Chapter 3
Halls and housing
Choosing the ideal accommodation for your needs (and finances) while you’re at uni is a really important decision, especially in the first year – since the roof over your head can affect loads of issues, not just the luxury of your surroundings, but things like security, food, how much spare cash you’ll have and the number of new people you meet. This chapter looks at the kinds of accommodation options you’ll have – university-owned halls, private halls, living at home, private flats and houses – and then tackles the practical issues, from dealing with landlords to avoiding council tax, that you might face while living away from home at uni.
Halls of residence
The first decision to make is whether to live in university halls or ‘live out’ – which means living in a house or flat owned by a private landlord. At first glance, halls might seem like a more expensive option, but remember that your rent bill in halls will usually include extras like utility costs, your internet provision, and a regular cleaner, and you’ll usually be able to pay to live there only during term time – so you’ll be paying for fewer weeks. There will be other bonuses like access to a bar, and common room with a TV, and sometimes a catered canteen. By contrast, if you opt to live in private accommodation, you’ll usually have to pay for a twelve-month contract, even if uni runs for less time, and will have to pay extra for bills, TV licence, and do your own cleaning. So be aware of what’s included in the cost if price is a major concern.
TIP
‘Be prepared for lots to go on when you’re living in halls. We often had fire alarms at 4am – once one went off after the freshers’ ball the night before, and everyone came out in their ball gowns. One of my friends kept overflowing the bath and that triggered the fire alarm for some reason too. My overriding memory of first year is running out of my room half-dressed because of fire alarms!’
Hannah, 21, Oxford
Most freshers choose to live in university-owned halls of residence for their first year at uni. I did – and it was the ideal choice. Living in halls means that everything you need is on-site, from hundreds of like-minded freshers to launderettes and social events. There are practical advantages too, like not having to focus on admin – you usually only have to pay one bill, since utility bills and broadband internet are included.
The cost of living in halls will depend on where you’re living and what’s included in your rent, but according to the NUS, the average student rents lie between £40 and £100 a week. It can be a lot more – mine was £137 a week, but I had short, eight-week terms and I didn’t have to pay for my room during the holidays so that made it a little cheaper over the course of the y... Click here to purchase the complete Guide to Uni Life |