Finding a home for your uni life can be difficult, especially if there are an overwhelming amount choices. Choosing the right place to stay in is important as it directly influences your performance at school. You ought to choose the one that suits your lifestyle and that allows you to meet new people.
If you are looking for some ways to make your search much easier, you have come to the right place. Making a wise decision could be quite difficult if there is no help. Here are some of the things you need to do to streamline your search.
LHA London shares a few tips, not just in finding a place to live in during your stay abroad; they also give valuable and practical career advice for those who want to think ahead.
Your Budget
You need to allocate some budget to your student housing. Other than the monthly rent, you will need to keep in mind the money you will need for your food, utilities, and school expenses. That way, you can easily picture how much you will need for your schooling.
You could look for a part-time job if you want to add more money to your budget. Similarly, there are many freelance or home-based opportunities that could earn you extra income while you complete your studies. You stand to enjoy the benefit of staying at home and conserving energy, which you could redirect to acing your subjects.
The Proximity to the Uni
You need to make sure that your new home will be close to your uni. Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of renting a room or home. It can be within the walking or biking distance. Ditch choices that will require you to travel more than an hour or put you in the complications of commuting.
You have to remember that going to school will not only take a lot or physical effort but also could be mentally draining too. Therefore, all the energy you can save, including from commuting will be significant and can help you be successful in your studies.
The Community
You need to gauge if the community will be conducive to your studying. Not only this, you also have to think way ahead. Is it full of people who could potentially be good contacts for your career in the future? It is not too early to network and think of developing your work opportunities even while you are earning a degree.
Additionally, you have to see if the crime rate is low; otherwise, it will be difficult for you to go home every day with worries in mind. This should not be a problem if you live in London, though. There are many good student houses to rent in London.
These are just some of the things to keep in mind if you want to find the right home while you are studying. You could even get some friends to tag along with you if you want to save some more.
Bonnie is always on the road with some amazing adventures ahead. Her favorite continent is South America and she’s passionate about culture-focused traveling and ethical and sustainable tourism. During her time in university as a research assistant for a sociology professor, she realized she can’t fully understand cultures from a safe distance. She quit her job to become a full-time “voluntourist,” which brings her to places where she can immerse in local communities and support their causes. On top of writing, one of Bonnie’s priorities is offering women advice on how to stay safe while solo backpacking.