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Located on the two famous lanes of Hillingdon and Cleveland Road, Brunel University at the centre of London stands tall with its world-class education since 1966. Housing students from more than 130 countries, the University has surplus resources to accommodate everyone with utmost safety and comfort. Students live in and around the campus in different types of student housing, finding their happy place in the bustling city. If you’re looking for ideal student accommodation near Brunel University, this guide is for you.
Anyone with an admission letter to undergraduate or postgraduate courses can apply for student rooms via the ‘Accommodation Centre Hub’ of the university, wherein students can prefer either university halls or private housing. The late applicants usually end up going to a private student accommodation near the Brunel University of London since the dorms get filled up quick. Depending on the type of neighbourhood, the demand of the housing, and amenities, a typical student room can cost anywhere between £165 to £330 per week.
On-campus accommodation
The university halls of residence serve as the melting pot of different cultures, with the doorways brimming with students from all over the globe. Students interact with each other and gain unlimited access to the on-campus facilities like the sports centre, library and food courts. Most of the halls comprise first-year students and certain groups of returning students, collectively called ‘residence ambassadors’, help the students with the initial queries and difficulties. They conduct different programs to ease the interaction among the freshers and guide them through the procedures. The off-campus residence, iQ Raffle house, is the most popular dormitories since it comes with cheaper rent and a bill inclusive of all charges.
Off-campus accommodation
Private apartments are available for international students all over the city of London, with varying prices as you move away from the city. The student housing in London showcases a variety of off-campus accommodations like private studios, shared flats and homestays. The most popular among students is the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), where students have private rooms while sharing the common areas like the kitchen and the dining. Some students also book student housing in neighbouring areas like Uxbridge, Harrow and Hayes to cut down on the rent and have a peaceful neighbourhood, instead of the lively and loud lanes near the city centre.
Tips for finding the best accommodation of your choice
Whether you choose to stay on the campus or a private studio outside, you must take the following measures to ensure you get the best accommodation that suits your budget, lifestyle, and comfort. Finding a house on your own in a distant city might be daunting, but with smart measures, you can save yourself from any fraud and get a good deal with minimum hassle.
1. Fix your budget before you start
London is not the cheapest UK city to live in. Being a fast-paced city with modern technology, global exposure, and fancy nightlife, it requires proper budget planning to live in the UK city without going broke. As a student, your income would be limited to scholarship grants, pocket money and part-time work wages. Weigh these against the standard cost of living and set aside the money you can afford for renting a house. You don’t want to be so stringent on the budget to lose all the fun of international life, but find a balance and shortlist the accommodation options accordingly.
2. Rely on trusted resources
The wrong information is dangerous than less information. So, make sure you are acquiring information from reliable sources. A simple place to start your search is by contacting the university departments for any leads or contacts. If you opt for a private studio, you can also read reviews online to choose the best accommodation providers in the UK. You may also get some leads to various student community groups in social media; seniors or former students could also give you honest feedback and suggestions. Double-check and verify the address and payment details to steer clear of fraudsters, which is on an all-time high since the lockdown.
3. Choose housemates wisely
While moving to a new city on your own is hectic, moving to a new house with a terrible roommate is more daunting. It’s vital to have like-minded friends to share your place with. Most of the students form close groups by the end of freshman year and move in with the bunch to a private student accommodation in London for the senior years. There are other ways to find a housemate; you can check with the student groups on different social media platforms and reach out to them in person.
4. Take a house tour and cross-check inventories
Once you find a student accommodation matching your terms, pay a visit if possible or do a virtual tour to see the house for yourself. During the tour, pay close attention to details and scan the neighbourhood as well. Check if the taps are working fine, heaters are properly installed, and supplies are provided as mentioned in the inventory. Ask and learn about the parking space, curfew timings and waste disposal systems. If you’re moving in with your friends, check if there’s enough space for all, without any compromise on comfort and privacy.
5. Be thorough with your rental contract
The agreement for your student accommodation rental should specify all the relevant details starting from the tenure of stay to payment procedures to housekeeping to pet allowance to subletting options to the renewal of the contract. Remember that you are not obliged to any formalities before you sign the contract, so read through carefully and clarify any queries you may have. Check if the rent covers bills for all amenities or if you have to pay separately for each. In case of sharing, decide who will be the primary tenant and learn about the regulations for the same.
How can Amberstudent help you?
AmberStudent serves millions of students worldwide by providing the best options and rewarding experience for booking a house. We are upgraded with the latest COVID protocols and would be more than happy to assist you in booking your ideal home. Tune in to our Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.
Author Bio:
Arya Antherjanam V (Content and SEO Executive at AmberStudent)
