What you need to know about Leicester student accommodation

A lot of first-year students discover that the halls of residence are an ideal base for making people and living near to campus. However, there are other options you can consider, especially as you get involved in the university experience.

Student housing at an easy glance

You may choose to reside in halls, private apartments or at home.
In deciding where you want to live, ask for assistance from family members and friends and attempt to attend Leicester student studio open days.
Do your research on the benefits and costs of each choice prior to making a decision.
Start your accommodation application once you’ve accepted a spot on a course.

Discover your options

As Heidi Cooper-Hind, director of student experience and employment for the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) says, ‘Choosing where you’ll be living is among the most exciting and vital decisions you’ll ever make during your university.’

In general there are four main alternatives. You can live:

in accommodation that is managed by the university (typically rooms of residence)
in private halls that are owned by the residence
together with other students in a private rented apartment or house
at in your home.

If you decide to take advantage of your university’s provision, you’ll find that you’ll usually be able to start your application for accommodation once you’ve accepted an invite to the course, but make sure to consult your university for more details on the procedure.

It’s always good to do a little research in advance,’ advises Claire Henshaw, accommodation services team head of the University of Northampton. Start as early as possible as most universities operate on a first-come, second served basis, and the most popular rooms can be booked quickly.

We announce the dates when applications open and offer “how to” guides as well. The university website is a good resource for details and ensure that you are knowledgeable,’ adds Claire.

Alternatively, get in touch with your university’s accommodation office Do not be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure about something you’re not sure about.

University accommodation open days are an opportunity to speak with staff members and learn about what’s offered. Claire advises that even if you can’t be there in person, always go to the university’s website since they’ll include descriptions, photos floors, floor layouts, and even video tours that are interactive.

Halls of residence

“Houses of residence at university allows you to get involved in the student community right from day one,’ says Rebecca O’Hare, assistant director of accommodation and residence office in the University of Leeds.

Moving away from your home is a huge transition, but it’s important to consider that most of your peers are in the same situation, and living in university accommodation allows you to access more help from your residence teams.’

To be clear, halls of residence are large blocks of flats that house thousands of students, and have private bedrooms that are furnished and set around corridors , or apartments that have shared kitchens. In some instances bathrooms are also shared, however en-suite bedrooms are becoming more common.

They are typically managed by the university, or in partnership with a private company They are generally good as they must comply with the national code of conduct. Privately-owned halls of residence offer all the benefits of halls, however they are not connected to the university. you can book a room directly with the specific halls you’re interested in . They have booking facilities that are easy to book online.

Many universities guarantee a place in halls for full-time , first-year students as well as international postgraduates in the event that you meet application deadlines. But, this can vary among institutions. For instance it is possible that you are not eligible if you’ve come through Clearing.

Halls are very popular with new students who are living away from their home for the first time, says Heidi. Bills are typically included, which means you’re aware of what you’re spending your money on and it’s simple to find a suitable accommodation by applying directly to the university – normally online.’

Because they’re often close to or on campus, or within walking distance the living space in halls puts you at the center of campus life. It’s a fantastic way to meet people and take part in social activities. While your bedroom might be small, the facilities you’ll need (for example , a laundrette) are typically on site and the accommodation team is on hand when it comes to maintenance.

Some universities provide catered accommodation. It is worth looking into when you’re not sure or equipped to cook for yourself, even though it will increase the cost of your rent.

In exchange for the convenience of halls, you may find yourself paying more than in a private dwelling or flat. You aren’t able to pick who you live with – which can make things tricky if you don’t get on with your fellow residents as well as with all the other things going on, halls aren’t the most ideal option if you prefer peace and quiet.

Be aware that you’ll be required to purchase your television licence. Heidi notes that you’ll be responsible for any harm that happens in your halls. This means you’ll have to pay for repairs.’

To find out how much you’ll have to pay for rent, visit your school’s website, as prices vary substantially based on your location and the facilities.

To maximize your time in your student living quarters, Rebecca advises students to connect with their flatmates through residence Facebook pages before welcoming week, and attend events on campus as well as in the halls, and get involved with residence life programmes at your university.

Privately rented accommodation

You may prefer to live in a privately rented house that typically accommodates five or six people. This is the route taken by the majority of students starting in the second year as well as some of the first years.

Another benefit is the ability to choose who you live with (for second-year students this normally means living with other students) this can make an ideal experience.

Another advantage is that you’ll have a greater choice over where to choose to live. You’ll be farther from campus, but good transport access, as well as lots of shops, bars and restaurants are in the student zones of many university cities.

The accommodation office at your university can help you find available houses. It’s recommended to visit the homes you’re considering before signing up”, says Heidi to make sure everything is in order. The team at accommodation will provide plenty of advice regarding what to look for and the best questions to ask during the viewing, for instance.

There are some other important things to consider. In general, rent is less expensive than halls, but you’ll have to pay for bills on top according to Heidi. It’ll be up to you to manage your bills for things like the cost of utilities, Wi-Fi connectivity or insurance on contents, as well as television licences. However, so long as everyone in your house is fully-time college students, you don’t have to pay council tax.

Along with taking care to budget your spending, you’ll need to be at ease in communicating with your landlord or letting agent to deal with any issues or arrange repairs. It is important to review and understand the terms of your lease and be aware of your rights as the tenant.

For instance, Heidi explains that landlords have to use a tenancy deposit protection scheme, and local council could demand repairs for landlords who don’t keep up with decent standards.

Living at home

For many people, going away to college – and the feeling of liberation that it brings is among the main benefits of going to university.

But if you’ve chosen to pursue your studies locally, staying at home can be an excellent option. It helps you save cash on bills and rent it’s convenient and you’ll be able to avoid the stress of leaving home to live in a new area with strangers.

You’ll also be separated from the social scene of a student, and it may be more difficult to make friends away from the crowds of halls and a student home. In order to make it work be active, join activities such as societies and sports clubs.

Making your decision

This isn’t an easy choice to make, so take advice from any and all sources. Friends and family members who’ve been to college before are a good starting point.

Numerous universities, including AUB are inviting you to attend applicant days prior to the start of term. During these days, you will meet fellow students and take a look at some of the available rental properties in the local area at the time,’ Heidi says.

Claire says that you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to university staff should you have any concerns about halls or private accommodation.

Meanwhile, it’s never too late to begin making financial preparations. ‘If you intend to reside in halls or private housing while studying it is essential to save money in order to save,’ says Claire. Most universities will ask for an initial rent payment or deposit when you apply for housing.

Also, saving money now in advance of university is a great strategy to ensure you’re covered in the initial months, particularly if you’re moving from your home.