EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 4 | Page 55

CO L LE GE CO RNER

Private hostel facilities
Such accommodation is often
considered when in-campus
accommodation is not an option. These
hostel facilities are often similar to
on-campus hostels. However, they are
pricier and usually located offcollege
grounds but within the vicinity.

Rented apartments
Many dream of renting flats or
apartments on their own or with
their friends. They dream of
complete independence, going
out and coming back whenever
they want. However, consider the
strengths and drawbacks of this:

Pros

Cons

• The state of accommodation at private
hostels tend to be better, as students
typically pay more in rental that goes
to the upkeep of the facilities.
• Private hostel facilities are usually
taken up by students of the same
college, so you will likely find fellow
students there.
• As the main concern of the hostel
administration is to maintain law and
order, you can almost be assured of a
conducive environment for studies and
development. No late-night blasting
of music or noise from partying dorm
mates, and unauthorised entry by
outsiders is prohibited.

• Many private hostels have strict rules
when it comes to curfew and visitors.
While students might find such
environment restrictive, parents will
be happier.
• Can be pricier for students and parents.
• Private hostels might be located far from
campus which would mean additional
cost to travel to and from campus.
• Living in on-campus and private
hostels comes with a commitment:
you must stay for at least a semester.
The accommodation fees are usually
charged for the semester and are paid
upfront at the start of each term, so
you are committed to staying there
for a whole semester or have your
money waste should you choose to
move out before the term ends.

Pros

financially taxing and time-consuming
kitchen work, cleaning duties and
related shopping and bill payments.
• You would need to discuss and agree
with your fellow housemates on the
financial matters.Things could get
ugly if there is a disagreement over
how expenses are split.
• Students may need to be more
disciplined when renting a place on
their own. Bills and rent need to be
paid on time and you will need to
work out a timetable on chores with
your housemates, unlike in hostels
where caretakersclean the bathrooms
and communal areas.

• You will gain complete independence,
free from restrictions imposed in
campuses or hostels.You can have
friends over and even stay the night
as and when you like.
• You can choose your roommates
and housemates, unlike living at
hostels where the people sharing
your living space are usually
determined by the administration.

Cons
• There are rent agreements and rates
to consider, which cost more than any
hostel accommodation.
• There would be utility bills to pay and
maintenance to account for.
• Keeping an apartment is not easy, with

Living at home
Continuing to live at your family home
is the other option for students who
live near to college campuses.

Pros
• This is the most financially viable
option for those who live near the
campus. You will save on rental, meals
and utilities.
• You can gain financial independence
by earning and saving while staying at
home during yourcollege years.
• This is the most convenient
accommodation option, andyou most
likely will continue to benefit from your
mum or domestic helper doing your
laundry and other chores for you. You
may even get a lift to campus each day.

Cons
• Many scoff at the thought of living
with their parents and forsaking the
chance to live independently.
• Fun and freedom might be restricted
at home.

Today there are different kinds
of accommodations and living
arrangements for students to
consider in and around college
and university campuses. When
considering your options, the
financial, convenience and security
aspects are crucial. Choose the
ones which will tax you the least in
terms of money and offer security
and hassle-free living for your
college years.
If you feel you made the wrong
choice, you can always switch to
another type of accommodation
for the next semester or in two
months, which is the usual period
covered by depositspaid for a
rented room or house.

easyuni Guide 2014

Issue 4

53