Why I chose to live in student accommodation, and my experience

Second-year Biomedical Science student Simran explains why she decided to live in student accommodation in Cambridge in her first year, and how she found the experience.

As a current second year student, it is safe to say university and accommodation can be extremely daunting before starting university. But don’t worry, it is extremely enjoyable and a great experience!

I spent first year at Crick House, in CB1 (about a ten-minute walk from ARU's Cambridge campus) and enjoyed every second! I’ll be sharing my experience of student accommodation and hopefully easing any concerns you may have.

Convenience

As a student from Leicester going to ARU in Cambridge, commuting was never an option for me. I needed convenience and proximity, which student accommodation offers. Living close to campus meant less time commuting and more time to study and enjoy myself.

Commuting can be very tiring, so living in student accommodation also motivates you more, as it’s easier to attend lectures and access libraries due to the proximity.

CB1 is opposite the train station which made it very easy when I was visiting home. It is also very close to the city centre, in a lovely area with lots of shops and restaurants.

There is also convenience in the transition and moving-in process. The fact that student accommodation is fully furnished reduces the need to purchase and move furniture. This meant I just had to move myself and my belongings in!

Safety

Student accommodation blocks are a safe way to live on your own and away from home. They usually have security measures like CCTV, on-site staff and secure entry. This made me, as well as my family back in Leicester, feel more at ease. We also have on-site maintenance, so any issues I encountered were quickly resolved.

Caters to every budget

Depending on your budget, student accommodation offers a wide range of options, from studios to shared flats. This makes it flexible for everyone. Bills are also included in rent, which I found easier to manage and simplifies the hassle of living away from home for the first time.

Student life

You also feel more involved in the University as you can participate in campus activities as well as student life. Being surrounded by peers generates support from other students who share similar academic pressures, which can provide motivation and support.

I also loved the fact that my friends became my family, from cooking together and eating dinner to watching the latest episode of the series we’re watching- it creates a sense of warmth and homeliness.

Independence

Living away from home, and being in a brand new city not knowing anyone, gives you independence and the confidence to put yourself out there. It also develops essential life skills, like time management and budgeting, and allows you to become responsible – preparing you for life after graduation!

Top tips

1. My top tip for living in student accommodation is to put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to talk to people, knock on your neighbour’s door and start a conversation, talk to that person you sit next to in lectures. It’s important to create a little support system at university as it can get lonely at times.
2. Ensure you budget wisely. As well as rent, include other costs like transport, food, and socialising, and spend wisely!
3. Personalise your space and make it your own. Decorate your room and add personal touches to make it a comfortable environment for you.
4. Enjoy yourself! University is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and doesn’t last very long. Keep making memories that will last a lifetime!

Simran studies Biomedical Science at ARU in Cambridge. You can find out more about this, and other courses we offer, at an Open Day.