The Tips You Need to Find the Best Digs

Congratulations! You have finally made it out of college and are excited to embark on your new adventure as an independent and professional adult, meeting new people, exploring new places, and learning so much more. Now that you have your acceptance letter, picked your modules, and finalised your student loans, it’s time to start the exciting process of choosing where you would like to live.

There are many factors that come into play when choosing the right accommodation for you, especially since it’s going to be your home for a while. Having a cosy and safe place where you feel comfortable after a long, hard day at the university is the bare minimum every student should be seeking out. At the moment, this may seem like a daunting task, but we are here to help with our top tips for finding the best student accommodation for your long-awaited adventure.

First things first, think about your budget

It may not be the most fun use of your time, but it’s the most important use of your time. If you are using a student loan, be sure to check the amount allotted for your student accommodation and monthly rent before doing anything else. Once you establish how much you can afford for accommodation, you can then budget for other living costs. Most student housing prices will include things like bills and utilities, but just in case they don’t, or you prefer to go private, here are some hidden costs you may not have thought about when making your initial budget plan.

Services

Did you know that if you watch live TV or stream from services like the BBC, you will need to acquire a TV license? Double check with your student accommodation if this is included. The same goes for Wi-Fi and contents insurance.

Utility Bills

If you opt for student accommodation the chances of you having to pay separately for utility bills are very low, yet it is something that you should ask before sending in your application. Once you know if bills are included or not, it makes choosing the right accommodation for you that much easier.

Hidden extras

I’m sure you can’t wait to get settled in to your accommodation and meet your new friends, so here are some things that you may not have initially considered when setting your budget but that will make moving away from home a whole lot easier:

• New, fresh bedding,
• Pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils and appliances you love to use,
• Your weekly food shop, because you’re going to need the right fuel for your brain power.

Think about how you would like your accommodation to look

Now that you have a grasp on your budget and what you can realistically spend, it’s time to look at the different accommodation opportunities available. Do you prefer the thought of living in student halls, a student house, or renting private accommodation? Think about how you would like your student experience to go before finding the right student accommodation provider.

Bathrooms - shared or private?

Does the thought of sharing a bathroom make you shudder? Then investigate accommodations with ensuite or private bathrooms. They might be a little bit more expensive than sharing a bathroom, but don’t forget you’re living there for at least a year, and you need to feel comfortable as well as clean.

Kitchen

Do you love the idea of swapping stories in the kitchen with your flatmates, or would you prefer to not risk having to clean up other people’s mess before you start to cook? Even if you love the idea of socialising but prefer the use of your own kitchen, don’t forget that most student accommodations will have a community lounge or bar within their facilities, potentially giving you the best of both worlds. Whichever type of accommodation you prefer to be in it is important you choose the one that you know you feel the most content with.

Don’t forget about storage

Okay, hear us out. Storage isn’t something you probably thought about in your accommodation search. Yet, it is imperative to have it right to ensure you’re not living and studying in a cluttered room. Bedrooms in student rooms are notoriously small, and the less mess you have around you, the better it is for your mental health and thinking space. Another perk of having storage is being able to keep your valuables safe, preventing you from having to fill out lengthy insurance claims and giving you more time to study and have fun.

Do you love to socialise?

Meeting new friends, going out, and enjoying life are driving factors for many new students when choosing the right accommodation for them. Check if your accommodation has shared living space and facilities that you can make the most of with your new friends. Alternatively, if you prefer a more solitary way of life, look for accommodations that can meet your needs.

Location, location, location!

Everyone loves to save time, especially when you have days full of lectures, looming deadlines, and of course, enjoying your all-important social life to the full. Therefore, it can be to your benefit to choose accommodation that’s within walking distance of your university campus and other city amenities, such as local shops. Being able to walk or cycle to where you want to go, whether that is your campus or the local bars, will not only save you time but also money on daily travel. Giving you the extra cash to spend on things you prefer doing.

Your safety is paramount

You may not initially think about the security and safety of your accommodation, but we are sure your caregivers have already thought about this. Does the accommodation you’re looking at have 24-hour CCTV, on-site security, secure access to the building, clear emergency exits, and working fire alarms? Not only will these things give you and you and your caregivers peace of mind it also ensures that you will you feel safe and enjoy your university experience without any fear.

Enjoy a clean living space

The last thing you want to worry about when you live in your student accommodation are pest problems. When you research student accommodations, find out if they offer a cleaning service or if this is something you have to do either by yourself or with your fellow students.

Reap the benefits

Finding student accommodation can be tough, but remember, you are not living in your accommodation just to study, so check out the benefits the accommodation you're looking at can give you. A lot of student accommodation now provides access to on-site gyms, cafés, communal TV rooms, garden chill-out areas, launderettes, and other leisure facilities. Think about what your student accommodation can give you access to, enabling you to do the things you love in your new social circle as well as enjoying some much-needed downtime.

Find student accommodation in Bournemouth

Now that you have read our guide and feeling more confident on how to proceed with your student accommodation search, why not check out the amazing facilities and apartments Lulworth Student Company has to offer. With extra security, on-site gym, launderette, sports courts, and communal lounges our sites have everything you need to feel settled, safe and start enjoying university life in Bournemouth. Our ensuite rooms and studio flats are of the highest quality at a great price enabling you to work within your budget and not against it.

For more information, visit our booking page or get in touch with a member of our team.