Deciding where to study can possibly be one of the most important decisions that you could make for your future. However, once this has been made deciding where to live as a student is of equal importance.

Your living arrangements at university can have a huge influence in helping you settle in more easily, and can often make the difference in getting the most out of your university experience.

Courses & Careers recognises that being a student is not just about studying it can also be a lifestyle. This Accommodation Guide is here to help you make a more informed decision about where you may choose to live and how to get the most out of you accommodation.

First Year Accommodation - Making the right choice

Most, if not all, students during their first year of study are offered on-campus accommodation at their university or college Halls of Residence, if available. Whilst there are many reasons why students are encouraged to stay on-campus in their first year, Careers and Courses weighs up both the advantages and disadvantages to living in Halls to give you a fuller picture

Advantages

· Help at hand - In each Halls of Residence you will have a 'Hostel Representative'. These are often second or third year students who have lots of experience of being a "Fresher" at university. These people who live in Halls with you are there to help you with any problems that you may have in settling in and to also show you around.

· A protected environment - Having just moved to a different part of the country it is very important that you feel safe and that you have people to turn to whatever your needs. On-Campus accommodation is extremely suitable for international students for exactly this reason. On-Campus students are able to adjust to UK culture at their own pace under the protection of the university.

· No 'hidden' costs - Once you have paid for your accommodation bill at the beginning of term you have no other bills to concern yourself with - apart from your day to day living and studying expenses. Living off campus can often result in a lot of extra 'hidden' costs including council tax, water rates, electricity, gas etc.

· Easy access to on-campus facilities - Living on-campus provides you with easy access to library facilities, your union facilities and whilst it may not seem important to you at present, that extra hour in bed before your lectures not spent on travelling can be a lifesaver - particularly after a heavy night out at your local union bar!

· Instant friends - Often you will be put in Halls with other International Students so you will instantly be mixing with people who are in exactly the same boat as you. You may also be lucky enough to find people who speak your native tongue - which, if you are homesick or concerned about your English, can be of a major comfort.