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- by Charlotte King
- In Accommodation
Posted July 8, 2021
When is the best time to find your PG student home?
Every new academic year sees postgraduate students take part in the search for a new home away from home.
All returning students understand that the best time to embark on this search is before they have begun their lectures. By this time, many students will have become tired of staying in the halls provided by the university. Many will be looking to find a place off-campus – a home they can share with close friends.
When is the ideal time to begin a search for your new pg home?
Any student who has found themselves facing this quandary will tell you that this question isn’t as simple as it appears. Its answers will vary and will be subject to the type of house you want and your general organisation skills. Those who want to begin the search for postgraduate accommodation early should have an idea of who they would like to live with. Identifying your potential flatmates early will allow you to start the house hunt as early as the winter of their undergraduate studies. If you are unsure who you want to live with, you can still wait until the onset of the summer season before embarking on your search.
Waiting doesn’t necessarily mean your options will be slim
While most student letting agencies begin advertising their rental properties earlier, it’s possible to find suitable accommodation options later in the summer. However, this option will require you to exercise patience and visit several properties before choosing one. One great option for those who want to wait either through necessity, no time to look around or because they simply can’t decide who to live with, is the halls of residence-style accommodation provided by private accommodation providers Fresh. Fresh provides safe and secure purpose-built student accommodation throughout the UK, and it’s no secret that being able to live and study in comfy, stylish and secure accommodation is essential while you are studying.
Accommodation options available to postgraduate students
Each PG student needs to find an accommodation option perfectly suited for the new adventure they are about to begin. The search for the perfect home can begin as soon as you have accepted an offer on a given course. Conduct your research on available options within the vicinity as soon as you can. Try to use the information available on the university website to help you stay informed or contact the university accommodation office for further details.
Typically, postgraduate students will have to choose between the following different types of accommodation options available to them:
- Normal halls of residence (university-managed accommodation)
- Privately owned and managed halls of residence like those provided by Fresh
- Privately rented flats or houses
- At home
1. Halls of Residence
Halls of residence tend to be large blocks of apartments/flats used to house hundreds of students while on campus. Each flat has a furnished bedroom and usually comes with a shared kitchen. Students may at times need to share bathrooms. Halls of residence are usually managed by the respective university
2. Private rented accommodation
Those students who would rather stay off-campus – or in cases where there are no university accommodation options provided by the university – can opt for a studio, room or flat from a student accommodation provider like Fresh. Fresh has a satisfaction rate of 93%, making it the perfect choice for postgrad students who want to have the best possible living experience with a fantastic selection of reasonably priced student accommodation in great locations all over the UK. Fresh accommodation is also available to view and book online, making it a very convenient option for international students unable to visit the UK before their studies start.
3. Privately rented flats or houses
Privately owned flats or houses are another popular option for postgraduate students – and in many cases your university accommodation office will be able to give you a list of reputable landlords to contact. This is a good choice for those who would rather live with less students and distractions and concentrate more on their postgraduate studies. But always make sure you read the small print before signing your tenancy agreement.
4. Living at home
Many people look forward to the day they finally get to leave their parents’ home and have a place they can call their own. Going to an out-of-town university helps make this dream a reality. However, not all get to do so, as some opt to study at a local university. For such students, it makes sense to live at home, as it enables them to save on housing costs. It also means they don’t have to worry about living with new people. This is also usually the chosen option of mature students who may have other commitments such as a family of their own!
In a nutshell, postgrad students have to choose between these main types of accommodation options – and each has its own advantages.
How to make your decision
Choosing a place to study for the duration of your postgrad studies is not an easy decision. There’re many factors to consider, making it necessary to consult widely. Most universities invite the students to attend applicant days a few weeks before the term begins and it is a good idea to use this opportunity to check out local properties as well as to connect with other students. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to contact the university personnel if you have any questions related to private accommodation or halls of residence.
So, in answer to the question posed at the beginning of this blog – RIGHT NOW is probably the best time to start looking for your postgraduate student accommodation!
Fresh is one of many potential private accommodation options for international postgraduate students. Other private student accommodation options are available and Postgrad.com advises you to research all your options thoroughly before making such a commitment. Postgrad Solutions accepts no responsibility for your choice of student accommodation and does not endorse or support Fresh. Fresh Student Living Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 07268209. The VAT number is 142920528.
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