There’s no denying that attending university can be an expensive endeavor.
There is a lot of discussion in the media about university tuition fees and other expenses. However, the most expensive thing that depletes the university budget is ‘accommodation’.
Did you guys know housing costs can consume up to 73% of the max amount of money available to students through grants and loans? Your student loan may not be enough to cover the total cost, and it must be paid in full upfront.
Unless you have access to an unlimited amount of money, you’ll need to investigate various university locations. If you haven’t chosen a specific university, it’s worth looking into options in a less expensive city or town, from where you might be able to get the same degree.
How to Find the Right Place to Live?
In such a situation, you can look for some options for housing to manage your fees and other costs. Thus, here are some options for you.
1. Residence Halls
Halls are considered an excellent place to meet new people. They are larger in structures and are sometimes divided into apartments with a single bedroom or shared with other students. Your room will most probably be basic, and if it lacks an an suite bathroom, communal bathrooms might be provided. The residence staff might also provide basic furniture such as beds, desks, and chairs in the halls.
Most residence halls have a cafeteria where students can get meals (often at a fixed cost). As an overseas student, the food may be unfamiliar, however eating at the canteen is a good way to involve yourself in the British culture. Halls are either single or co-ed; thus, if you prefer one over the other, you must notify your university when deciding where to stay.
Apart from rooms in the residence halls, there may be communal areas like a TV lounge, swimming pool, playing space and more.
2. Houses/Flats
During the first year, most students live in residence halls, which makes adjusting to campus life easier and aids in the formation of friendships. However, later in the years, some students may prefer to live in a flat or house that is not affiliated with the school for more independence and privacy.
If you choose you to rent a house or a flat, you will be required to sign a rental contract, which is a legally binding document containing the terms of your stay. Ensure you fully comprehend the contract’s terms and conditions, and if you have any questions, talk to your foreign student advisor.
Do keep in mind this is likely to be a costly option, and you may have to do a lot of research to find the cheapest location near your campus. However, if you want to enjoy the freedom of living independently or with whom they want to live, it will be worth it. You certainly won’t get this flexibility with residence halls.
3. Hostels
University or other third-party hostels are comparatively affordable for many students. It cuts the cost of other basic facilities such as food, commute (if near), internet expenses, utilities, laundry and more.
Moreover, one of the biggest concerns of students from overseas is accommodation security, especially when they know that the place is unfamiliar. Thus, hostels are a safe option to live in as they are concerned about students’ safety.
4. Self-Catered Halls
Numerous international students prefer self-catering since it enables them to prepare food their own food on their own. Self-catered halls are like traditional residence halls; however, they include a communal kitchen for hall residents to use.
Unfortunately, students who commonly use these kitchens have a reputation for becoming eyesores when not maintained. So, do your part by cleaning after yourself and encouraging others to follow the same practice.
In addition, self-catered halls reduce the worry of getting food from outside; you can prepare your food while maintaining your monthly budget.
Other Expenses You Must Know About
There are some associated costs other than just rent when finding accommodation. So, keep an eye out for hidden charges and items not included.
First, identify how many other expenses you will have and how much you will need to splurge on:
- Rent
- Food
- Academic help
- Bills (every day and utilities)
- Clothes
- Social activities
- Transportation
These are essentials to get through university life. When you know the additional costs, you can manage your expenses easily. Our tip is to set aside a budget for the monthly essentials first, like rent and utilities, food, clothes, and transportation. You can have a separate budget for social activities depending on how much you wish to interact. As for academic help, this will be a minimal budget if you choose reliable experts like British Essay Writers to ask them ‘write my essay for me‘. So, try to figure out the percentages of your monthly income you want to allocate to each of these expenses.
Apart from the bare necessities mentioned above, there are other factors you must keep in mind when looking for accommodation in the UK. Following are some of the most important:
1. Insurance
While in the UK, it is necessary to have insurance to protect your belongings from theft, fire, loss, or accidental breakage.
You will need to consider some insurance in your housing rent. However, you can check online to get an overview of insurance policies for students.
2. Parking spaces
Driving a car in the UK is expensive, so most students rely on walking and public transportation (such as trains, buses, and taxis). However, if you plan to rent a car, remember parking spaces are usually scarce and expensive.
Furthermore, if you intend to drive a car, make sure your license is valid for use in the UK, you have adequate insurance, and the vehicle is taxed and has a legitimate MOT.
3. Payment Conditions
Check if there are any regulations on the payment system. Understand the college’s or landlord’s demands for additional payments and instalments so that you fully understand the ramifications of failing to pay the rent on time.
Some institutions require a substantial rental amount upfront and the remaining part of the year’s rent in instalments.
These arrangements fluctuate, and you should be aware of them. For example, in private institutions, you have to pay an instalment (up to half of your annual rent) and a deposit at the commencement of the contract.
Do your research before you finalize your accommodation, so you’re not met with nasty surprises when you start living on your own. You can also look for student discount cards and identify cheaper shopping areas to make sure you stay within your budget and don’t have to worry about money at the end of each month.
