Things to Know
For many students, the life experience gained while studying at university is just as, if not more, important than what they learn in the lecture theatres. Students living away from home benefit greatly from their new independence and a fresh social scene. However, before beginning a degree there are a number of important considerations, such as what and where to study, money matters, health and safety and property rental.
The first thing any student has to consider before applying to university is where and what they want to study. This may seem like an obvious point, but with so many universities in the country specialising in different courses and offering different teaching and learning facilities, students have to think hard as to where will be best for them. Students also need to make sure that they choose somewhere that can offer them the right balance of social and academic opportunities.
Degree and course details can be found in university prospectuses, while the University and College Admission Service (UCAS), also provides information about courses on offer at any UK university. UCAS also acts as the 'clearing house' for all university applications; students applying to a UK university have to do so through UCAS.
After agreeing on a university and a degree, students must decide where they will live during their studies. For many students, university will be the first time that they live away from home, offering great life, learning and social experience. However, some students studying near home may decide not to move out at all, which often proves financially beneficial if somewhat less independent. Traditionally, students will live in university halls of residence during their first year at university, which provide an ideal stepping stone for those living away from home for the first time.
Halls of residence offer fully furnished rooms, some with en-suite bathrooms and living rooms, and are great for socialising. Most universities offer catered or self-catered accommodation, meaning that students can decide whether to cook their own food or eat meals provided by the university's catering service. Self-catered accommodation offers students greater independence, while catered accommodation tends to have a more social atmosphere, especially during meal times. Factors such as bathroom facilities and catered or self-catered accommodation will affect the cost of rent, so students should consider the best deal for their budget when choosing a room.
After their first year in halls, most students move into privately rented accommodation for their second and third years of study, usually with a group of friends. Unlike halls of residence, students living in the private sector will have complete independence; this is great in terms of experience but also means much more responsibility for factors such as dealing with a landlord, understanding rental agreements, paying rent, paying bills, finding insurance, paying for a TV licence and doing your own food shopping.
Students will also have to take charge of home security, making sure all windows and doors have locks and their home has a working alarm system. Although these are measures a landlord is obliged to provide it is up to the tenant to ensure they are in place before signing a contract. Most universities offer a student accommodation service, which provides help with private accommodation queries; the service is particularly popular with students who have no prior experience of rental. The service can give advice about what to expect of student houses in the area as well as explain tenancy contracts and payment methods.
One common problem for students is budgeting. As most students have never had to budget their money before, some will get into debt. The best way to avoid this is by drawing up a budget that includes both living costs and entertainment costs, and then sticking to it. To avoid financial difficulty many students get a part-time job. Some will also be eligible for government or university funding, available to students who come from households with a reduced income.
Students living away from home also need to be aware of crime risks in the area. Although landlords are obliged to fit properties with an alarm and locks on all doors and windows, it is up to the tenants to make sure these are working, and used properly. Some students, especially those with no prior experience of living independently, forget to lock windows or set alarms when leaving the house unattended, which increases the chance of a burglary. Also, as minor assault is a common crime in university areas, students should remember to be careful when going out, drink responsibly and avoid areas they do not know well.
Further information regarding study options, financial support, rental guides and crime and safety can be found in:
