So, you've got your place at uni. You now know where you need to be for the next few years, so now you have to find student accommodation to live in.
If you're a fresher, you're going to get a form in the post from your new uni asking you where you want to live. They'll give you a choice of accommodation that they offer, including residential halls close to or on the main campus, and places off-campus that are probably self-catered (you'll need to cook for yourself). Your room will have furniture plus high-speed internet, and often a sink as well.
Most new uni students live in catered halls on or close to campus (meaning the uni cooks your breakfast and dinner), which will give you the chance to meet people in the same situation you're in. Your accommodation cost will often include food and bills, which means you've got less to worry about - probably a good thing if you're just starting your first year!
If you've decided to live in halls on campus, you might have to choose whether you'd like a room on your own, or if you want to pay a bit less and share a room with another student. While it probably seems a little strange to share a room with someone you've never met before, your uni will probably give you a questionnaire to fill out (asking things like whether or not you're a morning person) and make sure you're put with someone who's got a similar personality. Your roommate can end up being your closest friend, and someone you end up staying with during your years at uni.
After you've got to grips with student life, made friends and found out more about the city you're living in, you might want to try one of the halls located further from the main campus. You'll probably have to cook for yourself, but you'll also have more independence, and can try to get a spot in the same halls your friends are in.
When you're looking for a place off-campus, check out accommodation halls that are rented privately. Even though you won't be renting through the university, make sure your uni accredits them as being ok places to live. Your rent in these halls will usually also include utilities, internet, etc. Ask your uni for a list of privately-rented halls in the area, or visit
www.accommodationforstudents.com.
Students in their final year, or doing a master's degree, might look for their own place to rent that's not associated with their university. This could be a cheaper option if you go in with a group of friends so you're each paying a bit of the rent, but remember that you'll also have to split costs for your tv, heat, water and internet. As with the privately-rented halls, your uni will have a list of landlords that they recommend renting from, so consult that before you make any final decisions.
It all might seem like a lot to think about, but your university can offer support and advice to help you decide what's best - contact your Accommodation Office with any queries.
