Brighton is a fabulously vibrant city that is home to a thriving arts, music and culture scene along with plenty of awesome bars or restaurants. When you also add in the famous Palace Pier and beach, it is easy to see why so many people flock to visit this part of Sussex. The University of Brighton is also something that the city is rightfully proud of, and it has a prestigious reputation that attracts students from all over the world. Official figures from the university show that over 20,000 students enrolled in the 2018/19 academic year, which demonstrates what a popular choice it is for many.
If you are planning to start on a course after A Levels or are currently studying at the University of Brighton, you will already be looking ahead to the start of the next academic year in September 2020. Where you will stay while studying in the city is a key part of university life and is something to get sorted in advance before the next year begins. For some new students and most continuing ones, renting privately in the city is the preferred choice. Of course, this is something you must do if you are not eligible to stay in halls.
What should you look for when choosing the right accommodation for you?
Is it in good repair?
One key thing to look at when choosing the right private accommodation to lease is how good a condition it is in. This is actually pretty simple and does not require any technical knowledge as such – you can pick up the information you need from just walking around the property before signing any contracts. If you spot damp patches or cracks in walls, for example, then this could be the sign of more serious structural issues, which may make it a poor choice. You should also keep an eye on the general repair that any property is in. If the landlord has fitted the best shutters in the UK and kept it well maintained, then this is a good sign.
Think about your budget
One of the best tips for finding the right student accommodation lies around your budget. It is key to think about how much money you can afford to spend on rent per month and choose properties in this range. Signing up for a property that you cannot afford is a no-no! You should also factor in how much money you need to live on each month and ensure that you have enough left once your rent is paid. One handy idea is to double-check what is included with any monthly rental amount. Some landlords, for example, may include bills such as gas and electric in with the rental fee.
Location, location
One important thing to bear in mind is where your accommodation is located within Brighton. You may, for example, want to live in areas where other students live – in this case, Lewes Road or Kemptown may be the best option. It is also key to factor in how close you want to be to the university itself so that you do not have to travel far for lectures – especially if you have any early-morning or late-night ones. Of course, location is also key for being near the action when you want to head out at night to party in Brighton itself.
Shared or solo?
When it comes to renting private accommodation as a student, you also need to decide whether you will be renting on a shared or solo basis. Naturally, shared houses are cheaper as the total cost is divided up between you all. This is something that gets easier after your first year though when you have made friends to move in with. If you are travelling with friends to study as a new student or you already know people in Brighton, it could still be an option. Renting a house by yourself is perfect if you want your own place to enjoy in solitude but will work out costing you more. As with everything in life, it all comes down to what works best for you.
Brighton student accommodation is plentiful
The good news for anyone who does decide to rent privately is that the range of options in the city is wide. There is lots of great student accommodation to lease around Brighton, and the university itself can even help you find somewhere if needs be. This will come in very handy if you cannot get a place in halls when you first start, or you need to find a private house to rent as you progress through your course.
