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  • 12 First Apartment Essentials and Must-Haves For Students

    About to stay in your first apartment on your study abroad journey? This is super exciting, but it also comes with its set of challenges and opportunities, and maximising the potential of a new space is an art in itself. Whether you’re a student venturing into the world of independent living or simply looking to make the most of your limited square footage, this blog will be your go-to resource. We’ll explore multifunctional furniture, storage solutions, apartment necessities, and other first apartment essentials to turn your first apartment into a functional home. Let’s look into the best first apartment essentials!

    Multifunctional Furniture

    In your first apartment, multifunctional furniture is your key to maximising space. Let’s look at the versatile options that effortlessly adapt to your ever-changing needs.

    1. Sofa Beds and Futons

    Average Price – £150 – £500

    In the world of first apartment essentials, sofa beds and futons shine as versatile solutions. Sofa beds effortlessly shift from cosy seating to a comfortable sleeping arrangement, making them absolute apartment necessities. Futons, with their minimalist design and ease of conversion, are perfect for small spaces. These apartment essentials offer stylish seating and save valuable floor space, ensuring a functional yet elegant living area.

    2. Space-Saving Dining Tables and Chairs

    Average Price – £150 – £500

    While living in your first apartment, you get to select from a range of various student essentials. It is essential to come up with creative solutions to ensure a comfortable and organised space. The compact dining tables and chairs help carve out a designated dining area within your limited space. Explore compact dining tables that seamlessly fold or expand, allowing you to optimise your dining space when needed and reclaim floor space when you’re done. Complement them with space-saving dining chairs, including stackable and collapsible options.

    3. Foldable Furniture Options

    Average Price – £50 – £200

    As you curate your first apartment essentials checklist, don’t overlook the magic of foldable furniture options. Enhance your student learning experience with these first apartment essentials. Incorporate foldable desks into your workspace to create an efficient area when needed, and simply stow them away when done. Foldable chairs are perfect for providing seating during gatherings and can be easily stored in closets or corners, ensuring a clutter-free space.

    Storage Solutions

    With limited space comes the need for smart storage. Learn how to keep your apartment organised and clutter-free with the first apartment essentials below.

    4. Wall-mounted shelves and Organisers

    Average Price –  £20 – £100

    Wall-mounted shelves and organisers are unquestionably some first apartment essentials. These clever additions maximise vertical space, creating a stylish and organised haven. Store books, decor, or kitchen essentials on these shelves, making the most of every square inch. From floating shelves to modular wall grids, explore various options to suit your style and needs. Wall-mounted organisers with compartments and hooks keep your belongings in check, reducing clutter in your space.

    5. Under-bed storage

    Average Price – £10 – £50

    Under-bed storage is a game-changer on your first apartment checklist. It is a great new apartment essential, in a space where every inch matters, these first apartment essentials transform wasted space into valuable storage. Utilise storage bins or drawers beneath your bed to stow away seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or miscellaneous items. This clever solution maintains a tidy living area while ensuring easy access to your belongings.

    6. Closet organisers and dividers

    Average Price – £10 – £50

    Closet organisers and dividers are great first apartment essentials for small-space living, allowing you to maximise your wardrobe’s potential. Utilise dividers to sort your clothing, making your closet a model of efficiency. Closet organisers with shelves, drawers, and hanging spaces create designated spots for shoes, accessories, and folded garments. With these first apartment essentials, you can keep your closet clutter-free and ensure easy access to your favourite outfits.

    Kitchen Must-Haves

    Efficient cooking in an apartment requires the right tools. Let’s look at the kitchen must-haves that make your small kitchen a culinary haven.

    7. Compact appliances

    Average Price – £50 – £150

    The inclusion of a mini-fridge and microwave in your first apartment essentials is a smart move for maximising your limited kitchen space. These new apartment must-haves provide the convenience of storing perishables and reheating meals while conserving precious countertop space. When outfitting your small culinary haven, compact appliances are non-negotiable additions to elevate your cooking experience in a cosy setting.

    8. Cookware essentials

    Average Price  – £30 – £100

    Every well-rounded studio apartment catering to student food and lifestyle should feature cookware essentials, vital for whipping up delightful meals within your compact kitchen. Invest in a versatile selection of pots, pans, and baking sheets, focusing on space-saving, stackable designs. Multifunctional cookware, like a skillet that doubles as a baking dish, offers flexibility in your cooking endeavours. Prioritise durable, non-stick options to ease meal preparation and cleaning in your small kitchen space.

