Off-Campus Student Accommodation Tips for International Students in the Canada
With the expansion of British universities, an increasing number of international students are studying in various cities. However, most on-campus student halls provided by British universities can only cover less than 20% of the student population. Since the 1980s, student apartment providers have emerged and evolved into a robust student accommodation system. This article aims to introduce the distinctive features and necessary precautions associated with off-campus student accommodation, also called Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), to assist students in finding their ideal accommodations.
What's Inside Off-Campus Student Accommodation?
Student accommodation providers are well-funded, offer a diverse range of rooms, and employ a professional management team. The majority of apartment buildings are equipped with surveillance systems and access control measures to ensure students’ safety. Additionally, some apartments feature extensive community amenities such as fitness centres, study rooms, recreational spaces, and audio-visual facilities. Strategically located around campuses, these off-campus student apartments provide convenience for living and studying purposes.
The rooms in student accommodation in Manchester generally feature desks, chairs, beds, nightstands, wardrobes, shelves, and other necessary furnishings. The bathrooms are equipped with a toilet, shower, and sink. The kitchen and living room serve as communal spaces with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and oven. The common area is often designed as an open-concept layout combining the kitchen and living room. Additionally, most apartments do not include washing machines within the units but provide laundry facilities in the common areas of the building. Utilities such as water and electricity are usually included in the rent, so students don’t have to pay for them separately.
Different Rooms in Off-Campus Student Accommodation
The most common types of rooms in student accommodation in Glasgow are Basic rooms, En-suite rooms, Studio rooms, and One-bedroom flats.
Basic Room (Non-En-Suite Room): Provides basic facilities such as a bed, desk, wardrobe, etc., while the toilet, kitchen, and bathroom are shared by many people. A flat with three or fewer Basic Rooms is equipped with one toilet, while a flat with four to seven rooms has two toilets. Although sharing toilets with others may be inconvenient, this type of room is the most affordable option and is chosen by many students.
En-suite Room: The most common student room in the UK. It is similar to the Basic Room but includes a separate bathroom attached to the bedroom. Because of the built-in bathroom, the living area may be reduced. Some apartments will have more than one Basic Room or En-suite Room together, called a Cluster Flat or Flat.
Studio Room: The star room in most apartments, containing a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen together. The size varies from 12 square meters to 30 square meters. Students can arrange their lives freely in an independent space. Studio rooms are more expensive and are suitable for students who prefer quiet living and have the means to afford it.
1 Bedroom Flat (1B): The most luxurious room type in student apartments, providing a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. This room type is the most fully equipped and largest in student apartments and also the most expensive. Additionally, some apartments offer 2-bedroom flats (2B), with two separate bedrooms and shared bathroom and living room, suitable for friends living together. This room type suits students with high living standards who do not mind the cost.
In addition to the standard rooms mentioned above, some apartments have special features such as double-decker or loft apartments. Students can check the apartments’ official websites for details.
Advantages of Off-Campus Student Accommodation
- Well-equipped rooms with no need to pay separate bills for water, electricity, and internet.
- Reputable apartment companies with guarantees and a serious accommodation supervision system in the UK.
- Professional management teams that maintain and quickly resolve any issues.
- Equipped with surveillance cameras, ensuring safety as only students are allowed to live in them.
