Finding safe and secure student accommodation in the UK is not a challenge anymore. With many online student housing platforms, you can get student rooms, apartments and even homestays for that matter. These will be off-campus private accommodation built close to the university campus.
But with so many choices available at your fingertips, you may get carried away by it and forget to consider the factors to look at before renting student accommodation in London or anywhere else in the UK.
So, here’s how we’ve simplified it, highlighted important factors and thereby made a wise decision:
Where to find and book the Student accommodation?
Online platforms are one of the best places to find student accommodation such as websites. Then, you can leverage social media platforms too. There’s a big community, student groups and a big network of support systems in the student community.
Get to know the types of Student accommodation
With off-campus student accommodation, you have many options like the student room (studio, suites and en-suite rooms), student apartments (single or multiple occupancy) and homestays! They come in fully furnished and equipped with modern facilities to simplify your stay in London. Then, you have the choice of opting for on-campus accommodation too, which is limited in availability.
Find more about the location of the property
While you are on the hunt for student accommodation, be sure to put this on the list of priorities. For one, it’s important to consider the safety of the location; and second, find out if the location is close to the university you planned to study in! If you have a location in mind, always do thorough research on the safety and crime rate of the location. And make sure the accommodation is within walking distance of the uni campus!
Find out about security and deposit money
Online platforms are one of the best places to find student accommodation such as websites. Then, you can leverage social media platforms too. There’s a big community, student groups and a big network of support systems in the student community.
Do you need a guarantor?
While most of the student accommodation in the UK requires a guarantor, it will, however, depend on the provider. At the time of selecting accommodation, ask the agency or provider everything there is to know about the guarantor. If you need a provider, you can also request the same service from the agency.
What’s your budget?
Do you have a price range set for paying rent in the UK? If so, you should set it straight as you can find many affordable accommodations in and around London or any other city in the UK. In a place like London where living expenses can be expensive, most students opt for shared student accommodation as it’s feasible in terms of budget. You can split the rent between you and your roommate and save your money.
Is the accommodation furnished?
While checking for a place to stay, make sure you ask if it is furnished. Ask for a list of the furnishings installed in the accommodation. For instance, you can ask if the place has a bed, cupboard, study and chairs, etc. For your information, private student housing comes fully furnished.
What about the extra billings?
The student accommodation includes your utility bills like electricity, water, wi-fi, heating, cooling, etc. This is available for off-campus private accommodation. If you choose to stay in on-campus accommodation, then you will have to inquire from your universities about the same.
Request for a virtual or physical property visit
Whether you are in your home country or physically present in the UK, you can get a tour of the accommodation. You can request from the agency you plan to book the student home. They will arrange the virtual or physical tour as per your needs and requirements.
Read through the contract
Once you are satisfied with the accommodation, you should always read through the contract. Find out what rules, regulations, and clauses entail in the documented paper. If you are not aware of any legal terms, get someone to read through the contact document and then if you are satisfied with it, you can put in your signature.
Book Early: The Key to Scoring Deals on An Accommodation
When you are a student, and you have no clue about the rental market, you should always search and book your student accommodation early. There are cities with less supply than demand, so after you figure out which city you want to study and live in in the UK, you can take things for granted. If it’s a popular student city, there will be students making the application before you! So, why take the risk and chances of missing out on a good deal of student homes – affordable pricing, safety, security, more options, better facilities, etc.? Book early to secure the best student home in the UK.
Get the details of your point of contact or support
It’s always good to have a point of contact when you reach the destination. Before you plan your travels, make sure you save the phone number and email address of the person to reach out to at the accommodation. It’s handy to have this information.
What if there’s a water leakage? Or for any accommodation issues, who do you reach out to? Thus, as they say, “Prevention is better than cure”, this is where you follow the path! Keep things handy and organized before heading out to the UK.
Conclusion
As we mentioned above, finding student accommodation is not a hassle, but securing a perfect one requires you to do an early search, get the details, compare the factors on different types of accommodation based on your needs and requirements. When you have few options in hand, you can make better choices and be free of last-minute hassle and worry!
Good Luck on Your House Hunting Journey!
Also read: West Arora hires UK’s education company to restructure student’s learning method
