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.

Living in a university hall will surely expand your experience. You’ll meet lots of people, be invited to events, parties, initiatives, try out different things that would lead to great memories. Usually, there’re three different types of rooms:

• • 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.

Getting a dorm assigned through university is less risky in terms of housing conditions compared it to the private accommodation, but both have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to sort out your priorities and choose what you think will suit best your needs.

Prices 

It isn’t possible to say what’s the price applies to all accommodations. The cost of a room in a university dormitory varies according to the university, city, and services offered. A room with a private kitchen and bathroom will certainly cost more than a room with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Prices start at £ 80 and go up to £ 200 per week. Keep in mind that you will also be required to pay a deposit which can range from £ 150 to £ 500 and which will be returned to you when you leave the room if you have complied with the rental conditions (the room has not been damaged, everything works properly, there are no overtime jobs to do, etc). Usually, you’ll pay the rent weekly. To avoid any kind of inconvenience, if you aren’t sure, ask for clarification.