So, you’re preparing for university life. You’ve picked a course and a place to study; the next decision is, where will you live? Ideal student accommodation is hard to find – but we’ll give you tips to hit the bullseye as close as possible!
While most first-year students go straight into university halls, there are endless options for student accommodation. These include private halls, rentals, and apartments, to name just a few.
One of the benefits to student accommodation is that you don’t feel alone while away from home.
To help you decide which is best for you, we thought we’d share a few tips. These will help you choose the perfect place to stay while studying.
Types of Student Accommodation You CANNOT Miss!
There are mainly two types of accommodations – on-campus and off-campus. We will dive into the tips for selecting the ideal student housing. First, let’s first have a look at the different types:
On-campus accommodation
On-campus accommodation is usually the best option for you as a student because of the accessibility and ease of commuting. Many universities offer on-campus housing that keeps you on university grounds. This means you do not have to spend even a dime every day on transportation.
In case your university does not offer it, you can check out the following off-campus options:
Homestay
Commonly seen as an option for vacations and trips, this one is popular in student exchange programs. Local families allow students to stay in a private room they let out for a short time.
These options are rarely available for more than a year, so checking out the details before you move there is best. In addition, they can also provide great options for you if you are going away on a student exchange program.
Dormitory
One of the most heard options for students, dormitories are also known as residence halls. It is a building that provides a place to sleep for many people. You may even find private dormitories that offer a wide range of facilities, including communal lounges, study areas, gyms, and en-suite rooms.
Dormitories are comparatively pricier than homestays due to the difference in facilities they provide. This would be the best option if you want access to such facilities and an opportunity to mingle with your peers.
Private accommodation
These come with their perks and downsides. A few of those are having your own space, paying a little extra, and being considerably away from campus. You can contact agencies to help close the ideal student accommodation deal.
You may have difficulty learning the ropes initially, but it is all possible with patience and first-hand experience. The rent agreement, dealing with landlords, thanking the stars on finding a good one, and finding the best route to get to university will all take a while, but you’ll surely succeed.
5 Tips for Choosing the Ideal Student Accommodation
Here are the top five tips to help you pick the ideal student accommodation for your studies away from home. Finding a perfect place that feels like home is not the easiest, but these tips will help you make it a reality.
Check them out:
1. Choose Your Housemates Wisely
Going to university is about making new friends – don’t get us wrong. But you need to think logically when looking for student accommodation. Living with that guy who seems like a good laugh and enjoys partying could be fun, but the chances are you won’t be saying that once he’s woken you up at 4 in the morning!
Likewise, you don’t want to be clearing up after the messy housemates leave their pots and pans piled around the sink daily.
2. Set Yourself a Budget
You want a great room in a great environment, and we’ll bet you want it for a great price, right? As much as we’d all love to live in a luxury penthouse suite in the city, a top tip when choosing accommodation is to keep within a realistic price bracket.
Establish your budget – based on student finance allowance and any extra cash you may earn from a part-time job – so you can see what you can (and can’t) afford.
3. Pick a Location
Typically, student housing is near the university and just a stone’s throw away from the supermarket and nightlife. Take student accommodation in Ormskirk, for instance.
Although it may work out cheaper to live on the outskirts of town, you must think about transportation costs – not to mention the daily commute, which means you’ll have to get up earlier.
For this reason, those studying at Edge Hill University and other full-time students in the area opt for more central student accommodation. Plus, Ormskirk is well connected with Manchester and Liverpool, Preston and Chorley, making it convenient for students to go home for the weekend or holidays.
4. Keep Connected
Whether it be to study from the comfort of your room – rather than the library where distractions are left, right, and center – or catch up with friends and family back home, a strong and reliable internet connection is essential.
Though it’s probably not the first thing that springs to mind when choosing student accommodation, it’s certainly something to consider. After all, you don’t want to miss the deadline for submitting your assignment because the internet went down, do you?
5. Arrange a Viewing
Arguably, the most important part of house-hunting is arranging a viewing before you book. Of course, you can flick through the images of the rooms online to see what they are, but it’s not the same as seeing it the person.
Taking a tour of student accommodation will give you an idea of whether it’s the ideal place for you. You can speak to the current tenants and ask them any questions about the house/landlord.
Start Your Search for Student Accommodation Today!
There’s no denying that living in uni halls or on campus is a great way to get to know people with whom you may become good friends, but there is bound to be a lot of noise and mess. That is why helping you find the ideal student accommodation is our goal through this article!
Say goodbye to dingy student halls and fighting over the bathroom and choose McComb Students for luxury student accommodation in Ormskirk. They offer some of the best rooms in the best locations – each within walking distance of Edge Hill University and Ormskirk town center.
Moreover, all their rooms have an en-suite and come with mod-cons, such as a desk, flat-screen TV and mini-fridge.
To find out more about the cost of renting student accommodation in Ormskirk or book a viewing, contact McComb Students today.
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