    9. Space-saving dining utensils

    Average Price –  £10 – £50

    Opt for compact cutlery sets and stackable plates, bowls, and glasses that efficiently utilise your kitchen space. These essentials can be easily stored in drawers or cabinets without causing chaos. The convenience of space-saving dining utensils not only enhances mealtime organisation but also elevates the aesthetics of your dining area. Ensuring an enjoyable and tidy dining experience in your new apartment, these new apartment essentials are important for making the most of your limited kitchen storage.

    Bedroom Essentials

    Average Price – £10 – £50

    Discover some apartment necessities that will make your sleeping space cosy and organised. From comfortable bedding to bedside storage solutions, we’ll help you create a peaceful retreat within the confines of a small space.

    10. Space-saving bedding options

    Average Price – £10 – £30

    Consider a platform bed with built-in storage to maximise under-bed space. Opt for a foam mattress to ensure a restful night’s sleep without compromising on comfort. Space-saving bed linens, like fitted sheets and duvet covers, simplify bed-making in tight quarters. These first apartment essentials transform your sleeping area into a cosy retreat, promoting both relaxation and efficient use of space.

    11. Bedside storage solutions

    Average Price –  £10 – £50

    In a new apartment, bedside storage is vital for keeping your essentials within arm’s reach. Nightstands with drawers or shelves provide a spot for books, electronics, and bedtime essentials. Wall-mounted shelves or floating nightstands save floor space while offering a stylish place for your nighttime necessities.

    12. Privacy solutions

    Average Price – £30 – £200

    Creating a sense of privacy in the bedroom area is important in your first apartment. Consider using room dividers, such as decorative screens or curtains, to separate the sleeping space from the rest of the apartment. These privacy solutions offer a visual barrier while maintaining an open and airy feel in your apartment.

    First Apartment Shopping Tips

    Living in your first apartment can be daunting. What’s even more daunting is shopping for it, especially if you are super particular about your space! Here are some shopping tips to help you navigate this process.

    1. Take a good look at your budget

    Moving into your first apartment can be an expensive affair, and it is recommended that you check your finances and allocate certain amounts and limits on your first apartment essentials and shopping expenses.

    Take advantage of student discounts and exclusive offers to save on new apartment essentials. Visit stores that have pre-loved items, buy home items in bulk, and make sure you show your student ID during checkout to ensure you get the discount.

    2. Talk to your flatmates

    Sharing your new apartment with friends/flatmates? You can split the costs of apartment essentials that you will be sharing, like kitchen appliances, TV, or furniture. Discuss how you plan on splitting expenses to ensure fairness and transparency.

    By creating a list of shared items and apartment essentials, defining essential vs. personal items, and allocating costs, you can collaborate and contribute to your first apartment essentials together.

    3. Save for a rainy day

    Save some of the first apartment essentials budget for a rainy day. There are certain items that can be purchased later on, like plants, room decorations, etc., so you could use this money for any unforeseen expenses and emergencies.

    In the world of studio apartment living, making the most of limited space is an art. By embracing the studio apartment essentials, you can turn your compact apartment into a functional haven. We hope our guide has shown that small spaces need not sacrifice comfort or convenience. With the right studio apartment must-haves and some creative thinking, you can elevate your place. Happy living!

  • HMO vs PBSA and University Accommodation

    There are a variety of accommodation options available for students, each with unique advantages and considerations. You can find three popular choices for students that is House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) properties, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and University-owned accommodation.

    Students are looking for different housing options to fit their diverse needs and preferences. It’s important to understand the differences between these options so students can make an informed decision that perfectly meets their needs and preferences. In this blog, we’ll explore the understanding and benefits of each and give you reasons to choose the most appropriate living arrangement for your academic journey. Let’s dive deeper into the different housing options and the benefits available for students.

    Understanding HMO Housing

    An HMO housing, also known as multiple occupancy, is a residence that is rented by at least 3 people who aren’t from the same family. The larger the HMO housing, the more the number of tenants it can accommodate. The key distinguishing feature of HMO housing is shared facility usage, and they range from hostels to private halls. This arrangement is becoming popular among students as it helps them save a lot of money on accommodation and utilities. HMO offers a wide range of benefits, with the chance to live in desirable locations at affordable prices.

    Moreover, HMOs comprise different types of accommodation known as shared houses, bedsits, households with lodgers, a mixture of rooms and others. An important characteristic of HMOs is the provision of shared facilities, including kitchens and bathrooms, so that residents do not use their facilities exclusively.

