How should you choose your accommodation at uni?

Some universities provide accommodation for all the students; however, some universities have very limited spaces, so many students need to find their own places to live during their study. No matter which circumstance, students need to make their decisions about accommodation. How should students choose their accommodation in terms of services, deposit refund and other aspects? I would like to give some advice based on my experience and economic theories.

I do not want to focus on the very specific details about how to choose the accommodation for you, I would like to focus on a rather broader issue. Which type of landlord and agent should you choose? My advice is the bigger is the better. The economies of scale also work in this sector. If an agent or a landlord only manages a very limited number of properties, the average of cost of maintaining one property is relatively high; however, if an agent or a landlord manages a large number of properties, the average of cost of maintaining one property is relatively low. What does this mean? First, if there is any damage done to the property, you will pay much less for fixing the damage if choosing a larger agent (and landlord), because it is cheaper for them to fix these things. Secondly, agents (and landlords) need to manage their risk much carefully. Often there are two ways to manage risk, either they can pass the risk to their tenants, or they will manage the risk by themselves. For very smaller agents and landlords, the only choice is to pass the risk to their tenants because the latter is too expensive for them. However, more options including insurance are open to larger agents and landlords, they can manage the risk by themselves and make their properties more attractive to potential tenants. Thirdly, because of the economies of scale, it is easier and cheaper for large agents and landlords to provide more services including cleaning and maintenance services.

Overall, because of the economies of scale, the properties owned (and/or) managed by large landlords and agents including universities in my opinions are better choices.