Posted by alexandra_k on October 4, 2013, at 18:46:09
In reply to Re: bye bye t » alexandra_k, posted by Poet on October 4, 2013, at 14:37:21
I am sure that I want to be in the city for when classes start next year. I suppose I am less sure about whether now is the best time to commit to something. 12 month leases (renewable), either way.
Apparently I'll hear whether I've been offered a place in University Accommodation mid-October. I think, now, after much angst, that I should wait until I've heard back from them.
I couldn't afford to apply for a studio with University Accommodation. I applied for 'apartment style, 1-4 'matched' others, returning (year 2+ students). They told me they have had a few 25+ applicants. It is a brand new building - but that means we can't move in until early March. It is the same price as the studio - but internet is included. I may be able to pick up Uni Wireless from the studio, though.
I got excited about the thought of having my very own space from mid-November - not having to share with people. Getting away from the rowdy folk over here. Really having time to get settled in before classes start next year. I'm also afraid that I won't get offered a place with University Accommodation and that I'll miss out on the studio. Accommodation services seemed to think the studio (in this particular building) was the best option for me - but they also try and persuade people to take up alternative offers if possible to relieve pressure on them since they need to reject over half their applicants.
I can't view the studio or any of the floors right now because they are totally full. I think perhaps I should try and postpone making a decision on that until I've heard back from University Accommodation. Classes finish mid-November - so they may well have a number of vacancies around then. I'll have to hope that the students who miss out on University Accommodation postpone making alternative arrangements so I have time to get in.
I was thinking that the studio would be best. But... The price I'm looking at... Realistically... I will be able to hear my neighbours so it will matter to me who they are. There is a lot of difference between 2nd year (25+) University Students and a bunch of international students doing a 6 week course in English as a Second Language. And in the studio I am more likely to be surrounded by the later. And much as I grump about shared bathrooms / kitchens... I did get a lot from my time in shared student accommodation in Aussie... And even NZ before I left... So, yeah. Hold off making a decision for a week or two. And maybe... I'll be stuck here until March.
The initial information she sent me... I was told that a $150 non-refundable application fee was payable and bond, key bond, 1 week in advance was payable on arrival. I guess I thought $150 to secure the place was a small price to pay for my not having to worry about missing out on University Accommodation and the Studio both. So when I said I'd do that - she said it would also be 1 week in advance ($250) to secure the place. Which is fair (since typically rent is paid 2 weeks in advance). But it makes the cost of defecting that much higher... Too high for me to be prepared to pay, I think. Certainly without seeing the place.
?
I don't know how hard accommodation is to find in the city... I also got offered a $185 room with 6 people sharing 2 bathrooms and a kitchen with 2 security cameras in the kitchen and some drugged out looking dude frying eggs...
Thanks for helping me work it through. I can't hit up University Accommodation again since they need to believe I'm currently residing in a different region in order for them to consider me for a place at all... and I don't actually have anyone who knows about accommodation in the city to ask... I think... I have decided what to do.
Once I'm in University Accommodation I can stay there indefinitely. It will be a habitable living environment. Responsive to WHO health standards etc at the very least. Responsive to reason. I should do everything in my power to secure that. Flatmates... Bah, humbug.
poster:alexandra_k
thread:1051233
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20130930/msgs/1051709.html