    Benefits of HMO Housing

    Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) offer a variety of options for students who want to feel connected and live cost-effectively in a society where bonds and experience are becoming more important. HMO is a great choice for those who want to live near their university. Furthermore, along with being cost-effective and budget-friendly, HMO housing comes with a lot more advantages. For detailed information about HMO benefits and how it is different from other rental properties, read our blog. Let’s take a look at some of the HMO advantages.

    ‍1. Cost-effective 

    ‍HMO housing tends to be more budget-friendlier than many other student accommodation types. The rent of the HMO housing is divided among all the tenants living together. The utility bills are also shared, which doesn’t burn big holes in the students’ pockets.

    2. Diverse Social Environment

    HMO housing is shared by different tenants who are not related to each other, and they share common living areas. Tenants interact with people from different backgrounds while sharing the living space, which means there is a higher chance of becoming aware of the diverse environment people are coming from. This diversity can lead to rich networking opportunities and chance to meet new people from various backgrounds.

    3. Flexibility

    ‍Rental agreements for HMO housing frequently provide greater flexibility in terms of lease duration. This can be helpful for people who might not want to dedicate themselves to an academic year or who only require accommodations for a short period.

    4. Fully Furnished

    ‍HMO housings are fully furnished, which makes it convenient for students and professionals travelling from a faraway land as they can’t bring or invest in furnishings.

    5. Privacy

    ‍Even though the common areas and facilities, tenants in HMO housing usually have private rooms, which ensure their privacy. This means they can relax, study and live in peace.

    Exploring PBSA

    PBSA, also known as Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, is a specialised housing facility that is designed to cater to the needs of students by keeping their preferences and comfort in mind. The amenities and facilities provided by PBSA accommodation are specifically tailored in a way to makes the lives of students easier and enhances their living experience. We provides many types of PBSAs, such as studios, en-suites, non-ensuites, and shared apartments. You must be wondering why PBSA are the right choice for you, but apparently, they are the major stakeholders in the student accommodation market.

    Benefits of PBSA 

    The PBSA has a great deal to offer students to help & support them in their studies and to improve their overall university life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by numerous choices, here are some of the benefits you will enjoy if you decide to stay in PBSA.

    1. Safety

    ‍When students move from one country to another, one of the main concerns they and their families have is safety. Hence, PBSAs are highly preferred as they provide 24/7 security along with CCTV cameras installed, letting students sleep in peace at night and in general.

    2. All Bills Included

    ‍Moving away from their home, studying and living in a different city tends to the financial burden of students. But when they choose to stay in PBSA, the majority of these student accommodations have all or many utility bills, such as electricity, water, heating, etc., included in the bills themselves.

    3. Maintenance and Services‍

    In order to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of facilities and common areas, PBSAs often offer maintenance and cleaning services. This relieves students of the duty of nourishing the property. This makes them focus more on their studies and other activities.

    4. Flexible Lease Terms

    ‍This is one of the benefits of PBSA, which allows students to rent the student accommodation for the duration they wish to rent. The duration can be for their whole academic year or also on a short-term basis if they wish to.

    5. Social Spaces and Networking Opportunities

    ‍The shared social spaces found in a PBSA accommodation include common game rooms, rooftop patios, movie theatres, lounges, and shared kitchens. By doing so, you can find peers of the same age with similar interests and easily make new friends

    About University Accommodation

    University accommodations are also known as on-campus accommodations. They are the type of accommodation provided by the university itself. There are many types of university housing, including dormitories, apartments, and suites, which are on campus or near campus. Many students prefer university accommodation as it provides them more freedom and flexibility to be involved in college life and on-campus activities. Along with this, there are more benefits to university accommodation, and some of them are listed below.

    Benefits of University Accommodation

    University accommodation is one of the best ways to get used to living on your own. You don’t need to worry about paying for your bills as everything is included in the price. University accommodation can be the perfect place to live out your student life in an environment that is safe and secure. Let’s dive deep few of the advantages of living in University Accommodation.

    1. Convenience

    ‍This is one of the main advantages of living on campus, as it proves to be a practical option for students to opt for this. This is because it gives students easy access to facilities offered by the university, such as libraries and computer labs. It also helps students save time and money on the transportation.

    2. All-Inclusive Rent

    ‍Most of the university accommodations include all the utilities in the rent itself, which doesn’t let the students pay anything extra other than the rent. This simplifies college budgeting and eliminates the need to create individual utility accounts.

