Do you need help deciding where to live in university? We will help you understand the pros and cons for each option.
Now it’s time for you to choose the place where you want live.
Although it is the most exciting part of the university experience, choosing the right accommodation can prove daunting. Are you wondering if there are student houses or student halls? Each year, this question is a major stressor for students.
To make it easier for you, we will go over all of the options and their pros and cons in order to help find the best uni room. You don’t have to choose between the right and wrong answers.
Renting a place is expensive. Students typically spend £148 per week. This means it’s important to take your own time and find the right place. It’s important to choose somewhere that best suits you and your lifestyle.
You have many choices when it comes to university living
Student halls
Student house
Living at home
Private halls
Keep in mind that regardless of where you live, a deposit will be required before you move in. Here’s how to get the deposit back at the termination of your tenancy.
Options for University Accommodation
Your choice of where you live at university is completely up to your! Our most recent Student Accommodation Survey revealed that student houses were the Leicester uni accommodation option of choice, with 40% preferring them to other types.
27% of students reside in university-owned halls. 13% live in private halls. 13% are at home with their parents. Here are the pros, cons and brief overviews of each.
University halls
Best for the ‘freshers adventure’
University halls can be described as accommodation provided by the university. These accommodation come in all sizes and shapes. However, you’ll typically live in a flat with your personal room and a common kitchen/living space. You can have as many as you like in your flat, but it’s up to you.
There are many factors which will impact the cost of university residences:
You can choose whether you want an en-suite room or a shared bathroom.
You can choose halls that are close or far from the university campus.
It does not matter whether you prefer self-catered or catered accommodations.
The cost of university halls is difficult to calculate, but our National Student Accommodation Survey has shown that the average price per week is £147. If you’re looking for an en-suite in self catering halls on campus, expect a higher price than if it were the reverse.
Most universities will guarantee you a place in university halls if you and your first-year student both apply by the deadlines.
If you live within a certain area of the uni, your chances of getting a hall spot are slim. For more information contact your uni
While you are allowed to select the halls of your choice, it’s not a guarantee.
You should remember that your room will be assigned randomly. Sometimes you won’t even find out who your roommate or partner is until you show up the first morning. That’s both exciting and scary.
To make you feel more comfortable, many universities offer flats for single or mixed-sex students.
Some unis offer transfer options. These allow you to move flats if you don’t like the place you live or with whom you live.
The majority of students choose to live in halls of residence during their first year, then find a group of friends with whom they can move into a private home.
However, most unis allow you the privilege of staying in halls throughout your degree.
Student house
Best for: Independent living cheap
A student house will be the best choice if you plan to move to university. There are hundreds upon hundreds of student letting companies that can offer you houses, so there is plenty to choose from.
Three main options are available if you’re looking for a student residence:
Group of friends renting a house together (e.g. Finding a four-bed house to rent for you and three other friends
You can find a spare room in your house
You may be looking for a studio/one-bed apartment. This option would be more expensive.
If you decide to go with the second option, you can visit Spareroom to search for a room at an already-occupied home. This allows you to meet new flatmates, and to determine whether or not you will be compatible.
You can also choose your room in the house from some landlords or letting agents. You won’t be able to tell who you are living with until you move, as with halls.
Rent with bills includes some landlords. This saves you the hassle of organizing and splitting your monthly bills. This can be expensive and time-consuming. To learn how to organize student bills, check out our comprehensive guide.
Student houses can have problems because landlords can sometimes be unreliable or hard to work with, and they can also be expensive. Find out the top issues in student housing, and don’t let this house ruin your chances of finding a better place.
If your budget permits, it is a smart idea to live in a student housing for at most one year. This will help prepare you for graduate living.
Additionally, living in a home is more peaceful than living in halls. Because you are sharing your space with only a few people rather than 50+, it should be easier to study at the house.
Living at home
Best for: Home comforts and saving Money
The decision to live at home or not for uni will depend on your personal situation and preferences. But, it is worth keeping in mind that renting a room can help you save money.
Many students are unable to leave their homes because of the cost and/or because they have obligations at home that prevent them from moving. If this is the situation, you will still have many opportunities to experience the university experience.
If you are interested in joining many societies and clubs, talk to your fellow students and get involved as much as possible. You will make lots and lots of new friends, and you will no doubt be offered lots and lots of sofas after nights out.
You will save tons of money by not having to pay rent. Although your parents may ask for monthly contributions, it is important to remember that you will be eligible for a smaller Maintenance Grant from Student Finance if the home you live in is your primary residence.
Private halls
Best for: Tailormade student living
Cost: PSPS-PSPSPS.
Private halls are similar to uni halls. However, they’re offered by an independent company instead of your university.
They are designed to be student-friendly and become more and more common. Private halls have a variety of great features, including onsite gyms and flat-screen TVs for bedrooms. But, keep in mind that the more luxury a flat has the higher its price.
They’re often located in cities with many universities. Flats are furnished in the same way as uni halls. There are private rooms, communal kitchens, living areas and a common kitchen.
Private halls are an option for many. You should be aware that some private halls can be quite expensive if you want to save money.
