In the case of choosing accommodations for students at universities, they now have more accommodations options than they ever had before.
Leicester has the highest proportion for student accommodation in the United States (alongside Exeter) with 1 out of 15 properties being designated as student-friendly. With so many options , it can be quite daunting. We’ve put together the advantages and disadvantages of student living in private accommodation that could help make your decision a bit more straightforward!
What is private student accommodation?
Private student housing (or rooms for private use) can vary and include specifically designed buildings where students can lease rooms in flats that are shared. This is distinct from student housing, where you can also rent a space inside a house by a landlord, typically through an agent for letting. Private accommodations differ from University owned sites. Universities will provide details about both University and privately operated alternatives.
What are the advantages?
If you’re a social butterfly staying in a private Leicester student studio might be the best option for you. Private student housing usually comes with rooms in which you and your fellow residents are able to hang out with each other.
For parents who are concerned regarding security and safety it is important to keep in mind that, unlike private residences accommodation for students, student housing is usually staffed. This means that you will appreciate having a staff on hand throughout the day.
Private student accommodation typically provides excellent value in terms of value. Most often, you’ll have to pay fees for agency services in addition to a deposit when you rent a room from an individual landlord or agency for letting; the cost for this is the national average of an astronomical PS208. When booking private accommodations there are no upfront costs required.
A quick look-up in the forums of The Student Room will turn up many horror stories of landlords who are rogue and untreated student housing maintenance problems. Instead of relying on your landlord for fixing problems , and sometimes having to wait for weeks to see the work taken care of, you should live in your own accommodation and notify the property manager of any problems and maintenance staff will be on the spot working immediately!
What are the pros?
In some halls operated by universities residents aren’t given a choice regarding the room they’ll live in the moment they reserve. In some cases, it’s fate which they find themselves living with and there’s not always a certainty that you’ll live with your friends when you book in group. In recent times, private student halls have allowed students to choose their own rooms, which gives the students a little more control over the people you’re likely to live with.
In areas where students live are not as noisy in the evening, volume of the noise in student housing can be a concern in the event that you’re a light sleeper. Most of the time, this is because the building being located closer to campus, and therefore gaining plenty of traffic in the evening. Of course, the friendly on-site staff will always attempt to solve any issues that arise, and you’ll feel secure knowing that security personnel is watching the situation.
In some housing, you could experience a loss of the autonomy you normally enjoy in private accommodation. In the case of many college students, living in housing is an opportunity to test living on your own before the actual reality. On the other side, you could miss out on the valuable experience of dealing with bills along in a flat with your roommates. However is it possible to pay the cost of rent with all charges all paid?
