A4.1 Types of Accommodation

Generally, there are several types of accommodation options for adult international students in the UK.

 

University Halls

 

University halls come in various types, such as en-suite rooms or single rooms. Generally, the cost of university accommodation tends to be relatively higher compared to private renting.

 

For instance, when TenShengMiao first moved in, they lived in a university hall where several students shared a flat, including the kitchen, living area, and bathroom. The rent was over £600 per month. However, some private rentals offer en-suite rooms at a similar or even lower price. In terms of safety, some university halls are built and managed by the university itself, while others are run in partnership with private companies. Their locations can vary greatly – some are right next to campus, while others are quite far away. Safety levels can also be inconsistent.

 

Private Student Accommodation

 

Private student accommodation is generally quite expensive. Options include single rooms, en-suite rooms, or studio rooms with private kitchenettes. These are often marketed specifically to international students and come at a premium price, with quality varying significantly.

 

On the positive side, some well-established providers offer good security with access control and CCTV, and may include shared facilities like gyms and common rooms. The downsides can include relatively small room sizes and issues with shared laundry facilities, where some residents may wash inappropriate items like shoes. There have also been multiple reports of staff entering rooms without student consent while they are out and taking valuable items. In such cases, reporting to the police often proves ineffective, and CCTV footage may conveniently be unavailable or not recorded. Ultimately, the experience heavily depends on the integrity and responsibility of the management and staff.

 

Private Renting

 

Private renting typically involves leasing a flat or a house. This option is often more affordable, but you must be wary of scammers, who are unfortunately very common. Some letting agents can also be problematic, so it's important to check their ratings and reviews on Google beforehand. Some universities have their own letting agencies, which can be slightly more reliable. It is also advisable to check the local crime rate for an area before deciding to rent there; a guide on how to do this is available in the directory on this website.

 

You can arrange your long-term or temporary UK accommodation from your home country. Make sure you prepare necessary documents in advance, such as your arrival date for registration, accommodation address, tenancy agreement, or proof of payment.