Finding accommodation as a student
Let's help you get settled
Finding great accommodation can be tricky even for the most experience traveller. Every city is different, let alone every country. But you don’t have to start on a blank slate. Here is basic information you will need to know when you start house hunting…
University Dormitory
Every university is obligated to offer some kind of assistance in your search for a home. Larger universities will offer you the opportunity to move into a student dormitory, on-campus. However, smaller school that do not have their own student housing are often affiliated with private dormitories for you to choose from. Should you choose to stay on-campus, depending on your finances you can opt to have a single room, a double room or a shared room. Depending on the school the rooms will be structured differently. A single room may include an ensuite bathroom, desk area, a single or double bed, microwave, etc. Other rooms may not have an ensuite, with a common shared washroom. Be sure to enquire about the different rooms and choose an option that works for you and your budget.
apartments
North Cyprus offers a variety of housing options for students. We will explore a few of them below. Before you select a house/room and rush to move in it is improtant to note…
The advertiser is often an agent, so if you use a website you may see the same apartment advertisement under different names and agencies.
Each house will have the price in either Turkish Liras (tl) or Great British Pounds (stg).
Some ads will indicate whether electricity and water are included in the price. If not you will need to make monthly payments for both.
Within each ad you may see 1+1+1 this means 1 deposit, 1 months rent, 1 commission payment for the agent. This means you multiply the dispalyed payment by three for your first payment. Other advertisements may have 2+6+1, which means 2 deposit payments, 6 months rent payment and 1 agent fee. You would then pay a total of 9x the displayed price.
Avoid paying the agent before you meet the agent, for your safety and that of your finances.
Let’s look at the different housing options you will be presented.
Studio/ 1+0
A studio or a 1+0 is essentially a room with an ensuite bathroom. This room will come with a desk space, a kitchen area, wardrobe, washing machine, bed and in some cases a balcony. It is a small space but will offer confort for one user or two, no more
1+1
A 1+1 offers two rooms, a bedroom and a bathroom. Within this space you will find a kitchen, foldable couch/sofa washing machine, balcony etc. It offers a little more space than a studio and and accommodate more visitors or housemates con=mfortably.
2+1
A 2+1 is similar to a 1+1 but it includes one more bedroom and may have a bigger bathroom.
3+1
The 3+1 will have 3 bedrooms. a shared bathroom and kitchen.
Private dormitory
Private dormitories do no belong to a specific university but offer accommodation to students from different schools. Each dormitory offers different rooms, which are often displayed on the websites. You will most like need to set up a monthly contract or an annual contract for your stay. You may choose live with a friend or two, which is perfectly fine. However, there is terminology you should know so as not to be surprised when you move into your new room. A housemate is an individual you will share the house with, you will each have your own room but share the amenities. A roommate is a person you share your room with. When you make payments in a shared house or room you pay for your fraction of the cost. Of the rent, bills and maintenace.
Please ensure you know the individuals you will living with or you are comfortable with them.