City Inn Bristol

University residence vs. flat?

I'm going to do a masters in Bristol. I'm an international student. Should I stay at one of the university residences or should I make an early trip to look for independent lodging (i.e. getting an apartment with a room/flat mate)? My instinct tells me that I should go throught the hassle of finding my own accommodation as living in a residence might feel like going to boarding school (not that I'm criticizing but I'm 25 so...). However, living in a residence might have its advantages; the internet is set up, there is a laundry room in the building, I'm close to my classes and it might even be easier to make friends. So I guess the question is; what pro's and con's can you come up with? Why should I rent a flat or why should I go to the residence? (Bear in mind I'm an international student). I'd like the practical feedback of people who have been in my shoes or who have a son or daughter that has been in my situation, not random advice like "do what you prefer." Thanks James M, but keep in mind that I am only studying for one year as it is a masters programme. For the record, there are three types of residences 1. residences for undergrads (obviously off limits to me), 2. residences for both undergrad and post-grad and 3. residences for postgrads only. (So I could actually be amongst postgraduate students and not freshers/freshmen if I wanted)

Public Comments

1. residence first year where you make friends, second year rent a flat with those friends.
2. well i think i have been in your shoes i am doing my masters at a london university, after wasting so much time i decided to rent a flat in the local area, the university residence was too close to the campus, and i just wanted to be away from uni, when i finished my lectures, i dont think i could have had the same social life as i do now if i had stayed in university residence, most of my friends have rented flats or houses in the area, and they agree that its betetr to be away from uni, but of course it depends on the cost of accomodation.
3. renting will be more expensive than a uni residence and more hassle to arrange. To rent privately you'll need to give at least a months rent as a deposit but as you're 25 I can see why you wouldnt necessarily want to share with 18 year olds. Ask at the uni accommodation office if they have accommodation that is just for post grad students, some places do have post grad only residences I hated living in residences when I was an undergrad but I did it because it was cheap. By the time I was a post grad I had my own place.
4. If you're only there for a year go for the university residence! The only downside which I found when I did that was that it was very noisy and there was alot of drinking and drugs in my hall, but that was because it was a bunch of 18 yr olds living way for the 1st time ever, I've heard that postgraduate accommodation is alot better and people get on well. So the downside to that is you can't pick who you live with, but if you dont like them you can always ask to me moved. Finding private accommdation is a hassle, people tend to drop out and then not pay rent or they might be nightmare housemates and you'll have no option to move out early if you've signed a contract. Also student landlords are generally fairly bad for things like repairs, I've had sooo much trouble with mine. In university accommodation its so much simpler, they fix everything straight away and you don't have to worry about bills coming in and trying to get the money off the other housemates.
5. Hi there. I've just finished my undergraduate degree and did look into postgrad courses, both here in the UK and abroad. I personally would have gone into university residences for postgrad students, but I will go through the reasons for and against each option. I just want to also add I'm of a similar age, being 24! To rent a flat in town: On the plus side, you get to see the life of the city and meet people from there - you get to sample the real city instead of being cocooned in university residences and life. There are also websites where you could look for spare rooms in the general area. I've provided a couple of links below, but also look at local newspapers online adverts and put 'spare room' into google. Gumtree is really good for things like that. That way, instead of getting your own flat, you could share with other students and meet more people that way. Plus, bills would be shared. The downside to living off campus and in your own flat would be paying for separate bills and often landlords ask for a deposit and first month's rent up front. It is all more expensive than student accommodation as well. Also, you may not meet as many people and living in your own flat could mean you are more isolated, especially as you are an international student. University Accommodation: The plus side of this is that normally all of your bills are included in your rent and you don't need to fork out anything above that. You will be closer to the university and be able to participate more fully in university life, which would make your experience as an international student a better one. I'm going to state a fact here which will get me thumbs down but it's quite true. People who do postgrads are generally more serious about their work than undergrads (not the case in all cases, I'm giving generalities here) because they chose to go back and study further. First years (and some second years) will more than likely be partying and they will be younger than you (about ages 17-21). Postgrad students will be the same sort of age and have the same sort of life experience as you. You will meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures. A friend of mine is a postgrad student and this year she has lived with Chinese, Japanese, American, Egyptian and Indian people in unversity residences. You will also mix with people doing degrees in a variety of subjects. Downside, if the flats are large, they may be a bit noisier and it may be harder to accommodate more people with differing interests (to be honest, I've never had a problem and I've stayed in unversity accommodation in flats of 7 people). To be a pain, it really is up to you. There are pros and cons to all the options. In my honest opinion, I would say you should go for university accommodation with other postgrads only, but I'm not you and I can't say which you would prefer. I really hope that this does help you though and good luck in the future with your course and I hope you get the right accommodation for you. Good luck :-)
6. If you are interested in being part of student life I'd recommend postgraduate residences - you'd be with people of a similar age (and older), have the opportunity to make friends, not have to worry about additional bills, and there's a good support network amongst postgrads - you'll probably be closer to other people doing your course and in a similar position etc. However, if you value your privacy and aren't particularly interested in student life then get a flat.