The first step to house-hunting is to decide where exactly you want to live, and this can make a huge difference upon your university experience. Your location can determine your expenses, your social life, and even affect your ability to study.
Priorities: expense or location?
To begin with, think about what you want to prioritise.
If you want to prioritise cheaper living, living further away from university is usually the best option. However, this would probably increase your transport costs and time taken to get to classes.
Living closer to university would make it easier to travel and access opportunities, but can be much more expensive. It can also feel quite repetitive if you are living in the same area that you go to university in.
A good in-between would be a spot that is close enough to university to be easily accessible, but not so close that prices are extortionate.
Do you want a lively or quiet area?
It is also important to think about the demographic in the areas you are searching.
If you live in a student-heavy area, places are likely to be cheaper, offer student discounts, and make it easier to meet people. However, these areas are likely to be noisier and more bustling, which could potentially be distracting.
Areas that are inhabited more by working professionals might be more quiet, but could be more expensive and difficult to socialise in. They may also complain if you cause too much noise yourself as a household - especially if they are elderly or have children at home.
Somewhere in-between is ideal, however not very common, so pick wisely!
Picking a safe area
Your location should also, most importantly, feel safe. You should feel comfortable coming home after a late-night, step out for an emergency grocery run, or even just take a walk if you’re stressed. You could be in an area that offers you cheap rent, but you need to account for the factors that actually make it cheap. Extremely cheap rent may not be worth the cost of your comfort.
Proximity to necessary services
Lastly, think about what’s around you. It can be beneficial to live in an area closer to superstores, as superstores are cheaper than local or express stores. Similarly, make sure there is a GP and pharmacy near you. If you go to the gym, look at what options would best suit your needs in the area. If you are involved in university sports or other societies, it is important to take into consideration the time needed to travel, even outside of just attending classes.
Living close to transport links can also help save time and money - by getting you to lectures faster (saving you some extra time in bed), or helping you travel home if you wish.
Why location matters
The location you live in matters a lot, and can have a huge impact on your study experience. Keep these factors in mind before you decide where to move. To make your house hunt easier, make sure you use the AFS website!
