University is one of the most exciting adventures in a young person’s life, providing new experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the future. But before diving into lectures and a new social life, finding the perfect university accommodation is paramount. For students heading to the University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich offers a diverse range of student housing options, from bustling city centre flats and on-campus accommodation to peaceful suburban houses and comfortable off-campus housing, like us at Shoemakers Court.
Fortunately, you have come across our complete guide on Norwich student housing options. This guide will explore the best Norwich student housing options available, catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a first-year student seeking a vibrant community, a second-year student looking for more independence, or an international student navigating a new city, we’ve got you covered.
On-Campus Accommodation: A Great Start for First Years
UEA boasts a variety of on-campus residences, offering a convenient environment for first-year students. With options ranging from catered halls to standard rooms and en-suite facilities, there’s something to suit everybody.
Benefits of On-Campus Living
Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students: If this is your first year of university, it’s good to know that UEA guarantees accommodation for all first-year students who apply by the deadline, which can ease the stress of finding a place to live.
Immersive student experience: Living on campus allows you to fully immerse yourself in university life with easy access to everything you need — academic buildings, libraries, and social events.
Strong sense of community: On-campus accommodation fosters a close-knit community, making it easy to meet new people in the same situation as yourself and perhaps even make lifelong friends.
All-inclusive rent: With this student housing option, your rent typically covers utilities, internet access, and contents insurance. This makes your finances, bills and budgets a lot easier to handle.
24/7 support: On-site staff provide constant assistance and support, ensuring a safe living environment for the entire campus population.
Popular On-Campus Residences
- The Village: Modern and spacious flats with a mix of en-suite and shared bathroom options.
- Barton and Hickling Houses: Newly built with contemporary design and excellent facilities.
- Paston and Britten Houses: Traditional-style residences with a range of room types.
You Could Consider Off-Campus Accommodation
While on-campus living offers a fantastic start to university life, many students choose to explore off-campus student housing Norwich options in their second year (and any subsequent years they may spend studying). Off-campus student housing provides greater independence and the opportunity to experience life in the wider Norwich community.
Shoemakers Court: A Great Off-Campus Option
A terrific example of off-campus student housing options in Norwich is Shoemakers. Similar to on-campus accommodation, Shoemakers offers different student accommodation options, including:
- Single-person occupancy studio apartments with bedroom, living space and bathroom
- 3- and 4-bed apartments with shared facilities among housemates
- 4– and 7-bed townhouses for ultimate comfortability while living in the city
If you don’t think the on-campus living lifestyle is for you, but you still want to access to all the perks, Shoemakers is the ideal choice. Housing multiple students each year, we, too, have created a tight-knit community of students and a peaceful and accommodating environment.
Here are some more benefits to living at Shoemakers:
- Stress-free renting: Staying with us means no unexpected payments with bills included in your rent payments.
- Studying made easy: With a great Wifi signal and superfast broadband, you’re able to work with no interruption. Plus, enjoy your own study area in your room.
- Incredible location: We are located smack bang in the centre of Norwich, so you’re close to your university, shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and more.
- Excellent facilities: From fully furnished living spaces and equipped kitchens to a washer/dryer in every house, we have the essentials covered.
- Create lasting friendships: Coming to university alone? Our Buddy Up Initiative helps you find the ideal housemates. Also, we have a communal garden area for socialising.
- And so much more!
It’s worth remembering that there are other off-campus accommodation options available, such as student houses, private halls of residence, and flats, but these options may not provide the same benefits as on-campus and Shoemakers accommodation.
If you’re interested in living at Shoemakers, you’re more than welcome to book a viewing!
International Student Housing in Norwich
Norwich welcomes many international students each year, and specific resources and support are available to help you find suitable accommodation if you are an international student set to start your studies at the UEA. To get you started, here are some tips from us.
Tips for International Students:
- Check the UEA’s International Student Support pages: The UEA provides really useful information and guidance for international students, including accommodation advice.
- Look for accommodation with inclusive bills: This is something Shoemakers can offer and will simplify your budgeting and help you to avoid unexpected costs.
- Be aware of visa requirements: Ensure your chosen accommodation meets the requirements of your student visa.
- Consider Shoemakers Court: We house plenty of international students each year, providing them with a comfortable and accommodating home away from home.
Making the Most of Your Student Housing Experience
No matter where you choose to live, the greatest advice we can offer is to make the most of your student housing experience. See this part of your journey for what it is — an opportunity to live independently, explore new possibilities, and craft a living space that is completely tailored to you.
