ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is bound
to be one of the first things that comes to mind when you consider study
abroadand your final decision will be based on a number of factors. There are a
variety of options when it comes to international student accommodation, and
also a number of considerations and checkpoints you should run through before
making your choice - which is also bound to be partially based on personal
preference. Whatever your budget, and whether it be university
housing or something in the private sector, there will be an option for
you.
As an international student, this may be the first time you’ve lived on your own, or
perhaps even your first time abroad. It may also be the first time you have had
to manage costs and deal with any aspect of accommodation. It is,
therefore, important to realize at the outset that this is a major decision.
Your student accommodation will be a place you relax, study, and probably most
importantly, meet friends, natives and fellow travellers.
PLANNING,SUPPORT AND
ADVICE
The general rule to bear
in mind is that you are responsible for finding your own accommodation, but it
is common for your institute to offer help or support especially when it comes
to university accommodation. This support may range from them going as far as
actually finding a place for you (should you want to leave this to their
judgement), to offering a range of options, to simply advising you the best
practice to follow.
As well as advice and
assistance from your university, specific organizations exist in most countries
whose purpose is to advise and take the burden off the whole process.
They also often have connections with various organizations and may be able to
find you somewhere should you be having difficulty. Also be sure to check student notice boards, (especially for
house sharing) and local newspapers also often advertise rooms, apartments and
houses for rent.
Depending on your
preference, and also how well you plan ahead and research the student housing
market in your chosen destination, you could end up in anything from a newly
refurbished house, to a rundown student haunt.
TYPES OF STUDENT
ACCOMMODATION
Depending on where you
decide to study, your choices of student accommodation may be quite varied
and provide very different experiences. You will also find that in some
countries, finding somewhere to stay will be as easy as falling off a log,
whilst in others you will have to plan far in advance and often spend more than
you may have envisaged.
UNIVERSITY HOUSING -
CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION/ HALLS OF RESIDENCE
Campus accommodation is
university run accommodation, and usually within the confines of the
university. There are numerous advantages to this, and as such, this is more
often than not the first port of call and the most beneficial choice. You will
be close, if not living in the university grounds, so travel is not a concern. In
term of your social life, this is as good a place as any. You will find
yourself immersed in the cultures of other international students who have made
the same decision as yourself, and also the natives who often stay in Halls for
the social aspect of university life. Many Halls of Residence regularly
organise social events to spur this on.
There may be some downsides to staying in Halls, but it is often worth making
some sacrifices. Kitchens and social areas will be shared. Bathrooms may be en
suite, but will quite often also be shared. The quality of the accommodation
and amenities may also vary. So be sure to check this out before committing.
SUMMARY
Whatever option you
choose, the important thing is there is always something for you to choose. At
INESEC, we are committed to strong customer relations and support and hence, we
are ready to offer our assistance in this regard. For a sample estimate of
accommodation cost, please download this Expenses file. After due and thorough
consideration of the best type of accommodation and you are interested in this
part of our service, please notify us through email, or call using our contact
details found on Contact Us page with your details.
