PhD student Accomodation September 2010
Wed, 02/06/2010 - 10:44
Assalamu Alaikum,
My name is Kyaw Kyaw and I'll be moving (from Malaysia) to Leeds around 11 September 2010 to start my PhD in October. I'm currently thinking of whether to choose university self-catered postgrad accomodation or private-sector accomodation. After searching around a bit, it seems that university accomodation might be a better choice for me. I'd appreciate if anybody can clarify certain things for me:
- Are there Muslim postgrad students living in university self-catered residences (such as Leodis, Montague Burton, Sentinel Towers, Grayson Heights)? I'm asking this because most Muslims postgrads seem to be living in private-sector residences.
- If I choose university self-catered postgrad accomodation in one of the residences listed above, is there anyway I can guarantee that my roommates will be Muslims?
- Which of those postgrad residences will be the best if I want an en-suite room which is very quiet and conducive to study and focus?
- Any other suggestions?
Thank you.
P.S: For any discussion, please reply here or reach me at: ali.kyaw@gmail.com
Wa alaykumasalaam warahmatallaahi wabarakaatahu
I am not a student but I was involved with the Leeds University Islamic Society and the Green Room in it's early days during the 1990's. There are positives and negatives to staying at the University Student Halls, but some may feel the negatives are a lot more weighty.
You cannot be sure who you will be sharing with at Student Halls, which means you might end up sharing with people of different faiths, moral standards and life styles. This will affect you when using shared bathrooms, kitchens and things such as fridges and microwaves if your flat mates consume alcohol and pork.
Although some accommodation may restrict alcohol use on the premises, Students might often arrive back from a night out smelling of alcohol and theres always the music and fornication issue that might be going on around you or even in the next room to you.
Just the hygene and cleanliness issue will soon get you down.
On the other hand you might end up with more mature and clean room mates who are of the same gender as you. That would be good because living in University Student Halls or in private accommodation in the immediate University locality such as the Hydepark, Woodhouse or Burley area can ensure you are not late for lectures and are close to other students for information and support, which a person might need in their first year if they are new to the Country. However, the prices for such accommodation can be higher than normal and such Student areas have alot of distractions.
Therefore I would say that If you can afford the higher rates of rent to live in walking distance from the University and you can find Muslim room mates to share with, then the Student halls or close by Private accommodation is worth trying for.
Otherwise you can find cheaper places in Muslim areas such as Harehills, that are only 5 minutes away by Cylce or Car and only 10 minutes away on a bus, but which are Self contained with no need of sharing and are close to Masjids and Halaal Grocers.
One doesn't want to gain a qualification but at the same time pick up bad habits or loose their emaan!...and Allaah knows best. Why don't more people consider open University / Home Study courses instead? hmmm
: )
wa asalaam wa alaykum
Br
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Leeds Affordable Accomodation
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Leeds Affordable Accomodation