Studying abroad has always been a fascinating journey that allows you to experience a different culture, interact with diverse people, network with like-minded folks, and offer ample professional and personal growth opportunities.
While you may be excited to begin this new chapter of your life, it is imperative to keep other essential things in mind to ensure a smooth transition, such as arranging your student housing on time.
Based on your interest, you can opt for on-campus or off-campus accommodation. However, many international students prefer off-campus accommodation as it allows them to live independently without any rules and restrictions; hence, making it a widely popular option worldwide!
But finding that perfect accommodation can be a challenging task, especially when you are renting out for the first time. Worry not! In this blog, to help you out, we have created a list of five essential things to consider when choosing off-campus accommodation! So without further ado, let’s have a thorough look at them!
Location
Picking a student accommodation close to your university campus should be your top-most preference. A close location is always beneficial and helps you save your time and energy, which you can devote to your studies and extracurricular activities. Besides, you won’t have to worry about reaching on time for your early morning classes!
However, the nearer the accommodation is to the university, the costlier! But if you choose a cheaper one, which tends to be quite far from the campus, you have to spend a large sum of money on your everyday travelling expenses. Thus, at large, nearby accommodation is always preferable.
Safety and Security
Whether you are searching for student housing in Southampton or student accommodation in London, you must consider your safety and security your number one priority, especially when living alone in an unknown location! So before you rent the property, make sure to enquire about your neighbours, inspect the local area, research on the internet about local crime statistics on government websites, etc.
And while viewing the property in person, survey the area for security-related features such as burglar alarms, security cameras, smoke and fire alarms, secure locks on the windows and doors, etc. You can also ask your letting agent or landlord whether there is any emergency helpline number or even enquire about the night security patrolling service.
Cost
We comprehend that as a student, you have financial constraints; thus, you may or may not be able to spend a large chunk of money on renting student accommodation. However, we will not suggest you compromise your health and safety by choosing poor quality accommodation. In such a case, taking a middle path is the solution by choosing a decent property that is a value for money.
Moreover, you should ask your landlord or letting agent whether the monthly rent amount includes the cost of utilities, such as wifi, gas, laundry, water, electricity, etc. or is it separate. Having an all-inclusive bill will be much more efficient and keep you away from the headache of paying each bill separately and avoid the chances of missing out on any!
Amenities
Besides the basic facilities like gas, water, electricity, wifi, etc. much off-campus accommodation like student housing in Glasgow and student accommodation in Exeter provide a wide range of special amenities for students, such as dedicated study rooms, swimming pools, fully equipped gyms, libraries, laundry, etc. So make sure to look beyond the standard amenities and choose student housing with the best and state-of-the-art facilities to secure the best deal for your money.
Terms and Conditions of Your Tenancy Agreement
While you may feel tempted to skip the tenancy agreement, you must resist the urge! Instead, take your time and read the entire document carefully and also ask your parents or an expert to go through it as well. Trust us! The approach will help you in the long run by making you aware of your rights as a tenant. For instance, in future, if any maintenance issue arises, you will be happy to know that your agreement covers it.
Besides that, before signing your contract, take note of your security deposit clause, length of the lease, utilities included, your responsibilities, (any) restrictions, sublease terms should you need to relocate, etc. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord or letting agent about further queries or anything you want to add to the contract. Make sure to clarify all your doubts regarding the agreement before finalising the property!
All the best!
Do you need help in finding the right student housing?
amber is a premier student housing platform that offers rewarding experiences and budget-friendly options for booking a home globally. We are upgraded with the COVID-19 policies and would happily assist you in searching for your ideal home at your preferred location.
Writer: Harshita Anand is a postgraduate in English Journalism and a graduate in Hotel Management. She has worked in a diverse range of industries and with people from all walks of life. Her dynamic experience motivated her to explore new things every day and write passionately about them!
