Remember the days when you were so close to giving up, but you pulled out all the stops to earn an offer letter from your dream University? You’re standing at the door of your dreams, and all you need to do is to push it open by securing a place you can call home. The latest report states that 750,000 students fly to the UK every year. With the ever-increasing migration of students, the demand for good student hostels near the University has peaked. Finding a student accommodation that is convenient both for your pocket and your heart can be overwhelming.

The key is to start the hunt early. Know your preferences in terms of size, comfort, budget, location, and roommates. Once you have the priorities set, here are some student housing options from which you can choose.

1.   University dorms

Dormitories on campus are the perfect way to start your international journey. With the ease of access to campus facilities and peers, it is an ideal balance—you are on your own, free of nagging parents as well as annoying admin tasks. Dormitories are an affordable student housing option as you share the space and amenities with other international students.

The nightlife on campus and the late-night study sessions can kick off the social butterfly in you. You save on transport and other daily expenses. Most of them have a meal plan you can sign up for. Though rooms are very basic, you do not have to worry about any repairing or maintenance works.

While you can make many friends, it may hamper your privacy with non-stop conversations and cramped hallways. Just like the Gryffindor common room, there will be some ground rules you have to abide by—including restriction of visitors overnight and dorm timings.

2.   Private studios

If you prefer privacy over a cheap house, then go ahead and rent a private apartment on your own.

Keep in mind that with the privacy and comfort of a residence comes a long list of responsibilities. You must rely on yourself for everything, from finding a house, checking off the formalities, turning it into a home, paying bills, cooking, regular cleaning, maintenance, and any damage that requires attention. Amid hectic classes and assignments, it may exhaust you to depend on yourself even for a cup of coffee after a long day. But if you think you can pull it off, it would be your first step to adulting, especially if you plan to stay long-term in the city.

Be very careful with the legal works: do not pay the security deposit before you sign the contract, do not transfer money online, have proof of all the agreements on paper, and know where to address any grievance you might have. Private apartments may not be very close to University and hence you can explore the neighbourhood more, engage with the natives there, and make some friends.

3.   Shared apartments or Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)

Do you hold your privacy very scared? Does the idea of living alone in an alien land scare you? If you answered yes to both, private student housing near the University is what you need. PBSA lies between a university dorm and a private apartment; you can choose your housemates without having to compromise on your privacy. With budget-friendly student housing near the University, you can keep your personal and social life intact.

Many student cities like Nottingham and Oxford have student accommodation providers who ensure communal areas, in-room facilities, and hassle-free service, all customized for students. They are more equipped than a university dorm and are well within the proximity of all essential services. Though these are fully-furnished to cater to a student’s needs, you may have to carry your bedding and kitchen supplies.

4.   Homestay

Moving to another country away from your family and friends hit you differently after the initial bubbles of excitement are burst. To make yourself more at ease, you can prefer to stay with a local family there. You will have the warmth of a home without any strict parenting rules. The homestay parents can give you tips on restaurants, local festivals, discount offers to look for, and cheap grocery shops.

Though you will have a room of your own, you have to share the family’s common spaces. The rent includes food, laundry, and other basic expenses. Homestay is a great way to learn the language and immerse in the local culture. If you get along well, they would be the family away from home, and nothing feels great than having a guardian to turn to when things get rough. Since families prefer a peaceful neighbourhood, it is hard to find one near the University. Before you move in, discuss the basic housing rules regarding meal timings, pets, and visitors. Make sure your food preferences match or are negotiable. Homestay is your go-to option if you can miss out on campus nightlife and convenient commutes.

Comparison of student accommodations in the US and the UK

Being the most preferred countries for study abroad, the US and the UK have different work culture norms and lifestyles. This difference extends to student accommodations, starting with the name.

The student halls in the UK are called student dorms in the US. While on-campus accommodation in both countries provides services like on-site laundry, all-inclusive bills, and wifi, neither permits the students to choose a roommate. In the UK, each student will have a private room with shared utilities, while in the US, every student shares the room with one or more students besides sharing utilities. Though both countries have the policy to sign up for daily meals, you can turn to on-site cafeterias for some fancy dishes.

Private housing options in both the US and the UK are managed by private companies or landlords, offering value for money in terms of privacy and amenities. The rent is to be paid monthly in the US, while you must pay it weekly in the UK. The latter gives you the option not to pay for the whole month if you stay only for a few days of a month. Though most of the student accommodation is furnished, the US has some unfurnished units. The US has a pet-friendly policy in student accommodation, but the UK does not allow pets.

But having said that, know that you can always choose another option if you are not happy with the one in hand. With every second website offering a house, it can get very confusing to know which is legit and how to proceed. Be smart, push your comfort zone, and explore the new land.