Kingston Prospectus - Study Group

AccommodationRenting privatelyCampus fi tness centreMany students prefer to live independently in the local area ratherthan in the University’s halls of residence; for example, you couldchoose to rent a room in a house or flat with other students.Living in lodgingsSome students choose to live in a privatehouse shared with the owner of the property,possibly a family, couple or single person(‘lodgings’).You will have:• a furnished bedroom, including bed, desk,chair and storage;• access to the kitchen to prepare your meals;• access to the bathroom; and• bedding and cooking utensils/equipment.Middle MillLiving independently gives you lots of flexibilityand offers you more choice. You can:• live near your campus, in Kingston,in central London, or elsewhere;• choose who to share your fl at or house with;• fi nd a property to suit your budget;• pay your rent monthly;• choose your facilities, such as a garden, etc.There is a strong private rented sector inKingston and the surrounding areas, with agood range of properties available. The Universityoffers the following services to help you findflatmates and look for the right flat or house:• help with fi nding accommodation through ourdaily vacancy list, which gives details of roomsand properties available;• an online student-to-student noticeboard (fromJune to September), which enables you to getin touch with other students looking forhousemates;• a list of local letting agents and informationsheets; and• help and advice with housing issues.The Charter QuaysHow much will it cost?Based on 2012 prices, you can expect topay between £85 and £120 per week to rentprivately, depending on location, room size,facilities and the number of students sharing.Usually you will also be expected to pay utilitybills in addition to your rent.The main advantage of lodgings is flexibility:they are particularly convenient if you are livingin Kingston for less than a full academic year.Rent, including all bills, is usually around£85–£120 per week. You must also budgetfor food costs, phone and social expenses.Note: living in lodgings is not the same as being placed witha host family, as you will live separately from the householder– for example, you will prepare your own meals.32Find out morewww.kingston.ac.uk/private-accommodation33