How to pick the right student accommodation

In fact, we asked students to tell us about their living situation as part of our annual survey – this is what they said:



Wherever you choose to live will have a big impact on your wallet. The Accommodation Costs Survey 2018 – conducted by Unipol and the National Union of Students (NUS) – found that the average rental bill took up 73% of the maximum student loan.

Plus, making the wrong housing decision can put a damper on your uni experience (or for however long your contract is).

Here are some quick pros and cons of the main housing options available to students, including tips to pick the right one for you:

Student accommodation types

University halls

Most first year students are allocated a place in university-managed accommodation or ‘halls’, which certainly has its advantages.

In terms of making friends, living with other students is a great way to get to know people you may end up becoming good friends with (and even living with next year). Note, some university-managed halls might not be on campus, but located in the local city or town instead.

You’re also conveniently located, so you don't have to worry about commuting in daily for lectures, group work or to use the library (as well as for the more fun stuff like societies, clubs and activities put on by your student union).

If you’re going to be living away from home for the first time, halls can also be good preparation for living in the private-rented sector as you have many of the benefits of independence, but without needing to think about the complications of utility bills or landlords. You’re also likely to be well supported by the housing office or university itself if anything goes wrong.
 
Pros:

• Social scene: a good chance to meet lots of students in one place
• It's the 'halfway' house option: easing you gently in to living away from home
• You're not alone: extra support will be available from your university if you need it.

Cons:

• Being thrown in at the deep end: you don't get to choose who you live with
• No guarantees: you might not get a place in your preferred accommodation
• Living near to lots of students: get used to putting up with noise and mess!

University halls: 10 things you'll only learn after moving in

 

Private student halls

A second option in some areas is to go for a room in a purpose-built student living complex, an option that is growing in popularity; Unipol and the NUS found that private halls made up half of student bed spaces in the UK.

The set-up is similar to halls managed by universities – you have your own room and you share communal areas like a kitchen or TV room – but it's owned by a private company. Studio apartments may be available too (though these are usually pricier). Private hall providers are quite common in big cities like London or Manchester, which have several universities based there (and thus lots of students looking for a place to live).

If you’re considering this option, make sure you do some research into what you'll be getting for your money ie bills that are included (including any upfront costs you'll need to account for) and facilities on site.

Private halls can be a great way to expand your social circles, as you may find students from other universities in the same building. When browsing providers, check what communal spaces are available plus any regular activities or events for residents to meet and socialise.

Your university will have an approved list of private accommodation providers, and may even have a more formal partnership in place with one already (especially if they don't have enough places in their own halls to meet demand).

The majority of the university halls are out of the centre, but I stayed in a private halls situated right on the city campus, near the shopping centre and all the best nightlife. Third Year Psychology Student | Nottingham Trent University

Pros:

• Built for students: so the same advantages as students in university halls apply
• Mod cons: handy perks such as wi-fi can be part of the package
• Location, location: you'll be close to all the student action (not necessarily limited to just your university).

Cons:

• Extra costs: factor in any up-front or additional costs, while studio rentals will be pricier
• Unnecessary perks: some private halls have plush extras (eg saunas, cinema rooms), which look cool but you may never actually use
• Same student pitfalls apply: noise, not choosing who you live with, mess and so on.

Learn more about housing at your university. Search for a university profile for key stats and info in one place.

 

Private accommodation

Others may prefer not to live in halls of any kind and move straight into the private rented sector, where you rent a house or flat with a group from a landlord or letting agent.

Sometimes it'll be your choice – if you're a mature student who wants their own living space outside the realms of university, for instance.

Other times, it might not be – not all universities are able to guarantee a place in halls of residence for all first-year students (it's a good question to ask at an open day) – so you could be among those who miss out, especially if you've come through Clearing or are late with your application.

Don't have a place in halls? Check our advice for finding housemates if you're a first year student.

Living in a privately rented property can be appealing as it enables you to decide exactly where you live and who with. While it can be tricky to find those in a similar position and organise viewings if you haven't moved to university yet, your housing office can assist you with this eg matching you up with others, recommending approved lists of landlords etc. 

You can also try any student-focused letting agents in the area, as well as dedicated sites like Unihomes, to find a house. 

Most students move into privately rented accommodation after first year anyway (while it's also further preparation for post-uni life).

I didn’t live in halls first year, but found a nice private flat with a spare room close to my uni through Gumtree. My room was large, spacious, and had everything I needed. The landlord sometimes needed a bit of chasing up to fix anything, but otherwise I loved it. Fourth Year Medicine Student | University Of Bristol

Pros:

• Independence: you're in charge of where and with whom you're living
• Local area: whereas your university's halls might all be on campus, private housing options actually in town can make you feel part of the local community more
• Flexibility: the private rental market is packed with different living options to suit you.

Cons:

• Further out: you may find yourself outside the main campus
• Managing bills: you'll need to budget, especially if you've never lived away from home before
• Dealing with admin: you'll be dealing direct with a landlord or letting agent. Over one in ten students we surveyed (Which? University Student Survey 2019) said they had issues with their landlord, while 13% had issues with their letting agent.

Freshers' survival: electricity and gas bills - including what to do when moving in and tips to keep bills down

 

 

Living at home

Living at home works well for many students as it can significantly cut your costs (and is the one option that doesn’t involve packing up all your worldly goods and relocating). This could make all the difference depending on how much you receive in student finance and your overall budget.

You might be concerned that this will have an impact on your ability to meet other students; but while it might require a little more effort and planning, you’re sure to meet plenty of people, both in and out of your lectures. Sports clubs, societies and students’ union events are a great place to start.

Lived with my mum for two first years. Plus points: food, no noisy neighbours, no rent or money issues, free laundry service. Downsides: making friends can be harder and the rules of the house are made by parents. Third Year Film Studies Student | University Of The West Of England - Bristol

Pros:

• Hassle-free: no moving, no upheaval
• The old cliché: someone else taking care of cooking, cleaning, laundry...?
• Cheap: should save you money overall.

Cons:

• Away from studentville: you'll need alternative ways to meet people
• Someone else's roof: that means someone else's rules.

See what students said about their university's accommodation (and much more). Search for a uni to read their comments...