How to choose accommodation for a student at a British university?

Before sending their child, who plans to build a career in the finance or business sector, to an English university, parents should address two key tasks: arranging housing and creating a comfortable living environment for the student.

Student dormitories

In university towns like Cambridge or Oxford, student dormitories are becoming one of the most common living options for Russian students. The main advantage of this choice is the opportunity to form close connections with classmates, which can lead to valuable acquaintances and, in some cases, the development of both positive and negative habits. The author's personal experience studying at Oxford suggests that living in a dormitory can be quite a reasonable solution.

Living conditions

How are student dormitories organized in well-known British universities? Usually, these are small rooms of about 10 square meters, which are equipped with:

• washbasin,
• writing desk,
• a wardrobe for things.

Such rooms are most often located on the premises of educational institutions and are equipped with access to telephone services and the internet. Washrooms and toilets are usually found in the hallway and are shared by students living on the same floor. The average cost of living in such conditions is approximately £250-300 per month, including all utilities.

Living in Oxford

For example, in the colleges of Oxford, you can find many such rooms. Magdalen College offers a total of 526 places for students, postgraduates, and faculty. Students can expect assistance from a variety of specialists, ranging from cleaners to technicians, as well as consultants. An important part of dormitory life includes communal kitchens, which are well-equipped for cooking, as well as laundry facilities for washing clothes.

Provision of food

Ensuring proper nutrition is one of the most challenging tasks that students face, regardless of their educational institution. It is recommended to visit local markets to buy fresh produce at affordable prices, as well as to find the necessary items for organizing daily life.

Alternative housing options

If your child prefers more comfortable conditions and doesn't want to deal with queues for the toilet or shower, renting an apartment or a room will be the optimal solution. In the rental market, you can usually find several common options:

• rent a room in a house with the owner
• a separate apartment,
• or an entire house with a separate entrance and all amenities.

To draft a rental agreement with the property owner, it is usually sufficient to prepare a special document, which real estate specialists can help you with.

Conclusion

Thus, choosing a place to live for a student is a significant step that requires careful consideration and thoughtful decisions to allow your child to focus on their studies and easily adapt to a new environment without unnecessary stress. The right choice of accommodation will not only assist them in their academic pursuits but also in social interactions, making their stay in the UK as comfortable and successful as possible.

Key aspects of a lease agreement

An important aspect of renting a property is the careful drafting of the contract, which should include clear terms regarding the amount of rent, as well as the deposit amount that will not be refunded in case of damage to the landlord's property. Additionally, it is important to establish the responsibilities of both parties.

Rental cost

In the current market, the rental prices for residential properties fall within the following ranges:

• Rent for a separate room: from 250 to 400 pounds per month, including utilities;
• Renting a separate apartment: from 400 to 800 pounds;
• Renting a whole house: from 600 to 1500 pounds per month.

Seasonal price changes

As the end of September approaches, when the school year begins and students actively leave their hometowns, there is an increase in rental prices. Therefore, it makes sense to start looking for potential housing in the summer, right after being accepted into an educational institution.

Searching for housing in Oxford

When it comes to cities like Oxford, a great solution would be to check the university newspaper, where numerous ads for room and apartment rentals are published.

Utility expenses in London

In the heart of London, utility costs can range from £2,500 to £3,000 per year.

The process of buying real estate

As soon as the terms regarding the price of the property are agreed upon between the buyer and the seller, lawyers become involved in the process.

The lawyer representing the buyer receives a draft contract from the seller's attorney, who typically uses standard templates for such transactions.

Next, more detailed procedures begin.

Preparation for reconstruction

If it is anticipated that a full or partial renovation of the property will be part of the plans, it is essential to start discussions with local authorities and relevant institutions.

For example, it is vital to clarify the details regarding communication systems and electrical networks.

Requests to local authorities would help clarify issues such as:

• The status of the surrounding roads (whether they are private or public).
• Does the property being purchased meet the current urban planning requirements and standards?

Typically, the cost of consulting services in such cases reaches around 200 pounds.

Requests for information about real estate

In addition, the buyer's attorney is required to request all essential information about the house or apartment from the seller, including details about the property boundaries and the operation of the main utility services.

It is important to remember that you should only rely on the provided information after your lawyer has confirmed it.

An act of transfer of property is also drawn up, listing everything that is being transferred to the new owner along with the real estate.

Additional elements in the deal

In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate the purchase of additional items, such as furniture or appliances, for example, a washing machine.

Contract exchange

The climax of the purchasing process is the exchange of contracts. Usually, at the moment of exchange, the buyer transfers10%from the total cost of the property.

On the agreed day, the buyer's lawyer sends the signed contract and deposit to the seller's lawyer, who then forwards the signed contract to their side.

As soon as this is done, the contract comes into effect.

Buying an apartment for a student

When it comes to buying an apartment for a student, it is crucial that it is located in close proximity to the university campus.

In Oxford, for example, it is possible to find one-bedroom apartments on Cowley Road for about105,000 pounds sterlingApproximately180,000 US dollars), which are offered by Andrews Estate Agents.

There is also an option to purchase a small property in Somertown for60,000 pounds sterling(approx.105,000 US dollars) from QPC Retirement Sales.

A house with a view of the Thames, located on the previously mentioned Cowley Road, will cost approximately135,000 pounds sterling($240,000); similar housing is offered by the Chancellors Estate Agents agency.

Conclusion

In conclusion of this article, I would like to emphasize that choosing a place to live for a student studying at an English university is one of the most important tasks that parents face. From my experience, studying at a prestigious institution like Oxford or Cambridge has its own characteristics and nuances that should be taken into account.

Advantages of dormitories

Dormitories, although they may not seem like the most comfortable option, nonetheless provide a unique opportunity for communication and social interaction with fellow students. This is a time when it is possible to:

• Make lifelong friends.
• Learn to be independent;
• Immerse yourself in student life, full of adventures and valuable experiences.

Yes, the conditions may be modest, but it is in such circumstances that student life is shaped, full of unique experiences.

Advantages of renting

On the other hand, renting an apartment or a room is a more comfortable and personal option. It offers more privacy and freedom, which is especially important for students who prefer to focus on their studies without dealing with morning queues for the shower. Generally, the main focus should be on:

• Early conclusion of lease agreements;
• Study of the rental market;
• Understanding the rental terms.

Investments in housing

For those who can afford it,investment in housing in the UKnot only solves the housing issue but also becomes a promising investment. However, it is important to remember that such a choice requires:

• Thorough preparation;
• Attention to detail, especially regarding property rights;
• Understanding the content of the property.

Parental support

Ultimately, regardless of the chosen living arrangement, the most important thing is the support and understanding from parents, who should help their child adapt to the new conditions of life and study in a foreign country. Studying abroad is not just an academic environment, but also a whole journey towards personal growth and self-discovery. May this journey be as comfortable and successful as possible.