The university you are enrolled to, almost certainly impacts where you stay. Finding a suitable accommodation can often be stressful. The search for suitable place to stay begins early in the process of moving to a new country for study. An accommodation at the right price, location, proximity to the institute, and good roommates is a combination that demands time, research, and resilience.
Accommodation in a foreign land can be one of the bigger challenges one could face as an international student.
Stay options commonly available to international students are listed-
- University Dorms
- University dormitories or commonly called halls of residence, are owned, operated, maintained and managed by universities.
- Halls of residences are large buildings which are sometime divided into flats
- As a student one may either be designated a single room or may have to share the space with a roommate.
- The room will have basic amenities – desk, bed, and a chair. Add-ons in terms of furniture and other provisions are made by students
- The rent includes all utility bills- including internet
- Food for students is served at their dorm cafeteria
- It is common for dorms to have common recreational rooms, and common areas, TV rooms, etc.
- Staying in close quarters with people from different ethnicities expose students to different culture, makes them socially outgoing, and help students become more independent.
- Private Dorms
- Private dorms or private halls of residence are similar to university dorms except they slightly cost more.
- Additional, facilities like gyms, bike parking, game rooms, etc. justify the sightly higher rent prices
- Around the UK there are plenty of purpose-built student accommodation(PBSA) available for access to international student
- A variety of rooms are available for every budget.
- Private Accommodation
- Private accommodation is the most expensive option available to students.
- Renting an apartment or a house would need the student to enter into a signed tenancy agreement with the landlord
- Students may also opt for furnished apartments. Opting for furnished apartments may cost slightly more than unfurnished apartments.
- If opted for, furnished apartments can prove to be more cost effective options – students do not have to source additional furniture.
- Landlords of furnished apartments maintain their apartments and ensure everything is in order before the arrival of their international guest
- A student can find both furnished and unfurnished apartments on Gumtree.
Costs and Location
- Accommodation amounts to the highest expense a student has to incur as a part of their international study.
- The cost of accommodation is not the same throughout the UK.
- Cost varies greatly even in the same city. Finding an accommodation that meets the budget should be a student’s priority.
- London is the most expensive city in the UK.
- Cost of living in the suburbs is comparatively cheaper than living in the heart of the city
- The average rent of an apartment in London is £1,646. The same 1 BHK apartment in the suburbs will average around £1,185. Larger apartments will cost more.
- Urban areas have higher rent rates than the more rural areas.
Tips to find accommodation in the UK
- Research
- Knowing and having an idea of where they want to reside, a student can funnel out and arrive at the options at their disposal.
- The internet is a useful tool. As a part of their research a student should visit websites that showcase the type of accommodation available, and rent trends for a particular area.
- Another way would be to join social media groups and student forums. Students can interact with other students or alumni that have previously resided there.
- A student may also check for private dormitories in the area. These are more economical options that may ease the financial burden on a student.
- Furthermore, private dorms have their own libraries, sport areas, cafeteria, etc. these amenities comes as added bonus
- Make arrangements before you arrive
- It may be difficult to arrange for accommodation form the native country; however, time is a crucial asset.
- The research done should help keep ready a list of sources, agencies, and contacts to reach and help with accommodation for when you arrive in the UK
- Roommates
- Renting can be expensive, especially if renting an apartment is the only option after exhausting all others.
- Finding someone to share the apartment with will help dilute the cost to an extent
- Self-sufficient accommodation
- The last thing a student would want would be to spend additionally on furniture and other amenities
- Before deciding on an accommodation ensure that it contains everything needed
- Know the location
- Check for – proximity to the university, accessibility to downtown areas, availability of stores – groceries, supermarkets, chemists etc.
An international student must ensure to pack necessities that are needed to make them feel comfortable in a foreign land. It will take some time to settle in; get to know the people, socialize and that way staying in a foreign land will seem to not be as daunting.
For further assistance, reach our expert international education counselors.