My Experience Living in a Student Residence
Once I had made the decision to study at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, my next step was choosing accommodation. There were several factors to consider: cost, proximity to campus, safety, opportunities for socialising, among others. I began by exploring the university’s student residence options on their website, followed by private accommodation listings. Each option varied in terms of the number of flatmates, shared or private facilities, and whether it catered to undergraduate or postgraduate students.
To stay organised, I created a spreadsheet to compare each accommodation side by side, which helped me make a more informed decision. After weighing the pros and cons, I chose to live in university-managed accommodation, primarily because of the sense of safety it offered and how close it was to campus. I was asked to pay a deposit and was given the option of paying in instalments over the academic year. The residence application also allowed me to indicate preferences like living with people of the same gender, religion, or dietary requirements, which was essential to me.
If you’re considering private accommodation, keep in mind that many landlords will ask for a guarantor, who must be based in the UK. Otherwise, they may require you to pay the full amount upfront before your arrival.
Before moving in, I arranged for a postal delivery of essentials like a bedding set and towel so that I could settle in comfortably on my first night. Upon arrival, I received a welcome booklet that explained the main rules and offered useful tips for living in the residence, along with a kit with some snacks.
In total, I shared the flat with five other female students. We shared a kitchen, washing machine, and dryer. One of my top tips is to get to know your flatmates early on. Attending events or joining activities together is a great way to bond and makes day-to-day life much smoother. If possible, consider pooling money to buy common kitchen items like pots, blenders, or toasters. It’s cost-effective and helps better utilize the kitchen space.
One of the things I loved most about my accommodation is its location, just 10 minutes from the Business School. It’s incredibly convenient for attending lectures, conferences, and university events without the stress of a long commute. Another bonus is the variety of social events organised by the residence’s social committee, made up of student volunteers living on-site. It’s been an easy and low-pressure way to meet people and have fun within a comfortable space.
Since my residence is primarily for postgraduate students, there’s a close-knit community vibe. It’s common to bump into friends in the hallway or common areas, and that familiarity makes it easy to organise small gatherings or celebrations together.
Where you live can really shape your overall university experience. It influences your access to campus facilities, your social life, and your sense of comfort and security. I’d highly recommend doing thorough research, checking out past student reviews on social media, and reflecting on your personal non-negotiables, like whether you’re okay with sharing a bathroom or sticking to a set budget, before making your decision.
- Sandra