So you’re going to be studying in Pretoria in 2021?
You’ve been accepted to a university and you’re looking forward to a new adventure. Now all you need is somewhere to live. Choosing the right accommodation will have a huge impact on the quality of your student experience. You might spend the day at the University of Pretoria or on the Tshwane University of Technology campus, but a huge part of the student experience is what happens after hours. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the things to look out for when choosing a place to live. No less important, we detail some common traps that students can fall into when looking for off-campus accommodation.
Three things every student should look out for:
1. Security and reliability
Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first. You’re young and carefree; the last thing you want to think about is who maintains your apartment. That’s all the more reason why it’s essential to choose the accommodation that is owned and maintained by a reputable team. The last thing you need is a dodgy landlord that doesn’t maintain the building and messes you around. Then there’s the question of security. Pretoria is a big city. Make sure you choose secure student accommodation that offers decent access control. You don’t need the drama of a stolen mobile phone or laptop at exam time.
2. Quality amenities and finishes
A well-stocked kitchen may sound like a luxury. You’re a student not (yet) a young professional. But while Pretoria has plenty of great restaurants, eating out every night is a recipe for breaking the bank.
Think about your accommodation holistically. Don’t just think of the rental price – think about what overall value you are getting.
3. Choose an apartment that ticks the most boxes
- Do you want to live alone or with roommates?
- Are you a people person or a social animal?
- What’s your budget?
It’s a good idea to draw up a list of pros and cons and work out best suits your personal needs, without breaking the bank. A good residence should offer a wide range of student living spaces to suit everyone.
And here are three things to avoid:
1. Good accommodation in a bad location
This is a common trap. You find a nice place. The rent is cheap. It’s a little far from campus, but you don’t mind the commute. At least, that’s what you think. Next thing, you’re wasting money on transport and you’re always late for lectures. Your friends keep inviting you to parties in Hatfield, but you don’t have the energy to mission into town. As a student, you’re going to want to live somewhere that’s close to campus and that has a vibrant atmosphere.
2. No privacy
When you need to work, you need to work. Living in a dorm or flatshare with a million housemates might be fun for a while, but when deadlines loom, or exam time creeps up on you, you’re going to get frustrated. Being a student should be a fun and enriching social experience, but it’s also about hard work and focus.
3. No independence
That said, in your free time you want to live your life. Pretoria is an exciting city, and you’re going to want to explore it.Be sure to choose student apartments that don’t have restrictive rules or curfews.
Secure your student accommodation
The Fields is an exciting student development conveniently located in the heart of Hatfield, Pretoria’s most vibrant suburb. The Fields offers a selection of rooms to suit any student looking for quality accommodation. It’s safe, secure and managed by one of the country’s most respected developers.
Don’t wait until it’s too late: act now to secure your ideal student accommodation and contact us to begin the application process.
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