Moving to a new town for college, while exciting, can present many challenges. One of those is finding accommodation that is comfy, convenient, affordable, and of course, safe.
In the rush to secure a place to live, you might overlook some of the key features your home should have. To ensure you choose the right place, here are four tips for finding safe accommodation when studying in a new place.
Follow college advice
Most colleges will have housing guidance for students to follow, but if yours doesn’t, simply looking at where the majority of students live can be a good indicator of a safe area. Similarly, the student services department at your college can help to guide you towards reputable estate agents, and may have some tips regarding popular areas.
Many students choose to stay in on-campus accommodation in the first year of their studies, while they get acclimated to being in a new town. These residences tend to have security measures in place, and living in one means that you won’t have to travel far to reach your lectures, making for a considerably safer commute.
Check local crime reports
You’ll usually do this before you choose your college, to determine whether or not the town you’re considering is a safe environment. However, you can narrow down your search once you’ve secured your place on your course, considering specific neighborhoods in the area.
Unfortunately, crime happens almost everywhere – but it’s possible to determine more at-risk areas by looking at local police reports. This can help you to be in the know about what to watch out for, and the precautions you’ll need to take.
Look for convenience
How close is your chosen accommodation to the places you need to reach, like the local shops and your college campus? It’s important to choose a highly frequented location, where you’ll feel safe enough to run errands, and make the journey to and from school by yourself if you need to.
Envision your day to day in each house you visit, and consider planning your routes to the places you’ll need to visit. If you’re feeling anxious about commuting, it may be worth asking a friend or flatmate if they’d be open to walking to college with you.
Prioritize personal safety
No matter where you choose to live, you should always take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Make sure to keep your house secure, by only allowing people you know well inside, and ensuring the property is properly locked up and secure when you head home for the holidays.
Don’t forget to consider your safety within the home, such as whether the property is up to date with its safety checks and comes with the documentation to prove it. Above all else, be sure to follow your gut when it comes to your personal safety, and take action if something doesn’t feel right.
Study without worry
The vast majority of students have an enjoyable and safe college experience. However, it’s important to be wary of risks no matter where you find yourself, whether at home, college, or otherwise. By following these tips, you can enjoy your studies without worry, and make the most of this exciting time in your life.
Author bio: Noah Davies
Noah is a student services advisor. Having previously worked in real estate, he knows all there is to know about finding safe, comfortable homes.