Here are some ways to make the most of your student housing experience:
- Getting to know your housemates: Building solid relationships with your housemates can make your university experience so much more enjoyable, sharing the experience with other like-minded young people.
- Respecting your neighbours: Happy neighbours mean a happy and peaceful experience for you with no drama.
- Taking advantage of local amenities: Norwich is a city with so much to offer and it’s still growing. Explore its vibrant restaurants and bars, check out the bustling nightlife, and enjoy local gyms and sports centres.
- Creating a comfortable and personalised space: Make your room feel like home by creating a space that allows you to relax and unwind come evening time, and a place to focus when it comes time to study.
Choosing the right Norwich student housing option is an early essential step in your university journey. There truly is a perfect place for you. By considering your unique needs, budget, and lifestyle, you can find the perfect place to call home and make the most of your time at UEA.
Important Considerations for All UEA Students
Living independently is a big step for a lot of people, and even if you’ve lived alone before, the realm of student housing can be a tricky one to navigate. Our team at Shoemakers have come up with a useful list of some important things to consider when choosing where to live.
- Are bills included: Many student houses advertise “bills included” rent. However, you will need to clarify exactly which bills are covered in your rent, as this can vary. Some may include the internet, while others may have a cap on energy usage, for instance.
- Tenancy agreements: Always read your tenancy agreement carefully before signing. Understand your rights and responsibilities, including the length of the tenancy, notice periods, and any clauses regarding guests or pets.
- Deposits: Be prepared to pay a deposit, usually equivalent to one month’s rent, to secure your accommodation. Ensure this is protected by a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
- Inventory: When moving in, complete a thorough inventory with your landlord or letting agent, noting any existing damage. This will protect you from deductions to your deposit when you move out.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Understand the procedure for reporting maintenance issues and ensure your landlord is responsive to repairs.
- Housemates: If you’re living in a shared house, it may be awkward, but discuss expectations and ground rules with your housemates early on to avoid potential conflicts. This includes cleaning responsibilities, noise levels, and shared expenses.
Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Student Life
What about when you’re all moved in, how do you make the most out of student life at UEA? It’s a good question, so now that we’ve covered how to make the most out of your student housing experience, let’s discuss your new lifestyle as a student in Norwich.
- Embrace the city: Norwich is a lovely city with a rich history and culture. Explore its many attractions, from the historic Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle to the independent shops and cafes in the Lanes.
- Enjoy the outdoors: Norwich and the surrounding areas of Norfolk boast many beautiful green spaces and parks, perfect for relaxing or enjoying outdoor activities. Take a stroll along the River Wensum, explore the Earlham Park woods, or visit the Norfolk Broads for a day trip.
- Get involved in student life: UEA offers a diverse range of societies and clubs to get involved in. Joining a club is a great way to meet new people, pursue your hobbies, and generally make your university experience even more enjoyable.
- Support local businesses: Norwich has a thriving independent scene. Support local businesses by shopping at independent stores, dining in local restaurants, and attending events at independent venues. You’ll find the service friendly and always accommodating.
- Travel further afield: Norwich is well-connected to other parts of Norfolk and even the rest of the UK. Take advantage of this by exploring nearby towns and cities or venturing further afield on weekend trips.
Accommodation for Specific Needs
If you are someone with specific needs, such as a disability or aren’t on the traditional student path, the UEA, Shoemakers, and some other student accommodations can help.
- Students with disabilities: UEA and several private accommodation providers offer accessible rooms and facilities for students with disabilities. Contact the UEA Disability Services and your chosen accommodation provider to discuss your specific needs.
- Mature students: While many mature students opt for private accommodation, UEA also offers dedicated housing options for mature students seeking a quieter and more independent living environment.
- Postgraduate Students: UEA has specific accommodation options for postgraduate students, including studio flats and en-suite rooms in shared flats. Private accommodation options are also plentiful in Norwich.
- Short-term accommodation: If you require short-term accommodation for a summer course or research project, UEA offers short-stay options in their residences. Private providers also offer short-term lets.
Making Your Decision
Remember, choosing the right accommodation is a personal decision. Consider your priorities — whether it’s budget, location, social life, or independence — and use that information about you to inform your decision. It’s vital not to rush the decision; research thoroughly and view properties before committing to anything.
By taking these factors into account and utilising the resources available, you can find the perfect Norwich student housing option to suit your needs, and create a comfortable and enjoyable living experience during your time at UEA.
Do you want to hear more about student life living at Shoemakers? Get in touch today
