You are trying to figure out your classes, learn your way around the city, meet new people, and somehow get settled before everything gets busy. The last thing you want is to spend those first few weeks worrying about where to buy a bed or how you’re going to furnish an empty apartment.

That is why it helps to think about the practical side of housing before making a decision.

Some students prefer having their own space, while others like the idea of living with people and having a more social environment. If the second option sounds more like you, student-friendly homes with space to share may be worth looking into.

A shared home can also make moving to a new city feel a little less intimidating. You are not coming back to an empty apartment every day, and you may find yourself naturally getting to know people around you.

Furniture is another thing that can easily become a headache. A place might seem like a great deal until you realise you still need to buy everything from a desk to a mattress.

Choosing a place where the main essentials are already in place can save a lot of time and effort.

When you’re starting a new chapter in a new city, having your living situation sorted makes everything else feel a little more manageable.