Youth Incorporated Magazine

Moving out of your family home and into your own place in student accommodation is often one of the most exciting, but also sometimes, a scary part of going to university. The accommodation that you live in is not only where you’re going to call home for the next year and potentially meet some of your best friends, it’s also going to teach you a lot of valuable life skills such as budgeting, cooking your own healthy meals, and generally learning how to manage adult life. And, your accommodation choice can make or break your first-year university experience. We’ve put together some top tips to help you choose the room you’ll love.

1. Consider the Location:

Where your student accommodation is located can make a huge difference to the experience. If you’re located close to campus, it’s usually just a short walk to get to lectures and the library, which can be very helpful if you’re new to the area and getting to grips with where everything is located.

2. Getting Connected:

Don’t forget that your student room is going to be the place where you’ll also be doing a lot of studying and revising. So, for most students, having a strong, reliable internet connection is a must. Do your research beforehand to find which halls of residence have the best Wi-Fi options. Social media is a great place for this, as many accommodation blocks will have their own groups where you can ask current students what it’s like.

3. Home Comforts:

When it comes to student accommodation, the options available are quite varied. Do you just need a room to lay your head in? A single room with a shared bathroom in a flat might be perfect for you. But if you prefer more comfort and privacy, you may want to consider a double room with an en-suite bathroom. Know what you want from your room before you begin looking; this will make narrowing your options down easier. If you want to guarantee that the place you stay will be as comforting as your room at home, then one option to explore is the luxury student apartments offered by Collegiate in areas across the UK such as Exeter. In this particular area, they have centrally located apartments to rent which offers superior style to what you’d typically find. The home comforts in their accommodation options include a beautifully designed room, coupled with a quiet study room, on-site gym, exclusive dining room, secure bicycle storage, and more.

4. Security:

You’ll want to feel safe in your student accommodation, so before you sign a contract for a room, make sure that security is a top priority. Many student halls will have security guards patrolling the grounds, but if not; at least make sure that there is secure fob or keypad entry for students with a well-staffed reception desk and emergency helpline number available.

5. Communal Areas:

When you’re at university, many of the friends that you make will be from your accommodation block. And, although you’re studying hard, you’ll also want to relax and take some time to have fun and make lasting memories from your time at university. So, the communal areas are important to consider – is there a gym, a games room, or even an on-site cinema?

Before choosing student accommodation, think about your comfort, location, study and socialization requirements.