Finding a place to live in the United States as an international college student is quite a task.
If you are planning to pursue your studies in the UK typically, you will have the choice between student halls of residence, or privately renting a flat , or house. When you’ve determined which one to opt for, there will be additional factors to take into consideration in deciding on a suitable accommodation.
Here are five suggestions for finding accommodations throughout the UK.
1. Decide on what type of hotel you’d like
The first thing you need to consider when it comes to the type of home you’d like. There are three types available in the UK University accommodation as well as private student halls. a rented house or flat.
The accommodation for students in Leicester can be varied , from a single room with a shared bathroom to a room with an ensuite in a tiny space called a student “flat”. Your university will usually send details about the kinds of rooms available which allows you to select and apply for the option that meets your needs. There are also catered and self-catered options.
It is important to keep in mind that university accommodations will be offered primarily to first-year undergraduates and postgraduate students. If you’re a second or third-year undergraduate student you might not be able to select a university residence.
If you’re planning to move into a large city There is the option of renting privately owned or purpose-built student halls. These are typically higher than accommodation at universities however, they could be updated and feature more modern facilities and room options. Students at any level are usually eligible for these.
Alternately, you can lease a house or a house with an estate agent. The most efficient way to locate the right place is to use a reputable local estate agent. You can contact your university’s student union and ask them for recommendations of estate agents or contact other international students who have previously rented privately.
It might be difficult for you to tour properties in person before arriving in UK to start your studies. Make sure to request plenty of photographs and don’t be scared to inquire if the property’s owner or estate agent is willing to take you on video tours inside the home. It’s even better to ask an acquaintance or family member to view the property for you, but this may not always be possible.
2. Calculate your room’s cost
When selecting your accommodations make sure you consider how much you’ll be able to afford for accommodation during your time studying in another country.
If you are staying in an accommodation at a university and have a room, you may be able to choose payments plans (such as the one that allows you to pay at the beginning of each term) or pay the entire amount in one go. In the majority of university accommodation you will pay for the services like internet and water usage are included in the cost.
But, if you’re renting privately in a house or in halls, you’ll need find a place that falls within your budget and comes with bills that you can afford to pay every month. Some houses or apartments will include utility bills in your monthly rent, while other will have you pay for them in addition to the rent. Be sure to verify the details and allocate funds in your budget for each of the various costs prior to signing the lease.
If you’re renting with your friends, make sure that everyone is certain about who will be paying the amount before you move in. This will ensure there will be no surprises or disagreements when you’ve all settled in.
In the case of a flat or house, you could also have to pay a few months’ rent in advance as a security deposit, so ensure to include this in your costs for moving. Look into deposit protection schemes or ask your landlord if they will be protecting your deposit through an arrangement to guarantee that your deposit will be returned at the time you end the lease.
3. Choose your location
The location where you live is important and must be carefully considered.
Research the city or town you are moving to and select a few areas which you’d like to reside in. You might prefer to live close to the campus as you can, or you might prefer to be located a bit from the action.
Make sure that the location you’re looking to reside in is safe and has good transportation links in the city, too.
Wherever you decide on, make sure that it suits all your needs.
4. Service providers or research providers. They must also have licenses
If you’re living in an accommodation at a university or in private student halls, it’s very likely that you won’t have to consider paying bills or have to think about creating the internet for yourself. However, this may not be the case, so always examine what’s required of you prior to moving in.
If you are living in a house, however, you’ll have to conduct some study on internet and electricity providers. It is also important to have a clear idea of the service you’ll sign up with as you get there. You’ll usually not have the ability to set this up until you are in the house, but having an idea of prices and the providers that you’ll require prior to leaving is always recommended.
If you are also planning to have a television or to watch TV via your laptop, you’ll have to buy TV licenses, which can be paid in one payment or in monthly installments.
You’ll also need to get some type of insurance for contents to make sure that all your possessions are covered in your new home.
5. Consider what you’ll require to bring along with you, and also what you can get
Most halls at universities are with a fully-furnished kitchen, however you will need to bring bedding and kitchen appliances (if you plan to self-cater) as a minimum. Most international students will usually buy these things once they arrive in order to prevent them from travelling overseas with them.
With a flat or a home, be sure to verify whether the house is fitted or unfurnished. A majority of international students prefer a fully furnished house so they don’t have to think about investing in furniture when they are in the UK.
If there’s furniture that’s missing from a home you have fallen for, you may inquire with the landlord about whether they are willing to provide it for the cost of an extra charge which will be included in your cost of renting or for a deposit. Some may even provide it free of charge should you be lucky.
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