Self-contained, studio or single room: which one do you need?

These terms are used loosely and inconsistently across Bamenda, which causes a great deal of wasted travel. Here is what each generally means, and what to confirm before you go and see it.

Single room

One room. Bathroom and often the kitchen area are shared with the rest of the compound. Cheapest option, typically 15,000 to 28,000 in Bamenda.

Confirm: how many rooms share the bathroom, whether there is anywhere to cook, and where water is collected.

Room with internal bath

A single room with its own bathroom, but usually no separate kitchen. Around 22,000 to 32,000. Often described as 'self-contained' by landlords, which is where the confusion starts.

Self-contained

Properly, this means your own bathroom and your own kitchen area — you do not share anything. Typically 30,000 to 50,000. This is the term most stretched in listings, so always ask directly: is there a separate kitchen, and is the bathroom mine alone?

Studio or modern room

Usually a self-contained space with a more modern finish — tiled, better fittings, sometimes a small balcony. 28,000 to 45,000. The difference from 'self-contained' is finish rather than layout.

Apartment

Separate bedrooms plus a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. From about 50,000 for a two-bedroom. This is where families and sharers land.

The two questions that resolve everything

Before you travel to see anything, ask these two:

• Is the bathroom mine alone, or shared, and with how many people?
• Is there a separate space to cook, and is it inside the unit?

The answers tell you what you are actually being offered regardless of what the listing called it.