In the life of studying abroad in a foreign country, renting is a topic that cannot be avoided. I remember the first day I arrived in Guildford, England, and I was standing on an unfamiliar street with my suitcase, full of anticipation and anxiety. That scene is still vivid in my mind.
I chose to live in a small town in Guildford, which is surrounded by greenery and feels like a fairytale world. However, the road to renting a house is not always full of fairytale plots.
Remember that unforgettable rental trip. Fresh after arriving in Guildford, my classmates and I navigated the streets of the city, looking for our new home. Suddenly it was pouring rain from the sky, and we had to rush to find a café to hide from the rain.
In the café, we flipped through the rental advertisements, some too expensive, some too far away, and some made people wonder if they were real. Finally, in the company of a hot cup of coffee, we found a suitable **, not far from the school, and ** also moderate. However, this is just the beginning of the rental journey.
When we came to the new house, everything seemed perfect. Friendly landlord, tidy house, and convenience store and bus stop nearby. However, as time goes on, some little secrets begin to surface.
The first finding was that the heating was not strong enough. Winters in the UK are extremely cold, and our houses don't seem to be getting enough heat. At night, we often curl up under the covers, hoping to warm up quickly.
The second secret is the problem of water pressure. Whenever I wanted to take a hot shower, the water pressure always seemed to drop to the bottom, making me feel like I was trying to fight the rain for the right to bathe.
Through these experiences of studying abroad and renting a house, I have learned some valuable lessons that I hope to share with all of you.
Plan and book in advance: Before studying abroad, try to plan and book accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute choices. This can help you find the better one and avoid the pressure of time and choice.
Double-check**: Before signing a contract, double-check** to make sure all facilities and conditions meet your needs. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask them with your landlord.
Build a good relationship with your landlord: Maintaining good communication and relationships with the landlord can help resolve potential issues. Friendly landlords may be more willing to resolve difficulties that arise during the renting period.
Find out about the local cost of livingWhen choosing where to rent, find out about the local cost of living, including rent, utilities, and more, to make sure your budget covers all expenses.
Although renting an apartment for studying abroad can come with some challenges, it is also an integral part of student life. With careful selection and preparation, you can find a warm home that will make your study abroad life more memorable and enjoyable. I hope my experience and advice will be helpful to you as you embark on the journey of studying abroad. I wish you all laughter and growth in your study abroad life in a foreign country!