1 December 2023
Apprenticeship Accommodation: Everything You Need To know
Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience and academic qualifications.
And just like university, it’s possible to move away from home to do one. Finding tip top accommodation that helps you settle into your new town or city is everything.
Want the perfect apprenticeship accommodation? Read on to find your match.
Student apprenticeship accommodation
Did you know that you can live in university halls as a degree apprentice? While uni students and degree apprentices have different programmes and schedules, degree apprentices are still part-time students and get the same rights as any other uni student.
If you’re thinking of doing a degree apprenticeship, staying in university halls is one of the better options. Not only will you mix with students your age and feel part of a wider community, you’ll save lots of time and energy, especially if you have to be up for those early morning lectures.
Most students looking for apprenticeship accommodation will stay in halls (depending on availability). Others will choose to live in private accommodation instead.
Sheffield Hallam University has halls for its degree apprentices, which you can live in for a full year or less when you study at the university.
Private apprenticeship accommodation
Flatsharing is a great option if you’re looking for affordable apprenticeship accommodation. You can find a place through websites like SpareRoom and OpenRent. Or contact letting agents directly to see what properties are available.
Sharing with people you’ve never met can be scary. But remember, everyone’s in the same boat. Just give it time and before you know it, you’ll be making friends left, right and centre.
Top Tips
Before getting into any legal agreement:
- View houses and meet potential housemates in person
- Read the contract thoroughly to know what you’re signing up for
- Check the inventory to ensure everything on there actually exists at the property.
It might be worth going over the contract with a family member too. Or someone with rental experience to make sure you don’t come across any hidden clauses that could cost you later.
Living in London
Moving to the capital? Keep an eye on LHA London. This friendly and affordable accommodation charity lets you rent a place for as little as £90 a week – bills, WIFI, insurance, cleaning and council tax included! You’ll have 24-hour staff and security on-site too.
Plus no contracts to worry about. So if you want to leave early, all you have to do is give them a week’s notice. And that’s it. Easy.
Apprenticeships In London
If you’re thinking about doing an apprenticeship in London, you’re in for a treat. There’s so much to do in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a foodie, culture or networking queen, an apprenticeship in London will open tons of doors for your career. And your social circle too!
Financial support
While you’re expected to find your own apprenticeship accommodation, some employers will support you as you make this transition into working life. This could include:
- A financial relocation package to cover moving expenses
- Networking opportunities with other apprentices joining the company
- Travel expenses, so you can visit home once a month.
Recruiters will happily answer any questions you have at your apprenticeship interview. So go on and make a list of everything that’s on your mind. Your future self will thank you for it.
Before you finalise anything, do some research first. Watch videos of apprentices who relocated and find out what worked (and didn’t work for them). This will help you make an informed decision as to where you should live.
How to manage living in a new area?
Once you move in, it’s time to get familiar with your neighbourhood. The sooner you do, the comfier you’ll feel in your new surroundings.
- Walk around your area and familiarise yourself with the buses and tubes
- Practice your work commute to avoid getting stressed or lost on the day
- Locate your nearest bank, ATM machine, supermarket and chemist
- Register with your local GP.
Lastly, get to know your housemates. Join a society together. Have a movie night. You’ll be living together for a while. So the more you bond, the more fun you’ll have.
Do these and promise life will be 100x easier and stress-free.
Good luck with your apprenticeship accommodation hunt! You’ve got this.
