Doing a placement year? It’s an exciting chance to experience life in a different city. But it also means searching for accommodation somewhere new. The good news? You can still stay in student accommodation and make the most of everything that student life has to offer.
Can students on placement stay in student accommodation?
Yes, if you’re a student on placement you can stay in student accommodation. You just need to make sure that you’re registered as a full-time student. As long as that’s the case, you’ve got your pick of student accommodation to choose from.
In fact, student accommodation is ideal if you need to find somewhere to stay for the academic year. Whether you’re spending your placement studying or working in industry, it’s a great way to connect with other students in your new city.
What about if I’m doing a sandwich course?
If you’re spending a year working in industry as part of your uni course you can still stay in student accommodation – as long as you’re still registered as a full-time student. It’ll help you to stay connected to student life even though you’re spending your days working.
Pittodrie Communal space 10
Choosing your student placement accommodation
Only going to be staying in a city for a year? Finding the right accommodation can make it a whole lot easier to settle in and find your feet. After all, moving to a new city and a new uni for your placement year can feel a bit like first year all over again – except this time you’re not a fresher. Here are a few things to think about:
Look for accommodation that creates community
While uni halls might be a great way to meet other students during first year, staying with freshers might not be your top choice for your placement year. The good news is, you have other options! Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) gives you the student community you get with halls, but with a wider mix of students from different study years. It also gives you more independence. Plus you haven’t got to go through the awkwardness of finding a house share with people you don’t know.
At Student Roost all our properties have a lively calendar of social events, making it easier for you to meet other students. You’ll also find plenty of social spaces onsite from games rooms to TV rooms (and even a disco kitchen if you stay at Great Patrick Street in Belfast).
Opt for onsite support
It can feel lonely or confusing being in a new city at first. Student accommodation that has onsite support can make it a little easier to find your feet. Got a question about where to find the best Chinese restaurant? Need to know where the nearest supermarket is? Or maybe you need someone to chat with at the end of a long day. At Student Roost our onsite support team is available 24 hours a day. They’re there to support you with practical questions and provide emotional support, so you never have to feel alone.
Go all-in with bills for easier budgeting
Don’t fancy spending precious time during your placement year sorting bills? Nope, us neither! Look for student accommodation that comes with bills included and you’ll save yourself a lot of time setting up and then splitting bills every month.
At Student Roost, the price of your rent includes all bills. That means electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi are covered – no need to worry about surprise bills partway through term. It makes budgeting a lot easier too.
Need a bit of extra space?
If you’re going to be working during your placement year, you might want a bit of extra privacy and quiet to unwind at the end of the workday. At Student Roost we offer a range of room types, including our student studios which give you more space than an en-suite room (though they’re a popular choice too!). With a studio, you get your own private kitchen and dining area. They’re ideal if you want a bit more independence but still want to have access to all the shared social spaces and events that student accommodation has to offer.
Looking for student accommodation for your placement year? Student Roost has properties in 22 cities across the UK with a choice of en-suite, studio and apartment rooms. Browse all our locations.