The days of students living in dingy bedsits or in overcrowded accommodation are long gone. There is no need to share bathrooms which no one wants to clean or kitchens where your food mysteriously disappears. The boom in students, both at home and from abroad, wanting to study in the UK’s fine cities has led to a rise in luxury student housing to accommodate them. Many of these high-spec flats would not look out of place in a top-rated hotel. But what should you look for in your luxury student accommodation?
Top of Your List
As always, location must be your top priority. It should be fairly close to your college or university, near good public transport links and have plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby so you do not feel isolated. For instance, when searching for luxury student accommodation in London, check out on Google Maps or any app how close you would be to the Tube and pubs or clubs which are popular with young people.
Luxury accommodation should cater to all your needs, so you will want a large bedroom, preferably en-suite, with a comfortable bed, storage space, desk, chairs and a plasma screen TV. The kitchen should be fully fitted with a washing machine and dryer, microwave, cooker, kettle and all utensils. High-speed Wi-Fi is also a necessity for your studies and leisure time.
See if the rent includes all bills, including council tax, TV licence and cleaning. You may want to see what security systems are in place, such as CCTV or a concierge on site. Check for any communal areas such as a games room or study area where you can meet your fellow students. The block may also have a garden for peaceful reading outdoors.
What Makes for First-Class Accommodation?
Some of the luxury student accommodation in London has so many extras with the wow factor that you may not want to go out. You will find student blocks with their own private bar, an auditorium for performance students to practise in, private cinema, karaoke room, roof garden, gyms or music rooms. If the demand is there, some could even have restaurants for fine dining. They are more reminiscent of boutique hotels than traditional university accommodation blocks.
These new developments are breathing new life into various districts of London or finding new uses for old buildings. With London universities being a top choice for many British students, and the number of overseas students set to double by 2025, this demand for luxury living will continue to grow.
In short, demand will be high for luxury student accommodation, so it is advisable to start thinking about your wishes early on. Once you have accepted a place at a London university, you can see what accommodation is available nearby. Then draw up a wish-list of what you must have in your new home, what you would like to have and what you can afford.