Moving away for school means learning how to manage a lot of things on your own. Between classes, assignments, social plans and everyday errands, the last thing you want is for your living situation to become another source of stress. That’s why it’s worth thinking carefully about what you actually need from your accommodation.

For many students, looking at furnished student-friendly places can simplify the move. You can arrive with your essentials and focus on getting settled instead of trying to furnish an apartment from scratch.

A convenient location can make student life considerably easier. Think about how you’ll get to campus, where you’ll shop for groceries and what you like doing when you’re not studying.

If you enjoy being close to restaurants, shops and city activities, exploring available downtown rentals may be worth considering.

At the same time, don’t choose a place simply because it is close to everything. Think about noise, privacy, the layout and whether the space gives you somewhere comfortable to study.

The best student accommodation isn’t necessarily the biggest or the cheapest. It’s the place that makes your everyday routine easier and gives you somewhere you can actually feel at home while you’re studying.