Most UK first-year students choose to live in student housing or university halls. Many students also opt to move into private housing during their second and third years.
There are many similarities between university student halls and private student accommodation. Private student accommodation is usually owned by a private firm, and not by universities. Private student housing is offered by companies such as Unite and Scape in UK cities.
Private student accommodation is often more luxurious than traditional university halls and has less basic facilities.
These two types of accommodation can be a great way of meeting new people. However, they have different locations, costs, and lengths of tenancy.
We will outline the pros and cons for these popular choices for university students to help you make an informed decision.
Localization
Students attending universities can find non-private student residences directly from them. They are often located closer to university buildings. This is a great advantage if you wake up five minutes earlier than your lecture at 9am.
Private student accommodation is more common in cities with multiple universities such as London and Leeds. They are often located in the centre of the city and attract students from all universities. This makes it an excellent way to meet other universities. However, you may need to travel further to reach your lectures.
It’s all about personal preference. Private accommodation may be the best option if you prefer to live in the heart of the city with all its excitement and energy. You might prefer to live in university halls if you want to be near campus and university buildings.
Prices
Private halls are often run for profit and have a higher cost than student halls. For this extra cost you can still expect modern facilities and luxuries like en-suite bathrooms and private kitchens. You also have a central location.
Although university halls are generally less expensive, they can be quite costly depending on what type of halls you choose and what facilities you require.
These two types of accommodation are designed to help you avoid hidden fees such as utility bills, contents and cleaning.
It is worth noting, however, that prices for university halls and private accommodation vary based on where they are located.
Social life
Students living in student accommodation are a great way for you to meet new people. You’ll typically be sharing a room with four to twelve people. You can’t choose which accommodation option you prefer.
You can request to live in a more social hall, quieter hall, or with older students in university halls. Universities will work hard to accommodate your request. Leicester Student Studio may allow you to request to live with friends or in quieter areas. You should note that you may not get the first accommodation you choose in either type.
You will usually share a kitchen, lounge, and bathroom in university student halls unless you have chosen an en suite.
Private accommodation often has communal areas. These areas may include dining areas, cinemas, and lounges for socialising. Studio apartments are available for students who need privacy. However, these may be more expensive.
To help students socialise and get to know one another, accommodation providers might host regular events.
Facilities
Private student accommodation may offer unexpected perks, such as a grand piano in Nottingham or a rental service for a surfboard in Bournemouth. Private student accommodation can often be found in newer or renovated buildings and offer better facilities than standard student halls.
Many university halls offer premium options such as double beds, superfast Internet and en-suite bathrooms. Uncatered is a choice where you can choose from catered or catered meals. This gives you a fixed amount of money that you can spend on food on campus.
Wi-Fi is included in most student accommodation. Private student accommodation often has better facilities, such as double beds, on-site gyms, and superfast Wi Fi.
You get what your pay for and halls that are more expensive – private or non-private – will usually have better facilities.
What is the maximum length of your stay?
Standard university accommodation may offer you the choice of staying for 40 weeks (September-June) or 52 weeks, but private accommodation can have longer terms and you will need to pay the full 52 weeks.
Before you make a decision, be sure to read the tenancy terms of your accommodation.