    3.  Resident Meal Plans

    ‍Many university accommodation also provides on-campus meals. Students are usually charged a little extra for dining facilities and services, but this reduces the trouble of planning and cooking meals every day while dealing with academic stress.

    4. Social Opportunities

    ‍University accommodation offers students opportunities to be more involved in social activities, socialise and make new friends. Living together with the students of the same university can help create bonds.

    5.  Support Services

    ‍Many on-campus housing also provide support services such as career services, counselling, and academic guidance. Students may find it easier to use these resources and get the support they need to succeed academically and personally if they live on campus.

    Student Living Experience Survey

    A survey was conducted by Knight Frank in 2023 with more than 20,000 replies from current students, and it provides an analysis of how housing affects the overall student experience. The survey strengthens the importance of students’ accommodation on the quality and environmental lives to promote wellbeing. We will understand the unique perspective on the persistent needs and motivations of students. The points below will help students choose which type of accommodation.

    1. In the UCAS Student Accommodation Report 2023 by Knight Frank, students who lived in private accommodation or university accommodation were the most satisfied with their accommodation, with 84%.

    What type of rental accommodation are students most satisfied with?

    Source: Knight Frank/UCAS Student Accommodation Survey 2023

    2. Based on this, the survey found that those living in a studio had the highest level of satisfaction (87%) with their university accommodation. In comparison, students living in university rooms with shared bathroom facilities had the lowest level of satisfaction (65%).

    3. More than 80% of students who are currently living in PBSA said they would recommend it to other students. 87% of students prefer a studio room compared to a room with an ensuite and a room with a shared bathroom.

    4. In HMO accommodation, 79% of students preferred rooms with shared houses in comparison to other types of HMO accommodation.

    5. According to the survey, 62% of students said cost is very important to them when deciding where to live. This survey found that the average cost of living for students in private PBSA is £7,865 per year. In comparison to £6,160 for university-run accommodation and £6,860 for privately rented house shares. 84% of students said their accommodation costs were quite affordable or close to it.

    6. Students’ responses were similar regardless of whether they lived in PBSA, university-owned Halls or HMO, although there were some differences in cost. About half (52%) of students in private PBSA reported that their accommodation was “good value for money”. About 48% of students in house shares (private rented sector) reported that their accommodation is good value for money.

    HMO VS PBSA and University Accommodation

    When choosing between HMO (House in Multiple Occupancy), PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation), and University Accommodation, it’s essential to consider various factors to make an informed choice. You should need to know some important factors that align with your needs and preferences. Here are the key factors to keep in mind.

    1. Budget

    The first thing that you need to consider while choosing between HMO housing, PBSA and University accommodation is the budget. Compare the prices of all three and see which one fits your budget and choose accordingly. Before that, make sure that you plan your budget for your college.

    2. Location

    ‍The next thing to keep in mind while choosing your student accommodation is the location. While university accommodation can be the best option if your priority is proximity to the campus, many PBSAs and HMOs are also located near the universities if you wish to live on campus. You can check out our blog to know which is better for you: on-campus or off-campus living.

    3. Amenities

    ‍While searching for accommodation, always compare the amenities and the facilities provided by different types of student accommodation. Many times, PBSAs and even HMOs may provide more amenities than on-campus accommodation, which can be beneficial for students and can make their lives easier. Moreover, determine which resources are necessary for your lifestyle and learning needs.

    4. Independency vs Convenience

    ‍If you prefer freedom and being more independent, then you need to decide how much independence you want in your living situation. Sometimes, many universities have rules and regulations for on-campus stay, while HMOs are more flexible and lenient.

    5. Reviews and Recommendations

    One of the most important factors in your accommodation choice is reviews and recommendations. Ask current or former students about their experiences with the accommodation to get a better idea of what it feels like to live there. You can find this information in online forums such as social media groups and university forums. Find out what they think about property management, the community and how satisfied they are with where they live. This first-hand knowledge is what will help you make the best accommodation choice for your academic journey.

    Taking into consideration the above factors carefully, you can make an informed decision when looking for the HMO, PBSA, and University accommodation that best meets your needs and preferences. Choose wisely and after thorough research, as your living conditions will also play a role and enhance your college life. If you’re looking for student accommodation, amber is the way to go! We’re the top student accommodation provider, and you can always count on us to make sure of safe and secure accommodation. Please check our blog on how to spot the rental scam before booking your accommodation.