When you go to study abroad, you need to select the student accommodation that is according to your budget and preferences. It is because it is necessary for your academic success and comfort. When students choose accommodation in foreign countries, they make some mistakes, and some of the mistakes are common in the case of many students. Here, you will read 5 common mistakes students make when choosing accommodation in an overseas country.
Mistake 1: Not Checking the Distance to Campus
Sometimes, students book accommodation after seeing their budget-friendly prices and high-end amenities but don’t check the distance to their campuses. So, they get accommodation so far and have to spend two or more hours in commuting. So, a lot of their time and money is spent on commuting, which is not good for their budget and academics.
Distance between accommodation and campus must be checked, and it should not take more than 30 minutes to commute. You can find some accommodations, including some university-managed student halls and private student accommodations, can be found within less than 10 minutes of walking distance from your campus. If you don’t find that, you can find a place within around 10 minutes or less driving distance.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Hidden Fees and Costs
Some of the student accommodation properties may have hidden costs such as utility bills, laundry expenses, printing fees, etc. Many times, students check the rent but ignore these hidden fees and costs, and they have to pay the amount after joining accommodation for which they are not prepared. Therefore, it is advised to students to read carefully about the terms of accommodations and also ask the accommodations owners about these extra charges.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Contract Terms
Overlooking contract terms of student rentals or purpose-built housing is another major mistake many students make. Sometimes, some accommodations may have contract terms with which you are not comfortable. So, overlooking contract terms may spoil your experience in your accommodation. Some student accommodations may have rules, and if they are so strict, it can be problematic for you. Suppose you like to do parties, but landlords or accommodation owners don’t allow them in their place; then you may not enjoy your time. Therefore, it is advised not to overlook contract terms, and you should read them carefully.
Also read: 6 Must-Have Apps for Students Living in Cardiff
Mistake 4: Focusing Solely on Price, Not Value
It is true that price is a major factor to consider when choosing accommodation abroad, but focusing solely on price and not value is a big mistake. Sometimes, you find accommodations with very low prices but with very few facilities. On the other hand, there may be some accommodations whose prices are higher than that but have good facilities. In that case, you will find the low-cost accommodation even more expensive since you will have to arrange many things on your own. So, always pay attention to what you are getting for the price you are paying.
Mistake 5: Not Reading Reviews or Doing Research
It is not sufficient to read the information about accommodation, but you should also read the previous students’ reviews. Reading reviews will tell you the experiences of students who have already stayed here, which will help you in making a wise decision. So, whether you look for accommodations in student housing complexes, private apartments, or student homestays, you must read the reviews. Besides, you should do research and check from multiple sources online to know more about accommodation.
Conclusion: Avoiding Pitfalls for a Better Experience
When international students visit abroad, they may make numerous mistakes that may spoil their experiences. Some of the mistakes are common in the case of many students, one of which is not checking the distance between the campus and accommodation. Two more mistakes made by students are ignoring hidden fees and costs and overlooking the contract terms. When you focus solely on price but don’t see its value, which means you don’t see what you get for the price, then also you make a mistake. Moreover, not reading reviews and doing proper research is also a mistake to avoid.
You should avoid these mistakes and do the following:
- Find accommodation within a few minutes of walking and driving distance of your campus.
- Check the hidden costs and fees and read the contract terms carefully.
- Check what facilities you find for the price you pay.
- Do thorough research and read reviews by students who previously stayed there.