It has always been a debate as to what type of living standards are justifiable, the best for us depending first and foremost on the budget and then on the basis of individual pre-requisites. Are we contemplating a lot? But it is something, we ought to do, especially if we are aspiring candidates of the future trying to aim big and score well academically. It gets furthermore difficult for university students as they have to choose between living in a hostel or paying guest (PG) accommodation. To help make a sound decision, it becomes mandatory to consider the facts first, before you beat about the bush. Get mindful of the 5 key differentiators and make a good comparison between the two, before moving in at your ideal living space.
Rent
The type of accommodation search whether a student hostel or student PG, totally depends on the budget. Paying guest accommodation will be a relatively cheaper option where the rooms are shared and do us the rent. The residents have the option of choosing the type of amenities they would like to use but unlike Hostels, PGs charge extra for the amenities.
The Living Area
When it comes to the living area and common spaces, hostels have bigger space and more area to breathe in easy after grueling study hours. Student PG often refers to small enclosed areas and rooms available for twin or triple occupancy. The washrooms and kitchens are shared by all the residents. A student hostel is somewhat different. There are purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) or student hostels designed for maximum comfort where there is the option to book individual studios with private washrooms, ensuite rooms with separate washrooms or shared living spaces.
Food
Food is yet another factor that makes a huge difference when you have to choose between hostels or PGs. Compared to PGs, hostels give you more varieties of food that are nutritious, balanced and well planned according to student diet. As PGs might or might not be student-specific, so food is often the choice of the host or owner of the property with the limited scope of individual preferences. For PGs that offer kitchens to cook meals, there might be constraints on using limited gas or less use of microwaves to save on the electricity.
Amenities
Unlike PGs, students living in private hostels are facilitated with world-class amenities like laundry, refrigerator, fully-equipped kitchen, doctor on call, outside courtyard, balconies or rooftop terrace, bike storage, games room, and gym, to name a few. PGs may or may not offer amenities depending on the budget. However, you will have to pay extra for the amenities.
Security
University students, who are living away from their homes, in a new city abroad, consider their security to be the need of the hour. PGs are considered more secure as you will be living with a family who can guide you through the city and let you know about nearby bus stops and important locations. Although hostels do have CCTVs and secure door entry features, there is less possibility of anyone guiding you in the new city? You will have to be on your own, in order to explore the city or look out for convenient and affordable modes of public transport for the daily commute.
These 5 differentiators are more than enough to help you make a more informed decision and carefully select between student hostel and student PG as your ideal stay option while studying abroad.