Will I live close to university?
Moving to a new city can be daunting when you don't know the area. Something you may be worried about is how far you will live away from university. Whether you live close to university will depend on several factors, some of which you can't control. The availability of university-provided accommodation, your preferences, and your budget are all factors that can change how close or far you live to university.
Typically, university accommodation is relatively close to campus. However, cities that are more popular and have more students may have accommodation located further away. You may also find that you aren't given university accommodation and need to explore alternative options. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding distances, transportation and commuting.
University accommodation
Many universities will offer accommodation to their first-year students, and this is typically located close to campus. However, students at the University of West England, for example, may live all across Bristol because the university has four campuses, all located in different areas. Finding out where your university campus is something important to research, and may sway your decision on where you decide to live.
However, universities aren't always able to guarantee you university-owned accommodation.
To find out more about whether you will be guaranteed accommodation, you can read our blog on that topic.
Private accommodation
Private accommodation is an alternative option to university allocated accommodation. It can be found in different areas around the university. Some private accommodation may be located very close to the university, while others may require a longer commute. When choosing private accommodation, it is important to consider your budget and your preferences. To see what accommodation is available in your city, you can search AFS.
Transportation
The distance between your accommodation and the university may affect your transportation costs and commute time. Some universities, such as the University of Portsmouth, offer free bus passes for the year which means although you live further away, your transport is covered. Having good transport links may make it less important to you how close you live to your university campus, so it is a good idea to research to see what transport is available to you.