Check the reputation of the area and the accommodation before finalizing it.
A good internet speed is a must for maintaining a good digital life. So, check for it before finalizing anything.
Choose a place with secure entry systems, CCTV, and a good neighborhood safety.
Read the agreement carefully to avoid any confusion about rent, notice periods, and early termination.
Make sure the place you choose is clean, comfortable, and functional, with good storage and natural light.
How will I make new friends in a new place? What if the Wi-Fi there is not working well? How far will my campus be from this place? These are just a few of those questions that keep running through a student’s mind when shifting to a new space.
A study has also claimed that 74% of students from the UK worry about finding the right accommodation during their studies. And many of them have said that their living conditions have a huge impact on their academics and mental health. (Source: Save the Student )
For understanding it better, hear this example: a girl named Sarah chose an accommodation online because it was the cheapest option she could see. Later, she shifted to that place only to discover moldy walls, poor heating systems, and a 40-minute travel to campus. Now, she has a condition where she is saving money but losing peace of mind. Regret here is the lack of research.
So, if you do not want to be stuck in a situation like hers, read this blog carefully, as it has every essential tidbit you need to know before choosing a new home for yourself. Let’s begin!
Start With Research and Reputation
Your first step towards choosing your new home should be about digging into the property and the area’s reputation. For doing this, you can take help from the internet to read the reviews from current and past students or to check the forums.
Another secure way to find a shelter is by checking the university’s recommendation page; for example, if you are at Bournemouth University, check the Bournemouth University student accommodation page. It will give a solid start to your research.
Later, check if the accommodation is approved by the university. If yes, then see if it aligns with your needs, like location, amenities, and student community.
Review Internet Speed and Connectivity
You all will agree with me here that a good internet speed is not a luxury but a basic need in today’s lifestyle. It is needed for everything from attending online classes to streaming trending content online.
As per Ofcom’s 2023 report, the average broadband speed in the UK is about 69.4 Mbps. And Students should aim for at least 25 Mbps, especially if they’re sharing it with others too.
In fact, I believe this speed can literally make or break my day. Now it’s on you to check and confirm the upload and download speed, the number of devices connected at one time, and if it’s a part of your normal rent or if some other extra charges are included too.
Asking about these details before finalizing a property will be good for your own peace of mind later.
Fun Fact In South Korea, students can enjoy one of the fastest average internet speeds in the world — around 111 Mbps! Which means no lagging.
Budget Wisely and Understand All Costs
ALT: Budget Wisely and Understand All Costs
Student life is expensive, especially when you are living away from your home. For a better understanding, Save the Student’s 2023 Money Survey has found that the rent of an average student in the UK is £535 per month, and these costs can go up to £800–£1,000 in big cities like London or Edinburgh.
So now you know why it is better to budget properly, keeping all the associated expenses in mind. By associated costs, I mean deposits, utility bills, Wi-Fi charges, and maintenance fees.
If you want to explore how modern tech can make this easier, check out our guide on Fintech Innovations in Student Financial Management. It shares about the tools and apps that will help you, as students, stay in control of your money with just a few taps.
In case you have student loans, make sure your expenditures align well with the repayment schedule and amount. Another important thing to keep in mind is to always overestimate your budget. Sounds weird, but it will help you escape the off-guard and unexpected situations.
Focus on Safety and Security Features
Security is literally at the top of my checklist. And I think it should be on yours too. Ask the homeowner about whether the property has 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, secure keycard entries, and individual lockable rooms.
These things are basic necessities for maintaining peace of mind, especially for someone who is living away from home for the first time. Also, be sure that the property has access to the main roads, is close to the university, and has general neighborhood safety.
Assess Room Size and Furnishings
A well-designed room will give you an environment to study and relax without any extra effort. Though it is important to check if it has enough storage, a good study desk, and a decent source of natural light.
The shared areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, should be in clean and functional conditions. And in case you are taking a virtual tour, don’t forget to ask the exact dimensions.
Think About the Social Environment and Community
Social experiences have a great impact on our minds and personalities. And by social experience, I mean where and with whom we live.
Some accommodations have lively and interactive surroundings, so if you are an extrovert just like me, it can be the right choice for you.
But if you are from an introverts family, you should go for places that have more of a quiet environment with fewer roommates.
Fun Fact Tiny homes are trending. Yes, some micro-apartments for students in Japan are just 8 square meters! But trust me, they are more functional than your bigger ones.
Understand the Contract and Terms
Before signing any contract, make sure you read it thoroughly to understand the notice period, how you can sublet, how rent payment works, and what will happen if you withdraw from the contract early.
Additionally, don’t forget to clarify the duration of the contract. In fact, it will be better if you show your agreement to an elder and get a review from them regarding that.
Think Ahead About Maintenance and Support
Last but not least, look into how guests’ maintenance requests are handled. Is there any team in the society that will look into it as soon as the complaint comes? Or if someone is called from outside, how much time does it take?
Confirming this one thing before finalizing a property will save you a lot of trouble down the road. In fact, you should also ask if there are any pastoral support or student well-being officers, because now a lot of student accommodations are offering these facilities to condor the students.
Hereby, you have all the necessary information needed for choosing the right place for yourself. So go for it confidently and take your time researching every property you see. It will help you in finding a perfect fit and make your new place feel like a true home.
FAQs
Ans: It is good to start your research 4 to 6 months before because this will give you
enough time to find and compare options, and that too in a good location.
Ans: A minimum speed of 25 Mbps is considered ideal for students.
Ans: See, both things are equally important, so it’s better if you try finding a place that
balances both. But if there is a slight difference in price, and the place is near your university, go for it,
as it will save you money and time in the long run.
Ans: CCTV, secure entry systems, lockable doors, well-lit surroundings, and emergency
contact support are the things you can look for while choosing a place.
Ans: It’s better if you ask about these things before moving in, like if there is an on-site
team to help or if someone else will come from outside. What will be the response time in the 2nd case?
