Price storm" of boarding houses in central areas
Every school year, the boarding house rental market in Hanoi falls into a "price fever" state. The soaring prices in areas with a large university concentration have created great financial pressure for new student families.
Surveys in Cau Giay, Nghia Do or Dong Da, Bach Mai wards..., where many large universities are concentrated, rental prices have increased significantly. Currently, a rented room from 20 - 25m2 equipped with basic equipment has a price ranging from 5 - 5.5 million VND/month. For closed mini-apartments, the price usually exceeds the threshold of 6 million VND/month. For rented rooms with smaller areas, non-closed toilets or not enough furniture, the rental price also ranges from about 3.5 million VND/month.
Not stopping there, the burden is also increased by countless living expenses. On average, electricity bills are calculated at about 3,500 - 4,000 VND/kWh; water bills 100,000 VND/person; cleaning fees 50,000 VND/room. Especially in mini-apartments, students also have to pay for shared elevators and washing machines...
Bringing his daughter to Hanoi to complete admission procedures to the University of Foreign Languages (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), Mr. Nguyen Trung Tuyen (from Hai Phong) could not help but wonder when directly surveying room rates. After consulting on social networking groups and the actual area, he found that the price in the area around the school was quite high compared to his daughter's housing needs.
Before coming to Hanoi, I researched in advance and found that the basic boarding house price is quite expensive, especially if I want my child to live near school for convenient travel. After careful consideration, I decided to let my child stay with relatives in the early stages. This plan both helps the family reduce financial pressure and helps my child have a spiritual support when they first come to the city. When my child becomes familiar with the pace of life and Hanoi roads, the family will consider further," Mr. Tuyen shared.
Choose to stay far away, take public transport to reduce costs
Pham Bao Ngoc (from Ninh Binh), a new student at Hanoi University of Transport, chose to rent a room in Lai Xa commune (Hoai Duc) - about 10km from the school. Ngoc said: "The house price near the school is too high, making my family very hesitant. When I learned about Lai Xa area near Hanoi University of Industry, I found that the room rental price is only about 2 million VND/month, half cheaper than the center but still suitable for living needs. Although far away, this area has an elevated subway line running directly to the school, so traveling is extremely convenient. Choosing this option helps me save a considerable amount of money for my parents each month".
Admitted to Thuy Loi University, Pham The Viet (from Hung Yen) chose the option of living with friends in Linh Nam area, about 8km from the school. Viet said that because he wanted to minimize accommodation costs in his first year of university, he chose a long distance to travel.
In the early days, I planned to travel entirely by bus. Student bus fares are very cheap, and I don't have to endure the danger of riding a motorbike myself when I'm not familiar with Hanoi roads. After a few months, when I became familiar with the routes, I considered bringing my motorbike from my hometown to be more proactive," Viet shared.
Besides the price and travel distance factor, new students and parents also need to pay special attention to other factors such as security and order, fire safety. An optimal boarding room is not only about cheap price or close location, but first of all, it must ensure airy escape routes, safe electrical system and clear management regulations. Being alert to consider the cost, means of transportation and safe living environment will help new students have a solid start and feel secure to embark on a new journey.
