Different Types Of Postgrad Accommodation

Different types of postgrad accommodation Where you live will play an important role in your postgraduate life in the UK – having the right postgraduate accommodation will really enhance your studying experience. This ultimate guide to postgraduate student accommodation will help you make the right choice when selecting your new student home.

When you first arrive in the country or in your new city, you will want to be sure that you have suitable postgraduate accommodation waiting for you that will give you a comfortable life as a student. This is important whether you are coming to the UK on your own or if you are bringing your family with you from overseas. This is also important if you are a UK student moving to a new town or city to do your postgraduate program.

There are several ways to find good postgraduate student accommodation, the two main ones being through your university or via a private accommodation provider like Fresh – there are benefits to both and it’s important that you find the type of accommodation that suits you best.

Institution-owned postgraduate accommodation

Universities recognise the importance of assisting with postgraduate accommodation arrangements, and every university has an accommodation office to help with this. You will find information about the accommodation office in the prospectus and on the website of each university, and there will be information sent to you if you are offered a place on a postgraduate program. It is extremely important that when this information comes you read it very carefully so that you understand the accommodation situation.

Most UK institutions offer excellent in-house accommodation for its undergraduate students and usually something for a limited number of the postgraduate students too. If you are able to apply to live in your university's halls of residence then the accommodation offered will probably be a single study bedroom, which should be well-equipped, safe, clean and good value. This may have its own private facilities with a shower and toilet in a separate room leading from the study bedroom. This is described as ‘en suite’ facilities. Alternatively the showers and toilet facilities may be shared between several study bedrooms. In either arrangement there will probably be a kitchen that is shared by several students, and which is equipped with a refrigerator, a cooker and a sink.

The accommodation may be provided with a wide range of different arrangements. Most universities will have mixed halls of residence, which means that both men and women share the same hall. However, most universities will also have single sex halls of residence for those who prefer such arrangements. Similarly there will be variations in the provision of meals. Some halls of residence will be available on a self-catering basis, which means that no meals are provided. In such circumstances the halls will have kitchen facilities. Others may include meals in the cost, and you will be able to eat in the refectory or cafeteria in the hall of residence. Clearly, you can choose whichever arrangements you prefer. Most university halls of residence will have some communal facilities, including for example a common room, a television room, a small shop and laundry facilities. They will also provide cleaning services for the communal areas, including the kitchens, but you will have responsibility for keeping your own room clean. Washing clothes will also be your own responsibility. You will be able to do this using the self-service laundrettes, which are available in most halls of residence or in the Student Union facilities in the university. You will also find private laundrettes in most localities, which you will be able to use.

If you are applying to live in a hall of residence then you will need to complete the application form by the deadline indicated to you. The university will then confirm back to you whether or not you have been allocated accommodation. Until you receive this confirmation you should not assume that you have been given a place in a hall of residence.

Purpose-build privately owned postgraduate accommodation

Postgrad Solutions has partnered with Fresh – a company that provides privately managed purpose-built student accommodation in fantastic locations throughout the UK. There’s a huge choice of accommodation options available through Fresh, including self contained studios, shared apartments and en suite rooms, with all bills included, CCTV and on site accommodation teams for your added peace of mind. Fresh is a leading provider of student accommodation, offering secure, comfortable and modern accommodation to over 16,000 students in more than 50 spots across the UK, including Aberdeen, Bangor, Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Chester, Derby, Dublin, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Ipswich, Kingston, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Loughborough, Newcastle, Paisley, Sheffield and Southampton.

Other private accommodation providers

If Fresh doesn’t have postgraduate accommodation in the area where your university is based, there are lots of privately owned student accommodation providers in the UK that can also help you to find postgraduate accommodation, but it is important to make sure you have a good recommendation. All UK universities have lists of properties that students can rent from private landlords, and in many cases these will have been inspected by the accommodation office to be sure they are of a suitable quality and that the rent is fair. However, the accommodation office will not usually make the arrangements for you – you will have to do this yourself by contacting the property’s owner or landlord. The advantage of such private accommodation is that you can find something to suit your own needs and budget. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to make arrangements before you arrive in the UK, and in some cases if you do have to find private rented accommodation you may find it easier to make temporary arrangements for somewhere to live before you arrive, and then look for a permanent place after you have arrived. The accommodation office can usually give advice on finding temporary accommodation.

Private housing

Now you are a postgraduate student you may feel that you no longer want to opt for communal living on a large scale. If this is then case renting a private house with a few like-minded postgraduate students may be more up your street. There are plenty of reputable letting agents with affordable postgraduate student properties on their books, although you will probably have to spend more than you would living in purpose built student housing like Fresh or university halls of residence. Bear in mind that Fresh offers affordable self-contained flats so you will be able to get away from all the hustle and bustle of student living when you need to, however if a small private house is your preferred accommodation choice, make sure that you use a reputable letting agent and sign a proper contract. Check with the accommodation office at your university, as they should be able to recommend some local agents.

Homestay

Another popular accommodation option – particularly for international students – is homestay. This gives students that are moving to a new city or country to adjust to their new life in accommodation where they are surrounded by home comforts – living with a family. This option is often considered to be short term while students find their feet, meet fellow students and work out where they want to live – but it is also worth considering as a more long-term choice – particularly if you form a good relationship with the family you’re placed with. As you are going to be living with a British family, homestay is also a great way to practise your English and to learn about British customs and way of life. You should always opt for a homestay agency that is registered with the British Council, for example HFS London Homestay Specialists.

Fresh Student Living 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.com accepts no responsibility for your choice of student accommodation and does not endorse or support Fresh Student Living. Fresh Student Living Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 07268209. The VAT number is 142920528.

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