When re-locating your life and starting afresh at a new University, several options become available with regards to accommodation. Firstly, facilities are provided on campus, reffered to as the Halls of Residence. Privately letting is also an option or living with a host family. Finally, you can always stay at home and travel! Whatever choice you make, a general rule of thumb suggests - the more convenience the option, the higher the cost. However, there are a number of variables that make each situation unique. The following is a brief introduction that may help you decide.
The University Halls of Residence provide convenience. Being on-site means you have no travelling time and are living with like minded students. Nearly every University has their own accommodation quarters, with some further offering a choice of being provided with three meals a day. If you choose to be catered for, you'll probably be charged a lot more than purchasing your own goods and self-catering. Every Hall of Residence has its own shared kitchen area with a number of white goods, such as a cooker, oven, microwave, fridge and freezer.
Living on campus is a stress free option as everything is taken care off, including bills, however this comes at a cost. You'll generally pay more than privately renting and whether this is cheaper than travelling from living outwith the campus is dependant on your personal circumstances. Living in a privately let property allows you to have an increased amount of privacy and the freedom to setup a home, personalising the flat or house as you wish. Your responsibilities increase when choosing this option as you will have to deal with a landlord or letting agent, pay rent and bills and ensure you obide by the rules and regulations of the owner.
International students sometimes choose to live with a host fmaily as they provide a home environment and assist with persional difficulties. In addition to this, living with a family provides the opportunity for them to learn the local language at home, accelerating their personal development. The cost of this setup is usually the same as with sharing a private flat, unless you have an arrangement whereby you help out with cleaning or child-care in return for board and lodge. If you are funding your own studies, this might be the ideal arrangement.
Finally, if you are lucky enough to attend a University close to your home, staying right where you are and commuting daily may be the best option. There is no stress involved, you have the care and backing of your family and your costs are dramatically reduced. As an influential youth, you may want to break out of your home nest and become independant, but many students choose to stay at home for the first year until they find their feet. Don't rule this out, especially as you are venturing into the unknown and building the foundations of your years at University.
Khalid Al-Khames is a University Graduate from Edinburgh in Scotland. After Graduating in 2007, Khalid decided to setup Students Uncovered, a student web portal with useful information and fresh student news. A recommended student accommodation resource is Student Flats.
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