Living “in digs” – i.e. as a paying guest in someone’s home - has been a traditional option for students moving away from home for many years. People living in digs usually have their own bedroom and bathroom, with shared eating and TV facilities, and the landlady (or landlord) provides breakfast and dinner.
The generally secure, comfortable environment of digs, especially the regular meals and clean rooms, are tempting to many students and parents. However, you won’t have the same freedom as you would if you rented your own place, and tenants’ legislation does not apply to students living in digs.
The student (and/or their parents) should visit the house in advance, and find out things such as the price and method of payment, your access to facilities such as TV, washing machine and microwave, whether you can stay over some weekends, and how the landlord or landlady feels about you inviting guests around. Living in digs can be the easiest option for students and ease the transition from living at home to being on your own.
