Top Considerations for International Students When Choosing Housing Abroad
It is true that the comfort of home is not just about the infrastructure but the people too. But this does not mean that you can’t get homely vibes anywhere else. Whether you choose London or New York for your education, finding a home away from home is guaranteed with University Living. So, leave all your student accommodation worries behind, because your new home is just a few clicks away
Types of Student Accommodation
Keeping in mind that every student is unique and has their own preference for accommodation, the variety of student accommodation is vast. Some students prefer to live in studio rooms, some in suites, ensuites or apartments. Let’s first understand the differences between the types of accommodation available, so that you can choose wisely.
- Student Housing: These are the kinds of off-campus student accommodations built for students. These properties are located near the universities, so that it is easier for students to travel to/from their accommodation every day. These are affordable stay options, that come with various amenities and utilities that enhance student experience. Students can choose from a variety of studio rooms, suites, ensuites and student apartments as per their choice.
- Private Apartments: Unlike Student Housing, these properties are not built exclusively for students. These are private residential apartments that can be rented by everyone, whether you’re a student, working professional or living with family. In these private apartments, students get complete privacy and personal space, thereby making it perfect for those who wish to live in solace.
Top Considerations for Choosing Housing
Finding the right student accommodation abroad can sometimes get overwhelming and confusing. Since there are so many options to choose from, it gets difficult to decide which accommodation is the best for us. This blog contains a list of things that students must consider before moving abroad. And if you are a student who is moving abroad for the first time, then don’t forget to make notes!
- Location: Since students spend most of their time at university, it is best to choose accommodation which is close to the university. There are several accommodations that are within walking distance from various universities, thereby saving students’ time and transportation costs. To find accommodation near your university, open the official website of University Living and search for your university. You will then find the best accommodation that is available near the university. You may also use their filter option to find accommodation based on distance.
- Budget: Before you spend your time and energy on choosing the ideal accommodation from a list of hundreds of options, it is best to decide what your budget is. Since every student has a different budget, it is best to know what it is. Once your budget is decided, you can look for stay options accordingly. When calculating the budget, make sure you also count the expenses of transport, food, entertainment, shopping, and other miscellaneous expenses. After calculating all of them, decide what your budget is for student housing.
- Accommodation Type: Now that you know that there are several types of accommodation available, you can decide which type of accommodation aligns with your preference. Some students prefer to live in solace and enjoy personal space, so private apartments can be the right choice for them. On the other hand, students who wish to live with their friends and share spaces like kitchen, they can choose ensuites, suites and student apartments available under student housing. But now that you know what your budget is, it’s best to filter your search by price.
- Amenities & Utilities: If you are new to the world of student accommodation, then you must know that many properties provide students with various amenities. These amenities are for students’ use and come with the property that you choose. These amenities can vary from property to property, so it is best to decide which amenities you need in your accommodation. These amenities include Gym, Laundry Room, Washing Machine, Common Area, Lounge, Parking Space, and more. Moreover, many properties come with inclusive bills of utilities such as Heating, Air Conditioner, Gas, Water, Electricity, and more.
- Transportation: Just because you are a student does not mean you won’t go anywhere apart from your university. Every student deserves a student life which is full of adventure, fun and activities. Whether it’s just going for a few drinks with friends or exploring the major attractions of the city, you do need a means of transport for it. Taking a taxi every day or too often can cost you a lot of money and ruin all your budget plans. Therefore, always choose public transportation like public buses and trams, that cost less than half of taxis. Please note that many public transports also provide student discounts, so it’s best for you to ask for them whenever you are traveling.
Conclusion
Finding the right accommodation is very important for students who are leaving home for their higher studies. Living in a comfortable and safe space is important for students to keep their physical and mental health satisfied. Please read the tips given above very carefully to understand how and what to look for in student housing abroad.
