When you go to college or university, you have to make a number of decisions. This includes determining where to study when to begin classes, what courses to take, and which mode of learning works best for you. But aside from those, there's one decision that's often not thought about—student housing.
What Is Student Housing And Why Is It Important?
Student housing is a type of accommodation for students who attend colleges that are distant from their homes. It's off-campus, so they have more freedom and privacy than in a dorm. Typically, the apartments or houses are operated by landlords. Students prefer these accommodations over dorms since the cost of dorms is increasing.
Off-campus student accommodations have furnished rooms. However, there's no food provided nor fixed furniture. It'll be up to the renters to make the space look and feel like their home. You can even decorate or buy furniture for your room.
Student housing remains extremely important to college students all over the world. This accommodation is beneficial for students commuting from afar. Student accommodations like NorthPoint and many others allow students to socialize with their peers, mingle with people from various cultures, and learn how to live with others. This could help them become people who can adapt to various work and living environments after college.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Student Housing
Indeed, student housing can significantly improve your college experience. But with the many student housing options of different sizes and styles, how will you know which one to pick? Would you prefer one closer to your school or one with your ideal fixtures?
If you're having trouble searching for the ideal student housing, worry no more! There are just a few key things that must be considered before settling on one. If you want to make the most of your student housing and improve the quality of your academic life, read further below.
1) Location
Before you let yourself be swayed by the low cost of a specific student housing option, the first step is to make sure that you consider its location. The property's distance to your preferred university is a critical deciding factor. If you live in low-cost student accommodation but drive an hour or more to get to school, you might waste more time and money.
If feasible, choose a student housing complex that's not so distant from your school. Aside from saving money and enjoying the convenient setting, staying close to your institution could make you feel more encouraged to study. Plus, such a setting will make it more convenient for you during your downtime periods or if you left something in your room.
2) Internet Connectivity
Students nowadays require a solid and fast internet connection. They use this to conduct research for homework and school projects. A fast internet connection is also necessary for students to stay in touch with their loved ones. Since they live alone, they will need to strengthen their familial ties.
While looking for student accommodation, don't forget to factor in a reliable and fast internet connection. Check the available internet connection choices. You may achieve this by browsing through the student housing you've posted or asking past residents you know.
3) Cost Of Utilities
Before you choose any form of housing, make sure to verify the rent and whether or not it includes the utility costs. Some utilities are included in the monthly rent, while others must be paid individually. Utilities include expenses such as those incurred for the use of electricity, water, laundry services, gas, drainage removal, rubbish collection, and so on.
4) The Coziness Of The Home
Living independently can be an exciting journey, particularly if you've spent the past many years cooped up in the same house with your family. However, you could also feel overwhelmed by the various obligations that come with living in a dorm or apartment.
To help you adjust to your new surroundings, look for student housing that gives the same degree of comfort as your home. Your college life will need you to interact with new people, but if you put yourself at ease and comfort, you'll have no trouble adjusting.
5) Furniture And Fixtures
Always be aware of what is included in any student housing you visit. Some furniture and fixtures may look nice, but they may not be there for good. For example, that comfy-looking sofa may have enticed you to rent a room; but it might be removed a few days after you move in. Another possibility is that the landlord will simply provide the student housing with nice furniture to increase its desirability to prospective tenants.
To make a more informed selection, ask the landlord if the furniture and fittings are included or not. If there are mattresses, inspect them for broken springs to minimize future trouble.
6) Your Roommates
If you want to live in a shared apartment with other people, make sure you're familiar with their peculiarities and habits before agreeing to settle in. If you and your friends are looking for a place to stay together, look for a property with enough room to provide everyone privacy.
7) Restrooms
When looking for a place to stay, having access to a decent restroom is certainly a need, particularly if you're meticulous about maintaining your personal cleanliness. So, before committing to a certain option for student housing, it is a good idea to check out the bathroom and maybe even give the toilet a go to ensure it's in working order. After all, you don't want to delay your toilet sessions just because of a clogged toilet.
8) Communal Areas
College life probably comes with a good dose of stress. As a result, while you'll want to study hard, you'll also want to rest and take a moment to enjoy yourself and create memorable memories. So, it is important to think about the student housing's communal areas. Consider whether the housing has a gym, a lounge area, or even a movie theater. Even though these things aren't entirely necessary for your studies, you should think about the things that are important to you in terms of comfort, location, study, and sociability.
9) Budget
As a student without a full-time job, you don't have a lot of extra income. Keeping this in mind, you should consider the cost of your housing.
Make a monthly budget for your money. Consider how much you can afford to spend with that amount. When you've determined your budget, you may start looking for student housing.
When comparing the costs of different housing options, students often forget to include the costs of utilities. While private rentals may appear to be less expensive than homestay or student housing, you must consider the extra expenses for utilities stated above.
10) Water Supply
Having a house full of students who all need to use the restroom many times a day can lead to a serious lack of water pressure and, consequently, a very dissatisfied household.
When looking at several student housing alternatives, a quick turn of the taps will ensure that there is more than a trickle of water in the sinks and showers. You should also check your toilet flush to ensure it is operating properly. Additionally, look for suspected leaks or moist places. Water damage is costly and sometimes dangerous.
11) Safety And Security
You'll be storing your things in your apartment. When you’re in class, some of the things that you don’t need for the day, like gadgets or documents, must be left. However, this is only possible if you are certain that your chosen student housing has ample security to keep your belongings safe. Hence, this factor must be considered as you don’t want to keep worrying during class.
It’s always better to be safe. To lessen your worries about the security of your residence, make time to ask the landlord about this. Before sealing the deal, try asking the following questions:
- Is there CCTV installed throughout the building?
- How secure are the locks on the doors?
- Does the facility have guards to monitor the building 24/7?
12) Convenience
When you start to live independently, your focus won't be on your studies but also on your daily needs. Aside from focusing on your studies, you'll also have to stay on top of your basic needs, such as food and medications.
If you want to make your life easier when you move into student housing, ensure there are nearby establishments. Your student housing should be close to grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities. If possible, such establishments should be open for 24 hours since university students usually get out of class late.
Final Thoughts
When you head off to college, your life will change. You'll make new acquaintances, explore new locations, and get new opportunities. Choosing the best housing option is one way to experience these things positively. That being said, keep in mind the points listed above to avoid the stress of house searching and choose your perfect home for the following years!
