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Student Housing | Help / Advice needed

497 views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  Chloe le Bopper 
#1 ·
Hey :cool:

Not too long ago I got accepted into the Roosevelt Academy (http://www.roac.nl), which is a new and prestigious university in Middelburg, capital of the Dutch province of Zeeland. The city itself is really old and population is not dense whatsoever. Roosevelt Academy opened its doors for students just one year ago, which means I will be part of the second draft ever. It is the only educational institution in the city for students, meaning that student life, stores and what not have yet to be established or are currently being established.

So here I am, having to decide on what housing I want. The Academy itself provides the rooms for students, which means you don't have to go looking yourself. This is of course a major plus. But right now I find myself not sure of what option of housing I want to choose.

These are the four options I have to choose from (before July 1st!):

1. Student home for 10 people. This is a large student home with two bathrooms.
Advantages: I become more socially involved (I am rather introvert and not much of a people's person; living in this house means I will have to deal with people more frequently which is good for my people's skills), having other students around is a stimulus (I won't be tempted too easily to go do other things when other people are working hard). Within walking distance (+- 5 to 10 minutes) of the university and most other important buildings and facilities within the city. Microwave and fridge are provided. Cleaning service is included in the costs, meaning I only have to cleam my own room + kitchen and not the common area and bathroom.
Disadvantages: Many people so naturally it's rather noisy and crowded. And with many people there, the chance is bigger that you are put in a home with someone you really really can't stand (but also a bigger chance of finding a friend for life, I guess). Little space per person in the fridge. Have to share the kitchen and sanitary facilities with way too many people. No rent allowance possible.

2. Student home for 16 people. Located in the same street as the home for 10 people, but it has three bathrooms and naturally is more crowded and noisy, but also more people to bond with. Same advantages and disadvantages apply.

3. Single-room apartment in a former old people's home. Right now, the building consists of student units and rooms for elderly people who still live there.
Advantages: Rent allowance possible. It's nice and quiet. Everything in walking distance as well, though I think this building is slightly farther away than the other location.
Disadvantages: No stimulus from other students whatsoever, the likelihood of being isolated and not doing what you are expected to do (i.e. doing things like watching tv or chatting rather than doing assignments etc.). I have pretty much ruled this option out, cause I really don't think it will do me any good.

4. Twin-room apartment in the old people's home as well.
Advantages: If you get along with the other person, you can have a great time there. It's nice and quiet and you can support each other, plus split costs and household chores. Rent allowance possible, making this option considerably cheaper than options 1 and 2.
Disadvantages: No cleaning service included. If you don't get along with the other person, you are stuck there and have no one else to fall back on or to get along with. No fridge, microwave or other stuff provided, meaning this will have to be bought (costs can be split obviously). There is a risk of still becoming isolated from the group.

To be honest, I am currently focusing only on the student home for ten people and the twin-room apartment. I am really stuck right now though and I was hoping that maybe some of you could give me your penny's worth, personal experiences and advice.

And yes, I know I have to make up my mind myself, but I just want to know if I am forgetting certain sides to the story and if people talk from their own experiences, that definitely helps.

Thanks a lot :bounce:

:wavey:

____________
Martijn
 
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#3 ·
Hey, Martijn...
To me, housing depends on personal preferences and priorities. If you're looking to improve your social standing, then go for the home for ten people. If not, then the twin room.
Although I couldn't stand living in university dorms, it saved me a bundle of money. I see students every day who move out of the dorms because they want their independence too early-and end up in debt as a result.
In any case, do what's right for you. That's what's important.
 
#4 ·
sigmagirl91 said:
Hey, Martijn...
To me, housing depends on personal preferences and priorities. If you're looking to improve your social standing, then go for the home for ten people. If not, then the twin room.
Although I couldn't stand living in university dorms, it saved me a bundle of money. I see students every day who move out of the dorms because they want their independence too early-and end up in debt as a result.
In any case, do what's right for you. That's what's important.
Thanks sg (Tiffany it was, I think?) :)

I know it depends on preferences and priorities. I am not really out to become Mr. Popular or anything, cause that's just not me. I don't want to be in the limelight, but it never hurts to find some people you get along with and I guess living in the larger student homes provides me a better opportunity to do so.

Actually, if I go for the student home for 10/16 people, it would be more expensive when it comes to rent, but probably cheaper when it comes to having to buy certain things. So I am guessing, in the end, the financial differences won't be all that big.
 
#5 ·
well i'd probably choose the single or double apartment but i have problems concentrating if there is lots of noise/things going on. If you can stand having people be noisy while you study then go for the 10 person, it will help you become more social. I lived in a 4 person apartment my 1st 2 years and it was great (while other then a few minor problems :eek: ) and it made me leave my room and go be social lol but i also didn't get a lot of studing done
Good Luck!
 
