If you are heading over to the UK by yourself for full-time studies, arranged accommodation by the university is usually the best option. Many colleges and universities offer accommodation on campus.

Because of the benefits of living in or close to their place of study, such as easy access to university facilities and lower transport costs, this is the type of accommodation most international students prefer.

UK universities usually include details of accommodation options along with the offer letter they send to you. Make sure you reply by the deadline mentioned on the form. Many universities operate on a first come first served basis, so make sure you don’t miss out on the best deals.

If you are very unhappy with your accommodation when you first arrive, please don’t suffer in silence. Make sure you talk to someone about it. You may be able to change rooms, but if not, the university may be able to come up with some other solutions.

There are several types of accommodation run by universities or colleges such as:

• Halls of residence – large buildings for large numbers of students
• Houses for small groups of students
• Flats for married students or students with families

Halls of residence are the most widely available type of accommodation. Some halls are single-sex (for male or female students only), and others are mixed. Universities and colleges usually only have a limited number of houses and flats, and so specific groups will have priority.

Average cost: About £75 to £140 per week for single accupancy.

What you get: In a hall of residence you live in a study bedroom (either by yourself or with another student) and you can expect to have a bed, bed-linen, storage space for your clothing, a desk, a desk lamp, a chair, some bookshelves, and an internet modem point. Your room might also include a shower and a telephone but in most halls these are located outside the individual rooms and you share them with other students.

Some halls of residence provide meals (usually breakfast and an evening meal), but most accommodation is now ‘self-catering’ - which means that you buy and prepare your own food, usually sharing a kitchen with other students.

Advantages: Even if you think that you would eventually prefer private accommodation, it is a good idea to start out in a university or college accommodation. It is a great way to get to know other students, you will be close to your study facilities, and it will give you time to get to know the local area before you start searching for other accommodation. It is also the easiest form of accommodation to arrange in advance.

Disadvantages: You might have to pay a term in advance. In addition, you might have to move out of your university or college accommodation during the vacations. But do not worry: the accommodation office maybe able to help you find alternative housing for the vacations, if you are staying in the UK. You may be committed to paying rent for the academic year, even if you want to move out before the end of that year.

How to apply: If your university or college has its own accommodation for students, the accommodation office should send you an information pack and an application form when you apply for a course or when you are offered a place. Most intuitions give priority to applications from first-year students and international students. Follow the application procedure carefully and make sure you meet the deadline.

Home for holidays: staying with a British family

Some international students choose to stay as a guest in the home of a British family during the vacations. There are two organisations in the UK that arrange this kind of short-term accommodation for international students.

Experiment in International Living
287 Worcester Road, Malvern
Worcestershire WR14 1AB

Telephone +44 (0)16 8456 2577
Fax +44 (0)16 8456 2212
E-mail info@eiluk.org

HOST
1 Ardleigh Road
London N1 4HS

Telephone +44 (0)20 7254 3039
Fax 0207 7923 1606
E-mail students@hostuk.org