This is the most common type of accommodation chosen by international students. A weekly rent is charged for a furnished/unfurnished flat or house. Other costs include electricity, gas, and telephone.

When renting, a tenancy agreement – usually for a minimum of six months- will have to be signed. A tenancy agreement is a legal document which sets out rental conditions, together with the minimum period of time for which the property is rented. Rent is generally paid 2-4 weeks in advance.

Strengths
• Quiet study environment
• Greatest independence & personal freedom
• Reduced costs if sharing
• Freedom to choose compatible sharer’s

Concerns
• Bond/rental agreements
• Provision of household utensils/ appliances/ furniture
• Highest establishment cost
• Increased tasks – reduced study time
• Expensive (if renting alone)
• Diminished cultural/language interaction

A set weekly rent is charged for use of a bedroom together with the use of other living areas (e.g. lounge, dining, bathroom, and kitchen) within the unit/house. It is important to check what furniture, if any, is provided with the room. Sometimes the rent includes the cost of electricity and/or gas; otherwise these bills are shared equally between all co-tenants.

Food costs are additional and are normally left up to the individual, however you should have use of all kitchen facilities. Shared accommodation may be offered by either a single person or couples, who might be local residents or other international students. Responsibilities involved in shared accommodation include shopping, cooking and cleaning for oneself. Also, the bond for the place can be shared among the share mates.

Strengths
• Greater independence in lifestyle & food
• Expand social network
• Reduced weekly costs & greater control over weekly expenses
• Mutually supportive environment
• Opportunity to increase cultural awareness and English language skills
• Cultural compatibility

Concerns
• Personal difficulties with fellow sharers
• Provision of household utensils/appliances
• High establishment costs with bonds (security deposits)
• Diminished cultural/language interaction
• Diminished “family” support
• Communication/cultural differences

A set weekly fee is charged to cover all expenses associated with food and shelter, including two meals per day, provision of facilities (e.g. towels, blankets, sheets, eating utensils), fuel costs (gas and electricity) and cleaning services (e.g. sweeping and dusting of rooms). Unless otherwise requested, students have their own bedroom with study facilities (e.g. bookcase, desk, study light), together with the use of other living areas, (e.g. lounge, dining, bathroom and toilet) within the flat/house. The home stay provider may be either a single person or a family.

Strengths
• Secure “family” environment
• Daily needs catered for
• Opportunity to increase cultural awareness and English language skills
• Not restricted to a fixed period
• No other establishment costs

Concerns
• Communication/cultural differences
• Type of food provided
• Study distractions – noise
• Lack of privacy and freedom – rules

Residential Colleges normally provide students with a single bedroom with study desk, shared bathrooms, common rooms and a dining hall. Meals are usually provided at set times and residents are encouraged to become part of the college community. It is suggested that students with special dietary requirements enquire as to how the college will cater for them. Generally Students are expected to stay for at least one semester.