Accommodation (1)
UK Accommodation
Question
I have been awarded a Chevening scholarship and will start at university in September. I will not be going to the UK until August but I want to know what to do about accommodation and how to get started.
Answer
Accommodation is probably the most important part of preparing for your stay in the UK and much of the preparation can only be done by you. As early as possible, you need to decide on the type of accommodation you need (University Hall of Residence, privately rented flat, homestay etc). You need to take into account the funds you will have available for your accommodation and the cost of living in the UK. Further accommodation information is available on the university websites, Education UK website (www.educationUk.org) and on the USB sticks provide by the British Council contact in your home country.Remember, accommodation in UK might be different from what you are used to.
Question
What do I need to do to find out if my institution can offer me accommodation and when do I need to set the process in motion?
Answer
The first step is usually when your place of study and your award have been confirmed. You will then receive an official accommodation application form from your place of study with details of the accommodation they offer and a request that you should return the completed form to them before a given date. The university websites usually give details of the types of accommodation available and the costs.
It is essential that you complete and send off the accommodation forms as soon as you can and remember to keep a copy for your records. University accommodation is in high demand, especially in London, and you need to confirm your accommodation preferences early to have the best chance of securing the university accommodation of your choice. You should also inform the university that you will be receiving a Chevening Scholarship as they may not require you to pay a deposit to secure your accommodation.
If your institution requires a reservation deposit, you should pay this if you are able to do so. It is important that the institution receives the deposit at the time it is required because most institutions will not process an application until the deposit has been received.
If you are unable to pay the deposit required to secure your accommodation, discuss it with your British Council contact who will get in touch with the university accommodation department and try to negotiate a solution. It may be possible to get the deposit waived or for the payment to be made when you arrive in the UK but, if this is not possible, you may need to look for alternative accommodation.
Question
What different types of accommodation are available to international students in UK?
Answer
Many universities and colleges offer accommodation on campus because of the benefits of living in or close to their place of study, such as ease of access to university facilities and lower transport costs. The type of accommodation offered by universities and colleges varies. You will find more detailed information on the accommodation website for your chosen university.
Most university accommodation consists of a single study-bedroom where you will share a kitchen, toilet and shower with other students. Some universities offer single study rooms with their own toilet and shower (en suite) but these are more expensive. The rooms usually have a bed, a desk, bookshelves and a chair. Bedding is not generally supplied, so you may need to buy this on arrival - however, it is usually available for hire for the first few nights while you settle in. The kitchens have a cooker, refrigerator, sink and storage cupboards but you will need to provide your own cutlery and pots and pans. Check out the institution's website to obtain exact details of what is available. Advice on shopping may be available from the Accommodation Office or the Students' Union.
Other types of accommodation include self-contained flats of varying sizes, often catering for scholars with spouses and families, twin bedrooms and specially adapted accommodation for students with disabilities. The supply of these types of accommodation is limited so you need to apply for them early.
Some universities administer a number of houses in the local area to rent out to students. Some international students do not live in accommodation owned by their institution, but find accommodation in the private sector, usually in a house shared with other students. Each student has their own bedroom but shares the bathroom, kitchen and living areas. The students all pay their share of the bills for gas, electricity and other services. The quality of private sector accommodation varies greatly and in some areas of the UK it can be very difficult to find economical and convenient accommodation of this type. If you are considering living in private sector accommodation, contact your university accommodation department as soon as possible for advice on the local cost and availability. You will need to arrive several weeks before the start of term if you are planning to live in private sector accommodation so that you can visit the area and ensure that the accommodation is suitable before signing any contract.
Question
What if the institution doesn't offer accommodation?
Answer
Most do, particularly if you are studying at an academic institution for an academic year or longer however in some circumstances institutions do not offer accommodation. This may happen if you on an industrial training attachment, have a number of different centres of study or are on a short course or visit. In these cases, you must talk to your British Council contact as soon as you can. You can also use the British Council’s Hotel Reservation Service (freephone 0800 783 6695) throughout the UK.
Question
Will I know where I’m staying before I travel to the UK?
Answer
This depends on your institution. Some can give you an exact address. Most will be able to give you all the general information you need but may not give you precise details until you arrive.
Question
Can I change accommodation when I get there?
Answer
This will depend on the kind of contract or agreement you have signed. You may be able to change rooms in the first few days, if you have good reason, and if you arrive early and other rooms are still free but it is very difficult to change mid-term. If you have a real problem, email your British Council contact in the UK, but remember that you are legally bound by the terms of the contract or agreement that you have signed.
Question
Who do I go to in the UK with any accommodation problems?
Answer
The Accommodation Officer at your institution should be the first point of contact. If the Accommodation Officer is unable to respond to your problems satisfactorily, you should refer the problem to your British Council contact in the UK.
Question
I am thinking about bringing my family with me - is it easy to find family accommodation?
Answer
Most visitors are advised not to take their families with them. University accommodation suitable for couples or families is in short supply and the cost of private accommodation and other living expenses are generally very high.
If you decide to bring your family to the UK, we suggest that you initially travel to the UK alone and stay in temporary accommodation while you look for suitable accommodation for your family. Your family can join you once the accommodation has been arranged. It should be stressed that in all cases, the costs of travel, accommodation and living expenses for your family have to be covered by you.
