Tag Archives: accommodation
Where to Search for Uni Accommodation
Going to university is a massive change to your life. Not only are you moving into the last stage of education but a lot of students move out of their family home for the first time, and into student accommodation. Both can be extremely daunting and unless you are extremely laid back, stress can creep up on with everything that is changing in your life. Below I have included some tips that will help you search for your new place as you embark on the first building block towards your career.
Google Search
Like everything, start with google. Once you know which university you are going to, Google will put you in the right direction when it comes to private student renting or university halls. A major bonus is generally there tends to be reviews from previous tenants. This will give you an idea of the experiences they have had and whether some opportunities may be better than others.
Student Forums
All social media sites have specified groups or forums for new, current and former students to chat. The likelihood is, this is where you will get the biggest insight into student accommodation. When it comes to student accommodation in Melbourne for example, they have a vast array of student forums based directly on the accommodation and unlike reviews, you can open and start a conversation rather than just reading about the feedback.
Speaking to your University
When you are accepted to a Uni, you will be given a lot of information about your course, campus, rules and also accommodation. Even if your university doesn’t have onsite residency, speaking to them can be very useful, even if it’s just for their contacts alone. A lot of universities tend to partner up with estate agents or landlords and they can look to pass on contact information or contact them for you.
Estate Agents
Estate agents seem like the most logical step at times. If you do want to contact an estate agent, do a bit of research first. Not all estate agents deal within student accommodation but for example with student accommodation in Melbourne there are agents that specialise in the matter. Speak to them directly whether it being over the phone, on webchat or in person.
Student Accommodation Websites
Like everything, there is nothing better than a website that can give you all the information you need. Student accommodation websites are no different. Compare them, see what they offer and how they can make your life easier. A great thing about the sites is that they also give upfront fees/prices or what will happen if your circumstances change. It is really important that you have this information as it’s probable that there will be deposits involved and potential rental cancellation fees. Don’t jump into anything unless you are sure you know what you are getting into.
House Share
It’s not a hidden fact that money can get a little tight whilst going through uni. To combat this make sure you look into house sharing with other students. Not only is this a great way to bring down rental pricing but it’s a great way to get that university experience and make new friends along the way.
Try out all of these options in order to find yourself the very best student accommodation.
How to do Paris on a Student’s Budget
These kids know how to do Paris on a student’s budget … how can you do the same?
As destinations go, Paris ranks among the top to experience before passing on into the great beyond. The problem is that it gets harder to see places like The City of Lights as you take on ever more responsibilities in life, so it is imperative that you get out and see these sights while you are young, single and fabulous.
The only chestnut that you can’t seem to crack in your mind is this: all this stuff costs money. Especially Paris, which consistently ranks among the priciest urban destinations on Earth. However, with some tenacious travel hacking, even the more expensive places in the world become accessible to those of modest means.
Since you likely count yourself among this group at this stage in your life, it is important that you find ways to stretch your dollars until President Washington cries. To help you do this, we have scraped together our best tips on how to do Paris on a student’s budget.
Let’s review them in detail below, so you can begin packing your rucksack for an amazing adventure in one of the most fabulous cities on Earth.
The best things in life are free
While you might be excited enough to book your ticket at this point, take the time to read this first before charging your credit card. While just about any time of year is a great time to visit Paris, be sure to time your trip to coincide with the first Sunday of the month. A large number of museums, monuments, and tourist attractions offer free admission at this time, including the Louvre (during the winter months).
In addition to this, strolling through the Jardin de Luxembourg, along the Seine, or though hip neighborhoods such as The Marais doesn’t cost anything, allowing to save your money for a night or two of fine French dining.
French food doesn’t have to break the bank
One of the pleasures of being in France is partaking of some of the finest cuisine in the world, and as such, you shouldn’t deny yourself of it totally in the name of keeping to a draconian budget. Dining out every night does add up though, so you’ll have to pick your battles when it comes to eating out at fancy restaurants.
This doesn’t mean you have to slum it on your cheap days though, as Paris offers plenty of affordable treats that won’t break you financially. Crepes are a popular sweet or savory treat that you simply have to try, as it will only set you back a few Euros for the more basic varieties.
Boulangeries offer racks full of macaroons, croissants and freshly-baked baguettes, while Paris ethnic diversity will expose you to a myriad of international street fare such as falafel, a frequent find due to the strong presence of Arabic cultures within city limits.
Chip in on an apartment together
Of course, none of the above matters if you have no place to lay your head at the end of the day. While hostels can be fun, if you are traveling with a large group of friends, it can be difficult to keep everybody together in the same rooms in the perpetually busy budget accommodations of this highly popular city.
An alternative option that it is just as affordable (but far more cozy) is to rent an apartment for the duration of your stay here. By making use of booking sites like this one (http://www.housetrip.com/en/paris), you can get a place that is close to nightlife, tourist attraction and shopping, all while having a quiet place to return to at night.
Or a place where you can party it up without imposing on strangers.
Either way, the freedom you enjoy with this option makes it worth your serious consideration.
