts. Download the Amber app from the Google Play or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.

 

Author’s Bio - Bobby Sinha is a graduate in business, working as a writer, and someday aspiring to become a Filmmaker.