Student Housing Options The decision about where to live while studying at tertiary(第三的，第三位的) level can have a major influence on a student's chance of success. It is important that particular need, such as security, a quiet place to study, and a convenient location, are taken into consideration before a choice is made. Four of the various options available to students are discussed below. 1. Halls of Residence Residential college accommodation at a university provides small rooms, usually single study/bedroom, for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Most have shared bathrooms, and all meals and linen are usually included. However, meals are chosen by the catering staff, and meal time strictly adhered to. In addition to basic residence fees, most universities make minor additional charges for items such as registration fees, damage deposit, and power charges. College accommodation is limited, and there are always waiting lists—it is especially popular with first year students since it is an excellent way to meet people, and travel expenses are minimized. Also, if a student intends to return home during vacations, costs can be reduced, since payment is only for weeks spent living on campus. 2. Private Rental Accommodation A single student can either move into an existing household or establish one with friends or acquaintance. Rent and expenses such as bond, electricity, gas, and telephone are shared equally among the people living in the household. Buying food and cooking is done either individually or on a group basis. Each person is expected to help clean and tidy the shared living space, that is, the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Each is responsible for cleaning his or her own room and doing the washing. A student with a partner and/or children may wish to bear the full cost in preference to a shared accommodation arrangement. For the first time renters there are many pitfalls(陷阱，阴谋), but there is much that can he done to avoid disaster. First, consider the desirability of the many types of shared accommodation options. For instance, non-smokers and vegetarians should probably not consider living with a smoker who eats meat. Students moving out of their parents' home usually take domestic labor for granted, but, nobody likes living with a person who refuses to do his or her share of the housework. The next step is to choose a suitable area. Rents vary according to the number of rooms, condition, and location of the property. Most students want to live either close to their institution, or within easy reach of the city. Preferences should be guided by the amount of money available to spend on rent, and access to existing transport. The best place to start looking is on notice boards around universities and colleges, or in the windows of coffee shops nearby. Students often advertise for housemates, and those seeking accommodation should advertise their situation too. Local real estate agents often provide a share service, although there is usually a significant fee. A last resort would be the 'To Let' or 'Share Accommodation' sections of the weekend newspaper. A small number of flats and houses are available through the university or college housing offices, but most are found through local real estate agents. Unfortunately, there is no cheap way to move into a house or flat. When renting, it is usually required to sign a six-month lease, and pay rent in advance plus a refundable bond. It is important to make allowances for these establishment costs, and to include the purchase price of furniture bond and connection fee, electricity or gas connection fees, furniture, utensils, food appliances, and so on. Even moving into an established house can cost more money than students first imagine. Find out about all the extra costs before signing a lease and committing oneself. Moving out before the end of the lease period