Moving away from home for the first time is an exciting experience but at the same time, there are some challenges associated with it. One of the major challenges is unquestionably finding ideal student accommodation. As a matter of fact, there are various student accommodation options available in various parts of the world from which students can choose as per their budgets and requirements. 

You can find accommodation owned and managed by universities as well as housing complexes developed and owned by private authorities. Moreover, you can get the apartments offered by individual landlords as well as homestays, which are the spaces provided by families in different parts of the world. 

This article will act as a student accommodation guide for you, and you will be able to know about navigating different types of accommodations. 

Type 1: University-Managed Student Halls 

Many universities across the globe take the responsibility to accommodate international students. Such universities offer university-managed student halls on or attached to campuses. Getting accommodated in this university halls has various benefits for students. The major one is that students get a sense of community due to the presence of numerous other international students in the halls. Besides, the students are safeguarded under the security systems of universities. Benefits do not end here, and students are able to use university facilities easily. 

However, living in university accommodations also has some disadvantages, like that you get very little privacy compared to other accommodation types. Additionally, students are forced to use the restrictions imposed by universities while living in these halls. 

Type 2: Private Student Halls 

If you don’t want to face the restrictions of university-managed student halls but want to live with a student community, then private student halls are the best alternatives. These student halls are usually termed “PBSA”, which is the short form for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. These halls are developed by private developers keeping the student requirements and interests in mind. 

There are low-end, medium-end, and high-end student halls available in different countries. Some halls have basic facilities such as study tables and chairs, internet with Wi-Fi, storage spaces, kitchen appliances, and more. On the other hand, there are many, which also offer high-end features, such as: 

• Study rooms 

• Gyms 

• Yoga Rooms 

• Swimming pools 

• Sports courts 

• Games rooms 

These are a few features, and there are many other such features that you can find in private halls.  

Type 3: Shared Student Rentals 

You also have the option to choose a shared student rental in which you can live with roommates or housemates. Your room or flat may have one or more roommates/housemates. In such rentals, the rent is split among all occupants; therefore, if you want budget-friendly accommodation, it can be the best choice for you. Moreover, these rentals allow you to enjoy the company of mates and learn about their cultures and backgrounds. 

Type 4: Private Flats 

Many private flats are also offered to students for rent in different countries. These private rentals are the general apartments where multiple residents can stay. You can live with housemates who may be students or working professionals. The major advantage of living in such private flats is that students are able to get complete freedom. University-managed halls have restrictions imparted by universities, and private halls also have some rules, however, less than university accommodations. Besides, homestays mentioned in the next section also have some rules imposed by families. But private flats are free from most of the rules other than taking care of the flat. 

Type 5: Homestays 

Homestays involve living with a local family, offering a more immersive cultural experience. Many families in different countries offer homestays for students, which are the rooms in their houses. Students live with families and therefore get opportunities to see the daily life of the family closely, which helps them understand the local culture more vividly. Besides, if you are living in a non-English-speaking family, you can also enhance your skills in the native language of the country. 

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Needs 

To choose the right accommodation, the major things you need to understand are your budget and preferences. If you want to live under university supervision and stay with a community, then university-managed halls are the best for you. Location preference can also be considered. For freedom and living in a different place than the university, private halls are the right options. Shared student rentals are good if you want to live with companions and find budget-friendly accommodation. Private flats are for students who want complete freedom. On the other hand, homestays are good for students seeking cultural immersion.