With universities openly admitting they don’t have enough on-campus accommodation for their students, there’s no time like the present to start looking for alternatives for your child as they plan their accommodation for 2020.
The ideal is to find somewhere close to campus that’s secure, well-run and clean, and that offers similar or the same social support structures as found in on-campus residences. Also, look out for hidden costs that could crop up during the year, like having to pay extra for internet connectivity, laundry, or a gym, says Craig McMurray, CEO of Respublica Student Living, which offers a holistic approach to student accommodation, with an all-inclusive offering and rate.
“It’s vital that you’ve got a clear lease agreement that you and the landlord sign, so that you both understand your rights and obligations,” says McMurray.
“It’s also worth choosing a specialist student accommodation provider with experience in managing young people who are living away from home for the first time.”
He offers advice to students looking for accommodation:
1. When do I start?
Immediately. For peace of mind and to make sure you find something that you feel is the right fit, it’s important to start looking for student accommodation as soon as possible. By the time matric exams are over, or year-end finals are wrapped up, the process of securing accommodation for 2020 should really be done and dusted.
2. Location, location, location
Choose a place to stay that is close to lectures and safe to travel between campus and residence. Being able to walk or catch a short commute to classes will save your child time and money. If they are going to be driving each day, make sure their accommodation includes secure parking facilities - and that there’s parking where they will be going to be attending lectures.
3. Value for money
Cheapest is not necessarily always best, so make sure you are comparing apples with apples. A fully inclusive monthly rate is better because you know what you are in for and there are no surprises at the end of the month. A clean, well-kept environment with free water, electricity and efficient Wi-Fi access, plus loads of entertainment and study facilities may cost a little more, but it’s going to save time, money and effort that could be better spent on studying.
4. Make modern a must
Look for well-designed, modern, purpose-built student accommodation. Older buildings often mean outdated finishes and amenities, irregular lights and water, and poor internet connectivity. As a result, these older residences often land up being more expensive once you’ve had to make arrangements for all the things that have gone wrong, or that you were disappointed to find were not in place.
5. A well-managed and safe building
It should be a top priority that the accommodation is managed by a professional landlord and live in staff who keeps it clean and safe to live in at all times. A well-managed residence will also take care of security with meticulous access control, making sure that residents are always safe within their own environment. Having on-site staff on hand to address any concerns 24-hours a day is also a must-have.
6. Striking a balance
Choose a residence that has an active and involved student community. The perfect student environment gives the best of university life, while making students feel that they’re right at home, and part of a community. It’s also important that the chosen accommodation has quiet spaces for students to hit the books - particularly if they are going to be sharing a room or apartment.
7. Student support
For many students, the first year of tertiary education is the first time they’re living away from home, and away from the strict structures of high school. Many struggle to adjust to new freedom and new responsibilities. Choosing accommodation that has on-site support structures to help them navigate their new life will be a smart choice.
Finally
“Moving away from home for the first time is a big step, as is entering tertiary education. Choosing the right accommodation environment plays a massive role in a student’s success at university, as the right environment provides a solid foundation for them to try out their newfound ‘wings’,” says McMurray.
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