Millions of students every year choose to study abroad. With thousands of prestigious universities around the world, the process of finding the perfect one is quite hector. However, the struggle does not end there. Moving away from home and going to an international city also means choosing a home there. Students moving abroad often face the struggle of getting the perfect student accommodation – Safe, Comfortable & Affordable.
Read this blog till the end to know everything you need to know about renting student accommodation abroad. Whether it’s London, New York, Dublin, Melbourne or Manchester, you must choose perfect student accommodation beforehand. There are some factors that play a major role in deciding on accommodation, so let’s read on!
Student Accommodation Types:
Before we begin finding your ideal accommodation, let’s first read about the different types of London student accommodation, or any other city that you choose to live in.
Shared Apartment:
This is the most common, comfortable and affordable student accommodation available for international students. In a shared apartment, students come together and rent an apartment. They live together, and share common spaces such as lobby, kitchen and bathrooms. This is a great way of making friends, being comfortable in a new city and saving money.
Private Apartment:
By renting a private apartment, the student can enjoy their complete privacy and personal space. There are no house rules or regulations that you need to worry about and live your life on your terms in your apartment. But with this, also comes the responsibility. Cooking food for yourself, cleaning your home and keeping yourself safe; all of this becomes your responsibility in a private apartment.
Homestay:
These are affordable options for students who want to stay close to the idea of family, home and rules. Choosing this type of accommodation means living with a family in your preferred city. Homestays have several rules and regulations. But don’t worry, this is the perfect way to get to know local people of the city, experience culture and be around a homely environment.
Tips to find affordable international student accommodation
There are a number of factors that play a major role in deciding accommodation. These factors can range from budget to transport. Given below are some tips that can help you find your home away from home sooner.
Plan a budget:
Every one is different and has different requirements and preferences. Some people prefer living alone and enjoying their personal space. Complete privacy and not having to share spaces with other people is possible when you rent a private apartment.
On the other hand, living together with other university students, sharing rooms, bathrooms and kitchen is possible when you opt for shared apartments. The main question that matters is your budget. So, before you start looking for student accommodation options, make sure you decide on a budget as per your financial situation.
Select your stay:
As mentioned above, there are several types of student accommodation options available abroad. Every individual has their own preference when it comes to living somewhere. Some prefer being around people of their age, and some enjoy solace. Therefore, once your budget is in place, decide which kind of accommodation you can easily afford, and adjust in. Remember, it is very important to choose accommodation of your choice, as it will your home for a while.
Start your search early:
While most universities start their intake in the months September to December, some may have different curriculums as well. If you are looking for one of the most useful tips to find an affordable home, then it is to start your search early. As soon as the time of intake comes closer, the rent of accommodation gets higher. Moreover, students book the best and most affordable accommodation early, which is why you may find a problem in finding suitable accommodation near your university.
Check nearby transportation options:
Many students prefer renting accommodation that is near to their university. With accommodation being in proximity with the university, the expenses on transport are saved. But, if you are unable to find accommodation which is a small walk from the university, then you can opt for moderately far ones as well.
However, make sure you check if there are enough transport options available nearby or not. Travelling every day to/from university will cost you a fortune if you opt to travel by taxi every day. Hence, make sure there are enough public transport options available near the accommodation.
Daily Necessities Proximity:
Living alone in a new country and new city means taking care of everything yourself. A small example is one of your meals. Eating out every day in restaurants can take a major toll on your budget and your health. Some necessities that you would require often must be easily accessible from your student accommodation.
Such areas can include whether there are supermarkets nearby or not. Other amenities and facilities such as fitness centers, parks, grocery shopping areas and more are also important in daily student life. If you are able to find accommodation with all this nearby, then you won’t have to face many troubles living abroad.
Communicate with locals:
If possible, try to get in touch with the people of the locality. Also, study the area of accommodation before finalizing accommodation. Enquire about how the locality is, how the people around are, are shops nearby or not, if the area is safe for students at night, and other such concerns.
Moreover, if the area is common among university students, then you can try to get in touch with some students as well. Questions related to housing quality, facilities and amenities can help you get the best accommodation.
Conclusion
Millions of students from all over the world go abroad to pursue their preferred degrees. Because of this, the need for student accommodation has increased. But, with so many accommodation options come confusion and overflowing thoughts. This is why we have provided you with some of the best tips that can help you get perfect student accommodation of your choice and settle in easily.
