Starting life at an International University can be tough. Although finding good accommodation can be worrisome, a little research before you leave will go along way.
Campus accommodation V/s off-campus accommodation
Some universities have a three-tier system of accommodation for overseas students. Usually, one is guaranteed accommodation on campus in the first year. This helps foreign students fit in. In the Second year, it is necessary to look for off-campus accommodations. These could be either at one of the properties managed by the university for local landlords or a private one. In the final year, with all the added pressures of finishing a degree, you are guaranteed campus accommodation once again.
Generally, Indian students go for campus accommodations. This can be a good or bad move depending on a number of factors. If your university is a ‘campus university’, it is likely to be situated away from the city centre. Thus you will have to take a short bus ride to the campus. Living on campus means that you are close to all university facilities such as the library and the students’ union. It is also considered safer.
On the other hand, if your university is in London or any other major city, there will be public transport to the campus. Buildings of the university are scattered. In this case, choosing to stay in the university’s student residence will not provide easy access to the facilities.
Students tend to over-estimate costs. Weekly rents for a room could range from 50 pounds (approx Rs 4,000) to 100 pounds (approx Rs 8,000) per week, depending on the standard of student accommodation. This costs as much as renting a room or a flat in town.
As a pattern, students choose campus accommodation in their first year and move off campus in the second in order to see more of their surrounding areas. Staying with a group of friends in a rented apartment, works out cheaper.
Go to your university’s estates service to find out about off-campus accommodations. They usually have a list of properties that they manage on behalf of local landlords. However, do not limit yourself to the list. Approach local estate agents for properties which are solely advertised for students. Look at several properties to get an idea of what is available, where and at what price.
There are useful websites where a lot of student properties are advertised. Feeding your search engine with ‘student accommodation’ will throw up good results. Some websites you could visit are www.accommodationforstudents.com, www.homesforstudents.co.uk, www.studentpad.co.uk. Most local estate agents also have websites with portfolios of properties. Browse through them and identify properties that you want to view.
Two things you should remember while making a decision:
• View as many properties as you can even if the process is lengthy
• Consider various factors like distance from campus, cost, quality, neighborhood, etc
Renting a property
You (or your group) will have to sign a tenancy agreement usually covering a period of one academic year. Read the document carefully. This is a legally binding document, making you liable to pay rent for the entire period.
Estate agents charge administration costs of between 20 pounds (approx Rs 1,500) and 50 pounds (approx Rs 4,000) per person. They may ask for a copy of your student status letter (available at your university) and a copy of an identification document (usually your passport).
Location, type and quality of accommodation decide the extent of rent you pay. Properties in some areas are simply more expensive than others. A security deposit is required to be made, usually in the range of a month’s or a month-and-a-half’s rent on the entire property. This will be refundable at the end of your tenancy. This is of course subject to the condition of the property since you moved in.
Usually agents also collect the rent on behalf of the landlord. You might have to set up a standing order on your bank account. This means that on a certain date (usually the first of every month), your share of the rent will be debited from your account and transferred to the agent’s account.
Some properties are advertised inclusive of utility bills whilst most are advertised without. Find out from the agent who the providers are for the property. Contact them to open an account in your name and give meter readings. Make sure to call them again, give meter readings and close the accounts when you move out. This will prevent receiving bills for periods that you haven’t lived there. Full-time students are exempt from council tax.
On Guard!
Indian students are advised to spend an extra 10-15 pounds (approx Rs 800-Rs 1,000) a month for tenants’ contents insurance from a reputable broker. This is because student properties are often targeted by burglars and it is better to insure your valuable possessions.
Estate agents are salesmen, and will always talk up the property. Don’t get carried away. Inspect property for yourself. Landlords may want to extract money from you. Be prepared for an unwillingness to return deposits in full. The contactor might even make deductions claiming that you are responsible for damages to the property. Photograph the interiors of the property when you move in. They can be used as evidence of the condition when you move out. Thus, you can claim a full refund of your deposit.
The contractor is responsible for issues like leakages and the likes. Contact him to rectify the problem.
If you are cautious and take all precautions necessary, living in the UK can be fun!
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