Navigating student accommodation: My experience living alone in a new country

  Moving away from home for the first time can be a daunting experience and finding the right place to live is a crucial aspect of the transition. In this blog, I will be sharing my personal experience of moving into student accommodations in a new country. Despite the challenges, I was able to make the most of my living situation and learn valuable lessons along the way. Read on to learn more about my journey and how I navigated the process of finding and settling into student accommodation.

Deciding where to live is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your life. In my situation, I wasn't able to visit the accommodation prior to moving in, so clear and timely communication with the management was key. At first, it was difficult to make a decision because I had no specific preferences, but eventually, I realized that having preferences made it easier to narrow down my options.

When it came to choosing a location for my student accommodations, I knew that I wanted to be somewhere away from the city centre. I preferred to live surrounded by trees and found the peacefulness of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, this preference is not shared by everyone, so properties in these locations tend to be cheaper. One of the drawbacks of living further away from the city centre is that there are fewer businesses, which can make it more difficult to find a job. Additionally, being far from business can be seen as both a positive and a negative – while it can be inconvenient at times, it can also encourage spending less money on non-essential items.

Budget-wise, I chose a place where all bills were already included so that I didn't have to worry about fluctuations in bills. It was also important for me to find a place that has options of not requiring me to have a guarantor as this will add in costs.

Compared to private houses, student accommodations often come with complete facilities such as gyms, function rooms, study rooms, bars, laundries, and stores for your convenience. They are usually fully furnished with appliances and furniture, so all you need to worry about are your personal belongings.

When I moved in, it was important to document the contract, payment, and details of the room, kitchen, and bathroom. Sometimes the management may not be on your side, so having everything well organized can be helpful in certain situations. Make sure that you get what you paid for and have evidence to back you up.

One of the unique aspects of living in student accommodations is that you will be living in a building or buildings with many other people. This can be a great opportunity to socialize and find your support group. Some managements even hold parties, which can be a fun way to meet other people and get involved in the community. However, if you prefer to have your own space and quiet time, you can always choose to stay in your room during these events. It's important to find a balance that works for you and to remember that you have the freedom to participate in activities as much or as little as you'd like.

One of the benefits of living in student accommodations is that cleanliness is typically maintained by the management. This means that shared spaces, such as lobbies and common areas, are regularly cleaned, which helps to keep the property in good condition. Additionally, security is usually provided 24/7, which can provide peace of mind and a sense of safety. Maintenance is also usually present and can address any problems you may have quickly. Depending on the severity of the issue, the repair may be free of charge. Overall, these amenities can make living in student accommodations a convenient and stress-free experience.

On the flip side

Moving in and settling in are two different things, and I found that moving in was very positive and exciting, once I had lived in the accommodation for a while, I started comparing it to my old home. Coming from a culture that values strong connections with family, I had never lived alone before and found it difficult to adjust, even with flatmates and friends around. 

To combat the feeling of loneliness that can come with living alone, I tried a few different approaches. At first, I bought a plant and made it my buddy, watering it every time I came home and even singing and talking to it. However, this was mainly a one-way relationship and wasn't sustainable in the long term. I then decided to try something different and got a guitar, hoping that the beautiful music I could create with it would change things. While playing the guitar did help to alleviate some of my loneliness, nothing beats the feeling of coming home to your family after a long day.

Cooking, which I used to enjoy as a passion, became more of a chore when I was eating alone. To combat this, I sometimes invited friends over for dinner or brought my plate to their flats to eat together. Ultimately, it's important to find ways to connect with others and create a sense of community, whether it's through hobbies, social activities, or simply spending time with friends.

Not everyone gets along well with their flatmates, and it's important to be prepared for the possibility of arguments. Winter can also be a tough time, especially if you're coming from a tropical country and are not used to cold, dark rooms. However, even though it may not always be beautiful, the tough times can be an opportunity for growth. Ultimately, choosing where to live is a big decision, but regardless of where you end up, you will be able to overcome any challenges and come out on top.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving into student accommodations in a new country can be a challenging but rewarding experience. From choosing the right location and budget to navigating the management and making the most of shared spaces, there are many factors to consider when finding the right place to live. While living alone can be tough, it's important to find ways to combat loneliness and create a sense of belonging. Whether it's through hobbies, social activities, or simply spending time with friends, there are many ways to make your living situation feel more like home. Ultimately, it's all about finding what works best for you and making the most of your new living situation. So, it's always better to have a preference and choose the right place to live which makes you feel happy and comfortable.