[ChrisQuickfall]

Hello everyone,

I will soon be starting a phd at Sheffield, and have begun applying for accommodation. We have the option of 42-week contracts, or 51-week contracts - I was wondering what is advisable? And, I assume that they both begin at the same time?

Do most postgrads move into private accom. after their first year, and if so, when do the rents on these begin; at the end of the 42-week contracts, or at the end of the 51-week contracts? Also, is there the option of changing to the 51-week contract if we do choose the 42-week option?

Phew, a lot of questions, thank you for bearing with me, and thank you for any responses! Chris.

[You!Me!Dancing!]

The 42 and 51-week contracts for university accommodation begin at the same time (weekend before Freshers Week), it just depends if you want the accommodation over the following summer period or not. So I'm guessing that would depend on whether you'll need or want to be in Sheffield at that time.

I only know a handful of PHD students but most of them live privately. In terms of finding private accommodation, when they start and how long the contracts are up to the landlord and so vary. Mine started on June 1st but I know others whose didn't start til September.

If you live in the more popular areas (Broomhill/Crookemoor) they are generally 52-week contracts. Some of the less popular areas (e.g. Walkley) charge reduce rent for the summer period if unoccupied.

I hope this helps a bit!

[s0meb0dyelse]

I've lived in uni accommodation at Sheffield this year for my MA and although it's been nice for meeting people (flatmates) I kind of wished I'd lived privately as the move into flats after living in a house for 3 years has been strange. Of course this is personal preference. I only have a 42 week contract and my course goes on until September which means as on July 7th I can arrange more accommodation, go back to live with family miles away or be homeless.I would try to get a 51week contract from the start if you can. When I start my PhD here in Sept I hope to be living in a nice little house somewhere not too far away, somewhere a little more permanent perhaps.

[mollymustard]

Most rented accommodation starts on the 1st of July here in sheffield so you may be better of choosing 41 weeks if you think you might end up moving out of halls after the first year. I think the majority of Phd students do live outside of halls but some live in as well. Its probably easier to meet people if you go for halls during your first year here.

[ChrisQuickfall]

Thanks very much for your responses, they were very helpful!

For anyone searching for this thread with this problem, I emailed the accommodation office, and they said that if you choose 42 weeks, it is possible to extend some contracts, or alternatively get summer accommodation elsewhere in halls. Thus, I have chosen 42 weeks, as I expect that I might want to move into rented accommodation.

[allpinkandyellow]

(Original post by ChrisQuickfall)
Thanks very much for your responses, they were very helpful!

For anyone searching for this thread with this problem, I emailed the accommodation office, and they said that if you choose 42 weeks, it is possible to extend some contracts, or alternatively get summer accommodation elsewhere in halls. Thus, I have chosen 42 weeks, as I expect that I might want to move into rented accommodation.

Can I ask you which accommodation are you going to choose? I'm going for my masters degree (and maybe phd) and now I'm trying to decide where to live

[allpinkandyellow]

(Original post by s0meb0dyelse)
I've lived in uni accommodation at Sheffield this year for my MA and although it's been nice for meeting people (flatmates) I kind of wished I'd lived privately as the move into flats after living in a house for 3 years has been strange. Of course this is personal preference. I only have a 42 week contract and my course goes on until September which means as on July 7th I can arrange more accommodation, go back to live with family miles away or be homeless.I would try to get a 51week contract from the start if you can. When I start my PhD here in Sept I hope to be living in a nice little house somewhere not too far away, somewhere a little more permanent perhaps.

sorry this is a bit late, but can I ask you which accommodation you recommend? I'm going for my masters and I'm having a hard time deciding :/