Parent’s Guide to Student Accommodation
Moving away from home for the first time will undoubtedly be an exciting experience for your child - however, it's also natural for them to feel apprehensive.
From helping them decide where they'd like to live to making sure they know where to seek additional support, there's so much you can do to help ease the transition.
Starting the Conversation
Quick fire accommodation questions
At the University of Chichester, we offer a range of accommodation options, including:
- On campus
- Off campus
- Ensuite
- Shared bathroom
- Catered
- Self-catered
- Quiet block Adapted rooms.
To encourage the young person to start thinking about the type of accommodation they might prefer, here are some thoughtful questions you can ask to get the conversation started:
Encourage them to consider whether they would enjoy the convenience and community of campus life, or if they'd feel more independent living off-campus.
Discussing finances early will help them identify options that fit within their budget.
Some students thrive in a social environment, while others might prefer the solitude of a private room or flat. Understanding their preferences can help narrow down choices.
Ask them to think about what features are essential for their lifestyle. This could include things such as laundry facilities, a fully-equipped kitchen or study spaces.
Some students may want to live in an environment where they can meet new people easily, while others may prefer a quieter, more focused living space. Help them weigh the benefits of a strong social atmosphere versus a more private setting.
Consider whether they would prefer self-catered accommodations where they manage everything independently or options with more support, such as catered halls.
Deciding Where to Live
What types of accommodation are there?
There is a wide range of accommodation options available to students, from halls of residence to private rentals.
With so many choices, it can be overwhelming for students to determine which living arrangement best suits their personal preferences, budget and lifestyle.
To help your the young person make an informed decision, we recommend visiting potential accommodation options together. Attending an Open Day or arranging a campus tour allows both you and them to experience the different living environments first-hand.
This gives you the opportunity to assess important factors such as the location, amenities, security, social atmosphere and overall comfort of each accommodation option.
Visiting in-person not only helps narrow down choices but also ensures they feel confident in their decision. By involving yourself in the process, you can provide valuable support and guidance, making the transition to university life a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Applying For Accommodation
How do you apply for accommodation?
To apply for student accommodation at the University of Chichester, the young person first need to accept us as their firm choice. They will be able to choose six types of accommodation options, and, if they're entering their first year of study, will be guaranteed a room in University-managed accommodation.
Accommodation is allocated by a randomised allocation system – not on a first-come-first-served basis.
To apply for accommodation as a UK student, the individual will need:
- Their Student Reference Number and Date of Birth to login to the "My Application" page on their Chi View account.
The accommodation portal is typically open between May and June. Applications must be submitted by the deadline to ensure they are guaranteed a room.
To apply for accommodation as an international or EU student, the individual will need:
- Their Student Reference Number and Date of Birth to login to the "My Application" page on their Chi View account.
The accommodation portal is typically open between May and June. Applications must be submitted by the deadline to ensure they are guaranteed a room. If accommodation id required early to attend orientation events, students can contact allocations@chi.ac.uk. International and EU students are also eligible for a free bedding pack. This can be requested by contacting allocations@chi.ac.uk.
Private Sector Housing
Will they be safe in off-campus accommodation?
Does the thought your young person living in off-campus accommodation fill you with nerves? That doesn't need to be the case.
At the University of Chichester, we have an accreditation scheme for all the private sector housing we advertise, meaning landlords have agreed to follow a certain code of conduct to ensure the fair and efficient management of their properties.
All available properties are listed on Studentpad, where your child can search for accommodation by entering their criteria on the 'Property Search' page.
To encourage owners and landlords to raise and maintain the quality of their properties, Chichester and Arun District Councils operate an accreditation scheme, helping to ensure rents remain within reasonable limits for students. Only accredited properties are advertised on our website.
