How to Pick the Best Student Accommodation

The next big decision you will make after selecting your preferred university is deciding where you will stay. This is a very important step in your life because the place you choose will ultimately have an effect on your academic and social life. In most universities, you have the option of choosing to stay in a traditional hall of residence, in privately rented rooms, or in a purpose built student development. You can even stay at home and commute every day.

It is paramount that you understand what each type of accommodation offers so that you can select a place that fits you. In order to help you make the right decision during this period, we have compiled the pros and cons for each type of accommodation below.

University Halls

It is definitely more advantageous to live in a university-managed accommodation but despite all the benefits, there are some disadvantages you ought to consider before you choose to stay in school. One of the main benefits of staying in a university hall is the opportunity to socialize. Being around your fellow students allows you to create long lasting friendships that go a long way in helping you get through school successfully. Other advantages of residing in university halls are:

Support: It is easier for you to get help from other students and lecturers if you are living close to them. When an issue pops up, you have easily accessible dormmates/classmates.
Reduced expenses: In a university managed hall, the management controls and takes care of most of the issues. This eases your financial burdens since you don’t have to pay for recurring expenses such as repairs which will definitely occur during your time in any accommodation.

Having looked at some of the benefits you get by staying in a university hall, let us look at the disadvantages.

Dominion lies with the administration: In a university hall, you cannot steer things the way you want. The residence management makes major decisions like who your roommate will be on your behalf.
No guarantees: You might miss a room in your preferred accommodation.
Noise levels: Due to the high number of students residing in one residence, there is a high chance that on some days there will be noise in the dorms.

Private Student Halls

Some areas around institutions have purposely built complexes for students. This is one of the options you can choose if you don’t want to live in a university hall.

The advantages of living in a York University housing off campus are:

Private developers build them for students; all advantages of university halls apply here too.

Some of the disadvantages are:

Extra cost: They tend to be pricier than university halls and might have some additional costs.
Just like in university halls, you will experience student pitfalls such as noise/disturbance.

Private Accommodation

You also have the option of renting a private property if you want to avoid student halls of any kind.

Pros are-

Independence: In this type of residences you are able to choose where you want to live, in addition to choosing your roommate.
Flexibility: Since these are private facilities, you can easily find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Cons are-

Further out: Since private facilities are outside campus, you might find yourself further away from the classes and other campus facilities.
Managing bills: In private student halls the expenses are on you. You will definitely need a budget.

Living at Home

This option works well in terms of finances because a student is able to avert all expenses associated with living away from home. Nevertheless, just like the other options, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros-

Hassle-free: No upheaval, no moving.
More free time: This is especially the case if someone else takes care of the cooking and other chores.

Cons-

You will be living further away from your fellow students.
Someone else’s roof: You will have to put up with someone else’s rules.