Finding Accommodation
Heeeeello my friends! :) I hope you have all been well. When you're going halfway around the world for a solid one or two terms/semesters, it is more than optimal to find a place to stay. I cannot say that I am too experienced in this field, as I will be moving out (though only for about 9-10 months) for the first time when I leave for exchange. However, here are some things I found useful when trying to find accommodation:
1. If you want to save A LOT more money so you can spend more on travelling or shopping, then definitely opt for off campus housing. However, you may be compensating an awesome on campus social experience, especially if you're in America (good ol' Greek system of fraternities and sororities WHOO), and sometimes you just can't replace that with $$$$.
But, in Queen's, the entire surroundings is pretty much all occupied by students, so whether you're on or off campus, there's something going down ;)
2. Do your damn RELIABLE research. Always start off with your host university's website and thoroughly read their on campus rooms and facilities. Usually they will also have information and guidance on finding a place off campus, which is definitely good since some people can be a bit sketchy and take advantage of poor uni students.
3. Research the crime rate of the area in which you are staying. You always gotta put safety first, right guys?! Make sure to avoid certain streets or parks after hours, always walk with a friend, and CONSTANT VIGILANCE!
4. Look into any meal plan availabilities and offers. After finding a bed and four walls to surround it, food is probably most likely DEFINITELY your next priority. Meal plans are definitely an individual preference, but PLEASE make sure you are full and eating somewhat well!
5. Public transport availability/hiring bikes. Getting from wherever you're living to uni or the rest of civilisation is something that we should do regularly, as much as we would prefer to be in bed and not participate in life. Google "(insert YOUR LOCAL CITY + TRANSPORT)" and you will definitely find information on trains, trams, taxis etc. etc. If where you're going will let you hire a bike to get around, especially in China, it is such a great convenient way to get around and I strongly suggest it!
6. THE POWER OF FACEBOOK. Almost every university of college will have their own Facebook page, where they will then have a group called "Housing/Accommodation". It is THE place where people will come together to quickly post up if they are renting out a place, or request a place to stay.
Usually on Facebook you can guarantee that things are pretty legit, since you can suss out the person's profile (ACTIVATE STALKER MODE MY BRETHREN), as well as Google Maps the advertised place.
7. DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO LIVE - so what if you're not in a location where you don't receive Wifi at the speed of 14376264823mb/sec, or you don't have bathroom tiles in the shade of pearly fuchsia. Remember that you are on exchange, and that you will most likely be out and about having the time of your life! Also, it's all about WHO you are staying with, not so much where :) :) (cue the corniness)
Heeeeello my friends! :) I hope you have all been well. When you're going halfway around the world for a solid one or two terms/semesters, it is more than optimal to find a place to stay. I cannot say that I am too experienced in this field, as I will be moving out (though only for about 9-10 months) for the first time when I leave for exchange. However, here are some things I found useful when trying to find accommodation:
1. If you want to save A LOT more money so you can spend more on travelling or shopping, then definitely opt for off campus housing. However, you may be compensating an awesome on campus social experience, especially if you're in America (good ol' Greek system of fraternities and sororities WHOO), and sometimes you just can't replace that with $$$$.
But, in Queen's, the entire surroundings is pretty much all occupied by students, so whether you're on or off campus, there's something going down ;)
(ladies, defs keep an eye out for a frat like this hehoheho)
2. Do your damn RELIABLE research. Always start off with your host university's website and thoroughly read their on campus rooms and facilities. Usually they will also have information and guidance on finding a place off campus, which is definitely good since some people can be a bit sketchy and take advantage of poor uni students.
3. Research the crime rate of the area in which you are staying. You always gotta put safety first, right guys?! Make sure to avoid certain streets or parks after hours, always walk with a friend, and CONSTANT VIGILANCE!
4. Look into any meal plan availabilities and offers. After finding a bed and four walls to surround it, food is probably most likely DEFINITELY your next priority. Meal plans are definitely an individual preference, but PLEASE make sure you are full and eating somewhat well!
5. Public transport availability/hiring bikes. Getting from wherever you're living to uni or the rest of civilisation is something that we should do regularly, as much as we would prefer to be in bed and not participate in life. Google "(insert YOUR LOCAL CITY + TRANSPORT)" and you will definitely find information on trains, trams, taxis etc. etc. If where you're going will let you hire a bike to get around, especially in China, it is such a great convenient way to get around and I strongly suggest it!
6. THE POWER OF FACEBOOK. Almost every university of college will have their own Facebook page, where they will then have a group called "Housing/Accommodation". It is THE place where people will come together to quickly post up if they are renting out a place, or request a place to stay.
Usually on Facebook you can guarantee that things are pretty legit, since you can suss out the person's profile (ACTIVATE STALKER MODE MY BRETHREN), as well as Google Maps the advertised place.
7. DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO LIVE - so what if you're not in a location where you don't receive Wifi at the speed of 14376264823mb/sec, or you don't have bathroom tiles in the shade of pearly fuchsia. Remember that you are on exchange, and that you will most likely be out and about having the time of your life! Also, it's all about WHO you are staying with, not so much where :) :) (cue the corniness)
(ok not too sure how this is particularly relevant but MAKING F.R.I.E.N.D.S WITH YOUR HOUSEMATES/ROOMMATES IS SOMETHING YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY STRIVE TO DO!!)
