When you go away for a year, the most pressing question is where you should live. If you’re like me (i.e. dirt poor), then you won’t get a single chance to visit your city before you actually commit to going there for an actual year.
This can make finding somewhere to live seem impossible, but it really isn’t – I’m writing this from my flat, and I’ve only been here for five days! Here’s some advice on what to do in order to get the perfect home.
Know your team
Get to know your welcome team – they’ll be so helpful and enthusiastic you’ll forget your troubles, and they know the city better than you! I wanted to live in the centre of town (who doesn’t?), but after being informed about the abundance of crime there, promptly set my sights on new places. They can also put you in touch with other students or landlords who have a spare room. Be social, even if it’s not really your thing!
Be open to ideas
On the other hand, don’t just restrict yourself to university methods. Estate agents always have places to rent, and you can usually find a range of accommodation. That being said, make sure they’re being upfront. I made the mistake of blithely trusting my estate agent, and in return, she sprung new costs on me every time I saw her. Not my proudest moment.
Remember hostels
I can’t speak for outside of Europe, but it moves quickly! I booked a week into a hotel, fully expecting to struggle to find a place in that time frame. But by day three, I was paying my first month’s rent. While you’re looking, book into a hostel – the university recommended one is usually the best, even if it does remind you of a prison. You’ll meet other students, and it’s cheap as chips!
Ask questions
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like! There are bound to be quirks (our boiler has to be plugged in), and it’s better that you ask than break something trying to find out. Most landlords are more than happy to help, and just love students. Seriously, they do.
And of course, calm down. It won’t be as bad as you think, I promise. And as soon as you’ve moved in, you can start planning all the house parties you’ll have… We’ve already had our first one!
Do you have any more tips on how to choose accommodation on a year abroad? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Alan Cleaver / Flickr
Warwick Editor for Career Camels and Deputy Comment Editor for The Boar.
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