#smoking it directly outside a university student accommodation building is just asking to have security callled on you

[stolen-stardust]

‘izzy why are u on tumblr at 3am’ well i Was asleep but a guy tried to get into the fucking flat and my flatmates called security on him but the dude left before security arrived and we’re pretty certain it was the friend of a problematic flatmate but said flatmate is either fast asleep or not here. so what the fuck was maybe-his-friend doing banging on our flat door at 3am. also the flat hallway stinks like weed again. now i am awake

[paw-sitivi-tea]

Student exchange: A preparation guide

Part 2: Accommodation On- and Off-campus

Part 0 - Introduction/Overview of topics Part 1 - Travel documents, booking tickets (Feb 2, 2019) Part 2 - Accommodation: On- and Off-campus (Feb 3, 2019) Part 3 - Finance and healthcare abroad (scheduled for Feb 6, 2019, due to Chinese NY;-D) Part 4 - Transport and safety (scheduled for Feb 7, 2019) Part 5 - Phone and Internet abroad (scheduled for Feb 9, 2019)

More parts planned. For upcoming topics, please refer to the Introduction. HMU anytime if you have more questions.

follow or search for #yuistudiesabroad for past and future posts.

Accommodation: On-campus

Most universities offer dorms for exchange students. But they might come at a limited number, so pay attention to their websites/your mail and ask former exchange students for more information.

If the booking for the dorms open at 9 a.m., you need to be ready to punch in your information a few minutes before that, especially if “first come, first serve” - policies apply. I had to use an atomic clock for mine, so…yeah.

Research your options well before the booking opens:

Types of rooms (single, double, apartment?)  or floorplan (Living near the elevator/entrance can be loud!)

gender separated?

private bathroom or public bathhouse (search for alternatives that might save you during peak time/repairs, e.g. at the gym)

Kitchen or cooking options, canteens

Equipped with AC or radiator?

Wi-Fi (and router)? Is the cost included or paid separately?

laundry options

utilities (water, electricity) billed separately?

included furniture (important! Mine doesn't have a waste bin for example.)

Rent cost and deposit, as well as when and how to pay

Stairs or Elevators?

Move-in and move-out dates

dorm rules (e.g. visitors, curfew)

Other tips:

If there are several dorm buildings, check if they have any differences.

Keep in mind that your dorm might be on-campus, but your classroom might be on the other side of it.

Your dorm manager/housekeeper/receptionist is usually the first person to ask if there are problems.

Accommodation: Off-campus

If you couldn't get a dorm room, you will have to get something else. This can be tricky if you do not speak the local language. I would recommend taking a native with you if you are not sure, be it your exchange buddy, a student, or an interpreter. Pay someone to translate if necessary, the investment is worth it. There are a few options besides dorms:

private student dorms around the campus

private apartments

When dorm/apartment hunting, always use reliable websites (the university should provide you with one, or ask them to!). It can be hard to find short-term leases, so do research ASAP. Here are a few things to watch out for, no matter if you will have a roommate or not:

location: Close to the uni, or in the same district, or near public transport. Try to find a spot with many students and families, it’s safer.

rent and deposit: Draw a limit that you can afford, and stick to the price category. 

Always ask which costs are included and which is billed extra, the sum might exceed your limit. 

Ask how and when to pay the rent. Do you pay daily, weekly, monthly, all at once?

Ask about incomplete months. Will you have to pay for whole months or can they give you something back for unoccupied days

utilities (electricity and stuff): The landlord might ask you to pay them the costs of electricity directly, but be careful: research local electricity prices to prevent traps. 

inspect everything inside...: Visiting the place is a must. Check all cabinets, furniture, all windows and doors, pipes and lights, each nook and cranny. Open and close windows to compare the noise. Do not be embarrassed, you might stay here for some time, and you really want to avoid any bad surprises.

...and the outside as well: Try to visit the location in the evening to check for noise and light pollution, as well as security. Check out the neighbours, are there students, families, seniors, less-than-trustworthy-guys? Are there many shops and people that might be a disturbance?

ask about rules: smoking, pets, noise complaints, maintenance checks, repair responsibility, etc.

insurance. Do you need to take one, even on such a short term?

set realistic expectations: Seriously, do not expect too much. You are there to study, not to spend a holiday.

Read everything in the lease contract if you have made your decision and write every correction down. This will be your only evidence. 

You should discuss when you want to leave and stick to it. If you leave unannounced or too early, you can forget your deposit. (which often equals your rent of 2-3 months)

More on Accommodation

Hostels are a temporary solution, especially during the first week of apartment hunting. But do not rely on them too much.

Do not panic if you cannot find something immediately. Try to expand your network and ask your contact person for help. 

Learn to maintain your living space. This will be your safe haven, study space, your temporary home. 

Get some cleaning supplies. You can borrow brooms and mops at some dorms. This is something people often forget.

Adulting is hard, but you are not alone. We all make mistakes and learn from it. 

I still feel I missed some things but this is really just a guide, not a manual ;-)