If you’re searching for student accommodation in Central London, there are some essential things that you have to consider before signing the rental contract.
Central London is such a busy area with great universities within and nearby, so it’s a place where lots of properties serve as accommodations for students, both international and domestic. With so many choices out there, how do you find the right one?
Here are five key things that you should look for when searching for student accommodation in Central London:
Reliable and speedy Internet access
College is going to be very busy for you, and you would probably need to do some research daily. While going to the university library to check out some books or access the computer is one option, it’s also essential to have access to a fast and reliable Internet connection inside your accommodation. That brings us to item number 1 on this list: a Wi-Fi or Internet connection that lets you do online research quickly and reliably.
When checking out student accommodation, be sure to inquire if the place has fast Wi-Fi. You should even test it out to be sure. If the area doesn’t offer this access, it’s one less option to tick out of your list.
Proximity to your university
Ideally, your accommodation should be just a stone’s throw away from the university you’re enrolling at so that you won’t have a hard time going to and from. But of course, the closer you are to the area’s central business district, the higher the rates of student accommodations would be. You should strike a balance between the distance of the housing and your parents’ or your budget.
Picking an option that is a bit farther from the business district will likely mean lower rent, but make sure to check if there are plenty of transport options available to even things out.
Safety and security
Young students are favourite targets of robbers and other unscrupulous individuals who are out to do no good. As such, be sure to check if the student accommodation has security features like an alarm system for burglars or if master keys do not easily open the locks. It would be a huge plus if the accommodation has security personnel on duty, but if there’s none, focus on scrutinising the locks of the doors and windows.
Access to food/meals
Student accommodations usually offer catered contracts for students who don’t want to bother themselves with cooking their meals. Others, meanwhile, provide students the option to self-cater so that they can save money or cook the food that they want. It would be neat if you will find accommodation that is near restaurants that offer inexpensive but tasty meals so that you can always grab a bite when your stomach beckons.
Appliances
You should also check if the accommodation has the necessary equipment, such as a washing machine, a fridge, a microwave oven, and an electric stove. All of these should be working correctly and ideally and be included in the rent.
Your journey as a college student should be a pleasant one, especially since you’ll be spending years away from your family. With this checklist, you should easily find the one that best suits your budget and needs for a comfortable and safe stay throughout college.
