There’s nothing quite like starting university life and having the independence to do things your way. In this phase, you’ll have to make many decisions–even after deciding where and what to study. Among the issues to be addressed is your student accommodation.
Choosing where you will call home throughout your college years is not to be made lightly. Since you’ll be living in that space for quite some time, you should consider many things. In the end, nothing will satisfy you more than coming home to a place where you can relax and unwind.
Many first-year college students opt to live in on-campus dormitories. There are, however, other housing options. Starting your search for one isn’t easy, so if you’re in that position, this post will help. Here’s how to find suitable student accommodation for you:
Know The Different Accommodation Types
Since there is a wide range of housing accommodations at your disposal, educating yourself on the many lodging options available is a great place to start your search. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types, each with its pros and cons:
1. In-Campus Housing
Having a guaranteed spot in campus housing or halls is an excellent benefit for many first-year students. Living on campus can be a great way to ease the transition from living at home to becoming entirely independent for the first time. You won’t have to travel for classes, group projects, or library time, and you won’t have to worry about getting to campus for extracurriculars like clubs and societies.
Pros
In-campus housing allows you to meet and connect with many different students. Also, you get all the perks of living independently without worrying about utility costs or landlord relations. Furthermore, when issues arise, you can rely on support from the university’s housing office or the institution itself.
Cons
You may be thrust into an unfamiliar environment if you have no say in who you share a room with; also, there aren’t any guarantees. Lodgings of your choice may be unavailable. Plus, you’ll have to get used to dealing with a lot of noise and clutter if you live near many students or have an unpleasant roommate.
2. Private Student Dormitories
Student dormitories are the next option for those who need to live close to a university. Although privately owned, the living arrangement in American Avenue is quite similar to on-campus housing in that each student has a bedroom and uses a shared kitchen and living room for socializing and entertainment. The need for short-term housing options like this is high in large cities with many schools and universities.
Pros
Similar to the benefits of those living on campus, those staying in private student dormitories can expect to enjoy the same conveniences. Usually, private student housing is situated in convenient areas, giving you close access to several different schools. You never know what other college kids you might meet while you’re in the same building as them!
Cons
Any upfront or hidden costs for private student dorms may make them more expensive than on-campus housing. Other than that, you will also have to pay for things that aren’t necessary, like saunas and movie rooms that you might never use. Students still have the same issues while sharing housing, such as loud neighbors, unsuitable housemates, and a general lack of storage space.
3. Off-Campus Housing
Some may prefer off-campus accommodation because of its greater freedom.
Pros
Living in off-campus private housing allows you complete freedom in deciding where and with whom you live. Also, living off-campus will enable you to get in touch with the local scene, while living in the university’s dorms may isolate you from the town. On top of that, a wide selection of suitable housing options is available on the private rental market.
Cons
Due to your location off-campus, you could feel cut off from the rest of the student body. If you’ve never lived alone, one of the biggest challenges of living off-campus will be learning to maintain a budget and pay all your bills on time.
Keep A Budget In Mind
Next comes the part you dread the most: figuring out your budget. Keeping your expectations in check is essential at this stage. Even if it’s always been your goal to live out your city dreams, you might not be able to afford a place there while still being a full-time student. So, remember to keep your financial constraints in mind as you look. You can also look into all possible funding sources, including institutional and federal grants and scholarships.
With a budget in mind, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about where to stay.
Focus On Safety And Security
No one can say for sure how safe the accommodation will be. Whether looking at houses or apartments, you must ensure the building has security measures. So, keep an eye out for emergency exits and fire hydrants as you do your search. If grills bar the windows, be sure that a way out may still be found in case of an emergency.
If you are given a private room, double-check the functionality of the locks. Furthermore, if the room is meant to be shared, you should also check to see if there is locked storage.
Review The Terms And Conditions
Many students mistake signing rental agreements that aren’t legally enforceable and offering them no recourse in case of a dispute. You should be aware of this since landlords may try to pressure you into signing a bogus contract. So, be patient before committing anything to paper. Be sure to read the terms carefully, and have someone you trust check them. If you feel uneasy or suspicious or something doesn’t seem right, trust your intuition and don’t force yourself to accept terms that make you uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Choosing where you will call home throughout your college years is not to be made lightly. Many factors may come into play since you’ll be there for quite some time. It’s not easy to begin your search, so if you find yourself in this position, follow the tips in this post.