#6 ·
:wavey:
Hi, fellow Robredo fan :)
I hope I can help you...
I went as Erasmus student to Belfast and I found they have an accomodation system there, surprising since here you have to look everything by yourself.
They gave me an ensuite residence http://www.student360.com/main/index.asp?header=01&uniid=204
I had my own room with bathroom and shared common room and kitchen. It was extremely cool, I had my bathroom, so no queues or whatever and for kitchen et al. I had no problems, since after a short time you get along (and I'm extremely shy) with those who use it as often as you and get to know their cooking habits, etc. It was very helpful that even if the kitchen was for 11 people, only 6 of us used it regularly, others (from the region) used to bring food for the whole week or simply buy microwave food (couldn't believe someone lived just eating that :eek: ). At the end of the year I used to cook for the other Erasmus students if they couldnt and the other way round... great time and great experience.
Other friends were in the same situation but without private bathroom, however they never complaint about queues, they used to complain about stinky people :p. I know others who were living a nightmare, noisy young students, drunk people shouting at night and especially false fire alarms :rolleyes:
About studing: you don't have to have any worries IMO, if I wanted to study hard I stayed in my room or went to the library the whole day alone. If I needed to be with someone enrolled in my modules I went to that person's room or he came to mine, and finally if I wasn't too inspired and needed others as inspiration, I usually agree with some of the others in the breakfast to use the kitchen as little study place and we used to be 3 studing or reading for our essays until 4 am.
I admit it was a great experience, but of course, that's my case. Those in the house ended being my closest friends that year and it was cool because I went out, go dinner, cinema, etc. with them all the time, instead of sticking just with those who spoke my language (easy solution for all problems you may have) so, I had great time and even if now it doesn't seem so, I improve English skills :p
That's all I can say, hope it helps.
 
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#7 ·
You know which one i would choose dont you martijn :cool: :p

No question i would choose the single room, although the double room doesnt sound too bad (but 10 people would be too busy, and you are sure to be living with many wankers when there are that many people!). But i am the kind who can knuckle down to the work so of course being on my own and isolated is good for me (people would only annoy me and distract me).
I mean if you dont mind sharing with that many people, you could always try that first? and if you have a bunch of idiots that you dont like, and make it uncomfortable (would you be able to change to a single room?).

I just think its a risk going for the option with many people in, my friend started off at the beginning of the year doing that (and she didnt like the people at all) so she moved back home and travels down to the uni everyday. Maybe you will find some people that you like and dont disrupt you, but the likelihood of having some bad or annoying people is probably quite high. I dont know how likely it would be to get any of those idiots who like to go out every night partying, drinking and them waking you up late in the night :silly: ?
 
#8 ·
Thanks Joe :p

I know you are even less social than I am ;) I don't mean that in a bad way though. Just more of an individualist and more on your own, I guess.

Many thanks Propi :hug: Great description of your time there. I hope my time will be just as good or even better :aparty: I will be there for 3, 3½ years :D
 
#9 ·
CooCooCachoo said:
Thanks Joe :p

I know you are even less social than I am ;) I don't mean that in a bad way though. Just more of an individualist and more on your own, I guess.

Many thanks Propi :hug: Great description of your time there. I hope my time will be just as good or even better :aparty: I will be there for 3, 3½ years :D
Well for me it isnt so bad haha :p anyway, i can socialise its just 90% of the time i dont want to. The studying aspect is worth 99% for me at uni, and the social side 1% :rofl:
I mean thats what we should all be there for (studying), if you want a great time (be unemployed and spend all your time having fun!).
 
#10 ·
CooCooCachoo said:
Thanks sg (Tiffany it was, I think?) :)
Yes.

I know it depends on preferences and priorities. I am not really out to become Mr. Popular or anything, cause that's just not me. I don't want to be in the limelight, but it never hurts to find some people you get along with and I guess living in the larger student homes provides me a better opportunity to do so.
Sounds like to me you do have a clear fix on what you want here. Go for it!

Actually, if I go for the student home for 10/16 people, it would be more expensive when it comes to rent, but probably cheaper when it comes to having to buy certain things. So I am guessing, in the end, the financial differences won't be all that big.
This is true. Where my students live, they only have access to subsidized housing, not university-sponsored off-campus living (which could net the university lots of money if they take advantage), and that can sometimes cost more than university housing.
 
#12 ·
I've lived in an apartment with 11 people before. We shared one kitchen, 2 showers, and 2 toilet's. I knew half of them from first year before moving, but ended up living with another one of them for two years after that. I'd go for the ten people option. Yes, there are disadvantages, but it's easy to just lock yourself away in your room when you don't want to deal with people.
 
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