You experience the joy of newfound independence coupled with many challenges. And one of these is finding the right student accommodation.
To ease your burden, in this article we have put together the three most popular student housing options for your Master’s study. But, remember, no one accommodation is better than the other two, as each has its own pros and cons.
We will walk you through each type of housing, and according to your needs and preferences, you can see which option will suit you better. So without any delay, let’s get started!
University Dormitories
University dormitories are also referred to as halls of residence or student halls. They are pretty popular amongst first-year undergraduate students and postgraduate students. Moreover, on-campus living is very profitable for graduate students, especially those from different countries.
- First, uni dorms are safe as you will be living in accommodation provided by your university, which is well-monitored.
- Second, it will be convenient for you to commute as most university halls are within the campus, or even if not, they are located nearby, thus making it comfortable to commute to the university.
- Third, they are the most affordable housing option, and the cost of utilities is included in the monthly fee.
- And finally, living close to the campus helps you learn about your university culture faster and better. Moreover, you tend to make friends and professional contacts more easily.
As a graduate student, residing in university dorms should be your first preference. However, not all universities provide on-campus accommodation. In such cases, they will assist you in finding off-campus housing like private flats.
There are other drawbacks to choosing university dormitories, such as living with roommates –which means less privacy and more frequent noise, and strict rules and regulations imposed by the residence hall director – which means less independence and freedom.
Private Accommodation
Private accommodation is again a prevalent choice amongst graduate students. You can rent an apartment or a room – but it can be expensive, or you can choose to live in a shared apartment or PBSA (Purpose built student accommodation) – which is like a private alternative for halls of residence.
There are many reasons to opt for this off-campus living for your master’s study, such as:
- It provides you freedom and independence to enjoy your student life to the fullest. This will allow you to be your own person and explore your host country or city on your terms!
- Private accommodation is located near major universities and has easy access to public transport, shopping malls, eat-out spots, markets, hospitals, etc.
- Private housing like student accommodation in Glasgow provides you with a host of amenities, such as excellent Wi-Fi, gym, cinema rooms, game rooms, etc.
As we mentioned earlier, private accommodation can be expensive, but that does not mean there are no affordable options. You just have to search carefully to find one!
Moreover, there are a few things to keep in mind before renting the property, such as asking for all the relevant details about the place, having an in-person or Skype viewing of the property, and reading the entire terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement. These things will protect you from facing any rental scams!
Homestays
Homestays are less popular than the other two accommodation options mentioned above. But it is definitely cheap and sometimes even cheaper than university dormitories!
Homestays are generally for international students who want to reside with a local family and experience the local way of life. Furthermore, they pick homestays to enjoy the comfort of a home even when many miles away from theirs!
There are many benefits to living with a local family, especially when you are pursuing your master’s degree and have very little time to do household chores. Let’s have a look at those advantages:
- Homestays are a perfect short-term housing option if you are still figuring out whether to go to uni dorms or live in a shared apartment.
- It is an excellent opportunity to bond with a local family and to learn about their culture, traditions, local language and many other things!
- You don’t have to fret over laundry, cooking, and bills, as these will be included in your rent.
Homestays are a wonderful option for off-campus living; however, there are some challenges that you can encounter during your stay. Language barriers can be an issue, so it is imperative for your host family to speak English well or for you to at least know their local language at the conversational level.
Another challenge can be following specific rules and regulations set by your host family, which can sometimes feel like a forced obligation!
Conclusion
We have listed all the crucial points for each accommodation type, and now it is up to you to decide which one of the three sounds like a perfect match for you.
We understand that finding suitable accommodation is not as easy as it sounds, but it is also an exciting part where you gain many practical skills! We wish you great luck with your master’s degree and hope you pass out with flying colours. Until then, happy home-hunting!
Do you require help in finding accommodation abroad?
amber serves millions of students globally by providing the best and most pocket-friendly options for booking accommodation. You can contact us to know more, and our team will guide you through the entire process of finding your ideal student housing!
