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Halls of Residence
Generally, universities prioritise their allocation of university-controlled housing to first year undergraduate students. The standards of properties can vary immensely, even at a single university, but they are invariably the best/most convenient/cheapest accommodation you can find and you never have the problem of a red leckie bill landing on your doormat. You can often get a pretty good idea of which hall best suits you if you visit the university prior to making a commitment, but although universities often ask you for your preferences prior to your arrival, where you end up often seems pretty random.
Most accommodation in halls is single occupancy blocks with anything from 10-250 bedrooms (which may have a sink in the room) with shared shower/bath facilities and possibly communal lounge areas and even a laundry room. If you're lucky, there may even be a fridge in the kitchen area (otherwise, your pint of milk will sit on your window ledge next to a plastic bag containing a pair of really smelly trainers).
Most hall accommodation is catering only (ie you have to eat in the hall dining area and pay through the nose for it). There are often a number of self-catering places as well, which tend to be allocated to second or third year students who want a bit more freedom in their life (the cycle of breakfast, lunch and dinner in halls can feel over regimented at times).
Renting
If you're not staying at home or in halls, then it's likely that you'll be living in rented accommodation. Here are some tips to help you avoid ending up living in a dump!
Geography revision
Always make sure you've checked out the area where you're looking. What's the transport like? Are there any decent local amenities? Are there any dodgy areas (ie was there a drive-by shooting outside the local kebab house last month)?
Deposits
It's likely that you'll be asked to pay a month in advance and a deposit (anything up to a month's rent). Generally the deposit covers the following:
The possibility that you might damage the property (in excess of wear and tear)
That your house will need industrial cleaning after you've left it like a pigsty
Outstanding debt including gas bills etc (but only if the clause is written in your contract)
Replacement of lost keys/change of locks if keys not returned on the day you leave
Remember: if you sign a joint contract, then you will be liable for damage even if it's caused by another flatmate.
You may also have to provide deposits for telephone, gas and electricity, if you are to take on the accounts in your name.
House Sharing
There may be times when the cons outweigh the pros, but life in Bed-Sit Land can be lonely, and renting a flat on your own can be hopelessly expensive.
Choosing a flatmate
Other than your choice of degree, university and favourite soap opera, choosing a flatmate is probably the most important decision of your academic life. You're unlikely to draw the short straw and get a mild-mannered axe-murderer but it's amazing how one small, irritating habit can drive you insane over time.
A recent survey highlighted ten of the things guaranteed to turn you into a basket case:
Using up the milk/marg/bread/tea/coffee and not buying any more
Pubic hair in the tub/ear buds by the sink/bath ring
Not washing up/buying washing up liquid
Not cleaning the toilet/peeing on the floor
The phone bill
Band practice/choice of music (and the constant loud playing of...)
Smelly clothes around the house
Not having the dosh to pay the rent
Drinking all the vodka/Jack Daniel's/beer
The flatmate's new girl/boyfriend
Got any questions or comments about Accommodation. Discuss Now at the StudyLink Student Life discussion forum.
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