Off-campus student accommodation

On-campus accommodation is not always an option for students, resulting in other accommodation options being sought. This requires endless research and the overall process can be arduous, given that most students realise the importance of applying early for accommodation.

Factors to consider

When selecting which accommodation to stay at there are various aspects to consider. I feel that a few of the most important aspects to ruminate include:

• Security
  
• Price
  
• Location
  
• Furniture
  
• Availability of extra facilities

Not surprisingly, security is often a factor that many parents will take into account first. They want to make sure that their child's living environment is safe and secure. Another important consideration at the top of everyone's list is the price of the accommodation. Selecting which accommodation you want to stay at is a huge commitment, so you want to make sure that the price is reasonable and the standard of living justifies the cost.

An additional factor to consider is the location of the accommodation. It would be beneficial if the accommodation chosen is close to your university of choice. Students staying at world-class student village, Ekhaya Junction, for example, are privileged, given that this accommodation is only 300 metres away from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Furniture included in student accommodation, such as: a chair; study table; bookshelf; bed; and lockable wardrobe are a huge advantage. I would suggest making sure that furniture is available at your accommodation of choice. With the standard of living constantly on the increase, having to buy your own furniture would prove to be a very costly endeavour.

Extra facilities

Lastly, extra facilities, such as, study rooms, on-site kiosks, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi are important to consider when choosing your accommodation. There are many factors to consider, which is why it is important to scrutinise all aspects of your accommodation options.

If your accommodation is safe, reasonably priced, conveniently located close to your university, has furniture provided and has extra facilities available, this will not only make the transition from your parents' home easier but also give you peace of mind that you have found a home away from home.