Although leaving home is a major adjustment, keep in mind that most of your fellow students will be in a similar situation and that living on campus gives you easier access to help from the campus and resident staff. To be clear, halls of residence are good-sized buildings with flats that can house many students, each with a private bedroom and a shared kitchen. Although en-suite rooms are becoming more and more frequent, bathrooms are occasionally shared as well.

They are often managed by the institution or in partnership with a private company, and the quality is typically good because they must adhere to national codes. Privately owned residence halls offer all the benefits of residence halls without being connected to a university; you rent a room directly with the specific halls you’re interested in, and the majority have straightforward online booking procedures. Many universities provide uq accommodation for overseas postgraduate students and first-year students studying full-time, provided that the application deadlines are satisfied. However, it will vary amongst institutions.

A privately rented home, which typically sleeps four or five people, might be more your style. Most students from the second year onward, as well as some first years, take this route. One benefit is having a choice in whom you live with, which can lead to a better experience (for second-year students, this typically means moving in with friends). Additionally, you’ll have more options for where to reside. Although you’ll be farther from the campus, most university cities’ main student neighbourhoods are well served by several stores, bars, and restaurants as well as convenient transportation options.

You can find available homes with the assistance of your university’s housing office. Before signing up, it’s a good idea to visit the places you’re thinking about, to make sure everything is in working order. The housing staff probably has a ton of helpful tips on what to look for and what inquiries to make during viewings, for instance. There are a few additional crucial things to keep in mind. The rent is typically less expensive than dorms, but you’ll also have to pay bills. Payment arrangements for things like utilities, Wi-Fi access, contents insurance, and a TV license will be up to you. But keep in mind that you are exempt from paying council tax if all of the residents of your home are full-time students.

You must be comfortable communicating with your landlord or letting the agent resolve any difficulties or schedule repairs in addition to managing your money responsibly. Make sure to read, comprehend, and be knowledgeable of your lease as well as your rights as a tenant. One of the main draws of attending college for many people is leaving home and the sense of freedom it gives. But remaining at home can be a fantastic choice if you’ve decided to study close by. You will be further away from student life, though, and making friends outside of the communal spaces of halls or student houses might be more challenging. Participate in events like sports clubs and societies to make it function.