Tips for finding Leicester student accommodation

Finding a suitable place to stay for an international student can be an enormous challenge.

If you are planning to pursue your studies in the UK typically, you will be able to choose between the university’s halls of residence or privately renting a flat or house. After you’ve decided which one you’d like to go for, there are additional factors to take into consideration when choosing accommodation for students in Leicester.

Here are five suggestions for finding accommodations within the UK.

1. Choose the type of lodging you’d like to have

The first thing to consider when it comes to the type of accommodations you would like to have. There are three types that are available in the UK including university accommodation halls for private students, or an apartment or house that is rented.

The accommodation available at universities can be diverse, ranging from a single bedroom and shared bathroom to a private bathroom in a tiny students “flat”. The university usually provides details on the kinds of rooms they offer to students, so that you can choose and apply for the one which best meets your needs. You may also select between self-catering and catered choices.

It is important to keep in mind that accommodation at universities is available to undergraduates in the first year and postgraduate students. If you’re a second or third-year undergraduate, you may not be able to choose a residence at a university.

If you’re moving to a city that is booming you may have the possibility of renting private or purpose-built student halls. They are usually more expensive than university accommodations however, they could be modern and offer more current amenities and rooms. Students of any grade are usually eligible for these.

You can also privately lease a flat or house through an estate agent. The most effective way to locate an apartment is to contact an estate agent in your area that is reputable. Contact your university’s student union and request them to recommend estate agents or connect you with others who have previously rented privately.

It may be difficult to visit the properties in person prior to when your arrival in the UK to begin your studies, so make sure to request lots of photographs and don’t be scared to ask the landlord or estate agent is willing to guide you through an audio tour through the house. It’s even better to ask someone from your family or friends to visit the property with you, however that may not be feasible in all cases.

2. Determine your budget for accommodation

When you are choosing your place of residence be aware of the amount you’ll be able to afford for accommodation during your time studying in another country.

If you’re staying in a university residence it is possible select the payment plan (such as the one that allows you to pay at the beginning of each period) or pay for it all in at once. In most accommodation at universities the charges for services like water and internet access are included in the cost.

If you’re living in a private house or in halls, you’ll need locate a house that is within your budget, and has costs that you are able to pay each month. Certain houses or flats will include utility costs in the monthly rent, while others will have you pay for them in addition to your rent. Make sure you check this out and include allowances in your budget for each of the various costs prior to making a decision to sign the lease.

If you’re living with your friends, be sure you’re all aware of who pays what amount prior to moving into the apartment. This will ensure that there will be no surprises or disagreements after you’ve settled in.

If you live in a flat or home, you might also require some months’ rent in advance as a deposit, so ensure that you include that in the cost of moving. Check out deposit protection plans or inquire with your landlord if they’ll protect your deposit with an arrangement to guarantee that your deposit will be returned to you at the expiration of the lease.

3. Choose your location

The location where you reside is crucial and must be considered carefully.

Do your homework on the city or town you’re moving to and choose a few neighborhoods that you’d be content to reside in. It is possible that you want to live near or close to the campus as you can, or you may prefer to be a little further away from the hustle and bustle.

Make sure that the location you’re looking to reside in is secure and has excellent transport connections within the city.

Whatever you choose you will need to ensure that it meets all your requirements.

4. Find utility/service providers, research and the required licenses

If you’re in a university residence or private student residences, it’s highly likely that you don’t need to think about paying your bills or think about creating an internet service of your own. However, this may not be the case, so make sure to make sure you know what is expected by you prior to moving into.

If you’re renting a flat or home, you’ll have to conduct some study on internet and electricity providers. You should also have an idea of the service you’ll sign up with upon arrival. It is not likely that you will be able to set it up until you get into the home, but knowing the costs and providers, as well as the paperwork that you’ll require prior to leaving is always advised.

If you plan to have a TV, or watch TV on demand from your laptop, you’ll require TV licenses, which can be paid in one payment or over a period of monthly instalments.

It is also necessary to get some type of insurance for contents to make sure that all your possessions are covered in your new residence.

5. Find out what you’ll need to take along and also what you can get

The majority of university rooms are with a fully-furnished kitchen, however you’ll need bedding and kitchen appliances (if you plan to self-cater) at the minimum. The majority of international students purchase these items once they arrive in order to prevent them from having to travel abroad with them.

If you are renting a flat or home, it is important to check whether the house is equipped or is not. The majority of international students will prefer a furnished apartment so that they don’t need to consider buying furniture when they are in the UK.

If you have an item that is missing from a home you are to love, you may inquire with the landlord about whether they are willing to provide it for at an additional cost to be added to the rental or security deposit. Many landlords will even give it free of charge If you’re fortunate enough.