My Second Year
By Jo Phillips
Should You Rent Alone or with Friends in Second Year?
The second year of university presents the chance for some interesting living arrangements. Once you are free of halls, you need to find somewhere that is going to be comfortable, affordable, and with a decent commute to the campus. So, should you go it alone or try to find somewhere with friends? Let’s take a look.
Market for Both
No matter what you are searching for, you should be able to find it. Let’s take an example of a student going into their second year at Staffordshire University. They may want to check out the student houses available on Student Cribs to find the best house share options that Stoke on Trent has to offer for them and their closest friends. Alternatively, some quiet rooms to rent in Stoke might be just what they need.
This is often many people’s first tastes of the property market, even if they are renting. Though it can appear to be cut-throat, it is important to remember that there are plenty of properties out there for you to investigate. Even if it seems like a great option vanishes every time you try to put a deposit down, you will get somewhere eventually.
The Pressure is Off
One of the best things about renting in Second Year is that there is no pressure to meet people. When you head to university, part of the fun of halls is meeting new people. You can make friends there, or you can meet people in your classes or in societies. By the time you get to Second Year, you will hopefully have a fantastic selection of friends you can pull from for roommates.
Of course, if you want to go it alone, there is always the chance to find one of the best rooms to let Stoke on Trent has, if we go with that Staffordshire University example again! You could find a studio flat on your own, or you could find a room in a house share with strangers.
Parties or Studying?
When moving into a house with friends, you need to think about what you are going to be doing this year. While First Year can be often be taken as a laugh on many courses, many need you to knuckle down and put the work in.
Living in a house of non-stop partying can make it difficult to do that but living on your own or with flatmates who don’t want to party may also be at a detriment to your social life. Trying to find that balance will be key.
Finding a home for the second year of university is always a fun adventure, but you need to keep some key things in mind. Think about what you want from this year of your education. No matter what you are searching for, be it a home with friends or a home on your own, you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for. Before you know it, you could be set up in the place you want to live in for the rest of the year!