Once your application has been sent and you got an offer from the university, you can start looking for accommodation. You will receive instructions on how to fill out an online form indicating your preferences regarding the room, bathroom, kitchen, and other services in the dormitory if you opt for staying in campus, otherwise, you can start searching for accommodation on your own.
Types of accommodation
You can choose to stay within the campus or rent private housing. Both have their pros and cons. Let’s see:- University accommodation: halls and dorms are usually the best choices for a student, especially during your first year. They’re designed to meet students’ needs and lifestyles. There is a wide range of housing options to make students comfortable in choosing their new house. The most significant benefit in choosing to live on the campus is that bills, wi-fi, and 24/7 reception services costs are all included in the accommodation rent. However, the rent is not included in the university fees, and the amount could vary depending on the hall and services.
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- Ensuite: private room and bathroom, shared kitchen;
- Non-ensuite: private room, shared bathroom, and kitchen;
- Studio: private room, bathroom, and kitchen.
- Private accommodation: you can rent an apartment/house privately. Let’s say you find an announcement online or through a real estate agency and you sign a contract. University isn’t involved in this process and this can lead to multiple issues. First, probably the contract doesn’t follow academic calendars, so you’ll end up paying for the months you won’t be at the campus (especially if you’re international), plus bills and taxes aren’t included in the weekly rent.