Most students will live in halls of residence or other university accommodation in the first year. Places are allocated by the university accommodation department and can range from a room in a shared house or block of flats, with shared cooking facilities, to a large hall, where food is provided too.

When you get your offer you'll be sent a list of accommodation. You can choose where you would like to go, but places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so you need to be quick off the mark to get the best places. If you want to share with a friend or partner, you can request to be put together on your application form.

Your rent will be set at the start of the year and you are usually asked to pay rent for a full term. Your rent will usually include bills and if meals are provided they are usually covered in the rent too.

Full-time students do not have to pay council tax. Occasionally you will be asked to pay a damage deposit, which will be returned to you at the end of the year.

Unless you only watch TV in the communal area and do not have a TV in your room, you will need to get a TV license when you live in halls. You won't be covered by your parents' license unless you have a battery-powered TV.

It makes sense to take out insurance for your personal possessions and to cover your bike and car if you have one. There will be leaflets giving details about special schemes given out during your first week.

Student insurance specialist Endsleigh, for instance, charges roughly £200 a year for £2,500 worth of personal possessions cover including accidental damage in greater London. Premiums will vary depending on location and level of cover chosen.