Research the place you may call home

Look at the map, not just the city name

Find the actual campus address for your course. Then look at where students typically live, how long the commute would be and what transport is available.

Picture an ordinary week

Where would you buy groceries? Where would you study outside class? How would you get to a doctor, a place of worship or a sports club? Thinking through ordinary routines often reveals what matters most.

Ask about accommodation early

Check your institution’s accommodation guidance as soon as you have an offer. Ask about availability, contract length, what the rent includes and how far the accommodation is from teaching locations.

Stay safety-aware

Only use reputable providers, never pay for a property you have not verified and read every contract carefully before signing.

Find your support network

Most institutions have international student, wellbeing and careers teams. Note their contact details before you travel so you know where to turn in your first weeks.