Being a student and living away from home for the first time is a great life change. There is no-one to tell you what to do and when to do it, or to tell you to tidy you room! You may not have much space, and there may lots more to do than you thought, not just the studying; there is meeting new people, finding your way around a new environment and establishing a new social life. Working out how you manage your new life is time is demanding, time consuming, and exciting!
You may be missing family and friends from back home. You can appreciate how good it was to have your washing done and home cooked food is not available any more. It is likely you want to show them your new life. How well you are managing, the places you have found in your new city and what is important to you now. And, you may want to get them to bring up things you have forgotten or did not think you would want or to take away some of the excess baggage you bought to you new home!
Almost certainly your parents and friends are missing you and wanting to know about your new life. Where you live, what you do, the places you go to. There may be events you are taking part in that they will want to see. You may want to show your old friends some of your new social life. Obviously, you should suggest that they come and see you.
The big catch: where are they going to stay? Your place is probably small, not suitable for visitors and you would have to tidy up, manage people you share with and give up some of the freedom you gained by moving away from home. It is probably not feasible for them to stay with you, so where can they stay?
Hotels can be expensive, especially if it is a family visit with brothers and sisters who need separate rooms, or for groups for friends form home.
Bed & breakfast establishments and Guest Houses are similar to hotels, but usually smaller and so not so easy to get everyone accommodated in suitable rooms.
Self-catering or holiday accommodation (sometimes called vacation rentals) works very well. These units are normally set up for family accommodation commonly with 2 or 3 bedrooms and more of home: TV/DVD player, kitchen and cooking facilities, and separate living and sleeping areas.
A major benefit to you if the family stay in the accommodation with cooking and laundry facilities is getting some of the washing done and having some home cooking!
It is sensible for you to arrange the accommodation because you will know where you stay and where you want your parents or friends to stay. You will probably know your University town better than they do. To find accommodation use the internet, search on your town name holiday accommodation or try Gumtree or Craigs List for your town.
Author: Janet Unsworth. Janet is a partner in Edinburgh Flats Partnership which provides short term self-catering accommodation which can be booked for anything from a few days to a few months. You can see the properties with photographs, their location, prices and availability at www.edinburgh-flats.com where you can book on-line. If you'd like more information, call Janet on 044 789 420 5600.
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