How to Choose Student Accommodation: Our 5 Top Pointers
2 years ago
The transition from high school to university can be daunting. Great news - you’re not alone. University staff and student services can offer their support in various areas including but not limited to: academic studies, finances, legal advice, and housing.
If you plan to move out and live away from home, it might be helpful to consider residential housing, which can be off campus or on campus (i.e. on university grounds).
So now you’re probably thinking, “which type of student accommodation is the best choice for me?” Glad you asked.
To help you with your decision-making, we've gathered our top 5 pointers for picking student accommodation:
1. Pricing
For many students, money can be stressful to think about. Living on university grounds can be more expensive due to the convenience and provision of facilities. Alternatively, living off campus may be cheaper but there are extra costs to the rental fee, such as Internet and electricity bills. It’s helpful to know these financial pressures can be relieved, with scholarships and financial aid available for students from regional & rural backgrounds.
2. Close Proximity to University Campus
Living on campus or within 5-15 minutes walking distance from the university grounds can be very handy. Not only do you save time, but also travelling expenses such as public transport fares and fuel. Another bonus is avoiding long commute or any potential traffic jams (Phew! Especially with that rush to head to class on time).
3. Social Connections
A highlight of the university experience is often meeting new people and forming lifelong friendships. Living on campus can provide more opportunities to connect with others through different residential events, as well as those informal catch ups in the hallways and around the campus. Residing off-campus can also be great for creating these special bonds, which a share-house (lodging with one or more individuals) can offer.
4. Privacy, Safety and Comfort
While socialising can be fun, you might prefer to dwell in a quiet place. In that case, living in a studio/apartment or living off campus can give you some privacy. Some universities also have alcohol-free/quiet-area residential options which might be beneficial if you’d like to stay on campus. For off campus, it is good to check the safety of the neighbourhood and its surroundings. In general, it’s helpful to book a tour to know what the accommodation looks like and whether it suits your preferences.
5. Close Proximity to Dining and Shopping
Another factor to consider is the distance from the main town square. You might do your own cooking (could depend on whether the accommodation is self-catered or fully catered), so the supermarket is your go-to. With ticking off groceries, you can also check out places to eat (such as grabbing a cup of coffee) and other services including the gym and pharmacy.
With these points in mind, we hope you are better equipped to look out for what type of student accommodation suits you best. Good luck with the move! May the abode be ever in your favour.
If you’re keen to learn more about students’ firsthand experiences, check our previous posts about what life might be like after school (there's also part 2!) on our RESN blog.