International student Duaa Sarfraz talks through how and why she chose her university accommodation.
Before moving to Exeter, the thought of choosing the right accommodation as an international student made me quite anxious. I was worriedâwhat if I made the wrong choice? But with a bit of early research and planning, I was able to find a place that truly suited my needs and helped ease my transition.
Before applications opened, I did my due diligence. I used the University of Exeterâs Room Finder tool, which allowed me to filter based on my preferences. One of my main concerns was ensuring that I lived in a single-gender, non-alcoholic accommodation for religious reasons. As soon as applications opened, I made this request, and I was so relieved that the university was able to cater to it.
As someone who doesnât enjoy staying in her room for long but also avoids going out too much in the cold, I made sure that the accommodation had access to shared study spaces and nearby sports facilities. Staying active and having common areas to interact with others was important to me, not just for my well-being, but also to build a balanced routine.
Safety was another top priority. I wanted to feel secure walking to and from campus, especially during darker evenings. I discovered that the university has dedicated footpaths, Safer Walking Routes, in and around the St Lukeâs and Streatham campuses, with enhanced lighting, CCTV coverage, and even green âsafe spotâ indicators on the floor, along with signs on lamppostsâsomething that really gave both me and my family peace of mind.
One of the biggest reasons I chose to live in university accommodation was to help me settle in and build new friendships. I felt that becoming friends with people from different disciplines and backgrounds would help me feel more connected and less isolated. I also came across the Residence Life, which offers a wide range of free or low-cost events, from day trips to creative workshops. As someone who enjoys travelling and trying new things but prefers doing it with company, these events were a perfect fit.
Another big relief? No hidden costs. Living in university accommodation meant I didnât have to worry about bills or needing a guarantor, which made the entire process more straightforward and stress-free.
My Top Tips for Future Students:
- Use the Room Finder to shortlist options based on your needs.
- Prioritise what matters most to youâsafety, community, facilities, etc.
- Donât underestimate the value of on-campus events to help you meet new people.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: take the time to research. The more informed you are, the better your choice will be. And trust me, starting off in the right place makes all the difference.
Read more about how to choose accommodation as an International student on our website >