Thursday, 4 July 2019

Houses, Apartments, Studios and Flats: A Tough Student Decision


As a student studying in Birmingham, having student accommodation which you can feel comfortable in is key to having a positive University experience. But choosing the right student property for you can be much harder than it first seems. Knowing what is right for you is the first step in ensuring that this year is one of the best as a student in Birmingham. 
Continue reading below to find out which student property is right for you, and how Unihousing could help to find you the ideal property for your next academic year at the University of Birmingham. When looking for student accommodation, there are generally 3 forms of property available. These are:

•             Student houses – usually shared between a group of peers.
•             Student flats/apartments – you can find both single and double occupancy student flats.
•             Student studios – ideal for those looking for privacy and independence.

The question is, what’s the difference between the three and which one should you choose? Well, let’s start by explaining the difference between the three.

Student Houses
A typical student house in Birmingham can be shared between a group of anywhere from 3 students. The normal layout will consist of a communal living and dining area, usually with some seated areas and a kitchen that is used by all the occupants of the house. This then is much like your student halls environment, except on a slightly smaller scale. The communal areas of a shared property require students to work together as a unit to keep the house clean and tidy. Consider a rota to help make this easier.

Advantages
More often than not, student houses will come with a small back garden offering students a place to get outside without leaving the house. Some properties are lucky enough to have a driveway for students who are able to drive, which can be very beneficial. Finally, students can group together to help save money on student utilities including washing up liquid and toothpaste. The same can be said for food if students choose to eat together.

Disadvantages
More frequently, shared accommodation students will find that their shared accommodation is not as clean as they would like it, usually because there’s always somebody in the group who doesn’t pull their weight. This can lead to aggravation between housemates. Finally, while all students have their own room, some students may find that the privacy offered isn’t on the same level as that offered by living in other forms of accommodation. Additionally, sharing a bathroom between several people can cause tension.

Student Apartments/Flats
Student flats and apartments are common in the local area and do offer a great place for students to stay during their studies. A flat or apartment will normally consist of a small living area including a cooking station and some form of seated area. Depending on whether you opt to share a flat or go it alone, most flats will come with a shared bathroom and two/three separate bedrooms while solo occupants will have a private washroom and a bedroom separate to the living area of the property.


Advantages
This form of property comes with slightly more privacy, especially when you think about having peers and friends’ visiting. You may often find that students living in a flat have slightly more room around the apartment, due to the fact they aren’t sharing with a bunch of other people. Finally, you’ll also find washing, cleaning and the general tidiness of the property will be easier. 


Disadvantages
Student flats generally forego gardens, which means that in the summer months it becomes harder to enjoy the sun without going out. Other negative points include having to share a bathroom should you be living in a pair or a three.

Student Studios
These are quickly becoming popular in Selly Oak for students at the University of Birmingham. This form of student accommodation is for solo occupants only. If you're living in a studio you can expect one large room containing pretty much everything you could need as a student. This includes a sleeping area, cooking facilities and a small living area, the only thing that will be separate to the normal living area is the washroom. This is ideal for students who live a fast-paced lifestyle, or for those who would like a more independent and private student living experience.


Advantages
The main advantage you receive from living in a studio is privacy. This home enables you to get away from the world and enjoy some time to yourself. This is often not a possibility when you’re living with others. Another benefit to living alone is you control the tidiness of your property, this means you don’t need to clean up other people’s mess, and you don’t need to put up with housemates not doing their chores. Finally, all studios come with their own private washroom, something which is a luxury to most students.


Disadvantages
Living on your own does come with the downside of a lack of social interaction. It’s important that if you do live in a student studio you make the effort to go out and interact with people. Student societies are ideal for this. Other negative also include no garden or outdoor space, and the fact that this can be a slightly more expensive way of living, as you can’t share the cost between several people.

Knowing What is Best for You
Now you know about each type of student accommodation in Selly Oak, but you still might not know what is best for you. Well here’s a brief rundown which should tell you everything.

Student House – This property type is ideal for a group of close friends, who are all comfortable around each other. This sort of living requires a team of friends that can work together to live in comfort. If you’re easily annoyed or like your own space, this may not be the one for you.

Student Apartment or Flat – Ideal for two friends or as a solo occupant who can live and work around well on their own or as a pair on a daily basis. This property is ideal for social people who like to invite friends over but still like to have the opportunity for privacy.

Student Studio – A student studio is designed for a fast-paced living style. This sort of property is built to house a sole person, and while it may not offer as much space as other types of properties, it still offers some space to have friends over for studying or pre-drinks. If your privacy and independence is important, then this is the place for you.



Student Accommodation In Selly Oak
So, by now you should have a reasonable idea about what it is you want for your next academic year. The only thing left to do is begin searching, and where better to start than Selly Oak-based Unihousing. Offering all three types of student property, they are sure to have the ideal location which makes you feel right at home.

Contact Unihousing today and find a student accommodation which is right for you and register your interest.



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