Choosing the right place to live can be tough, especially if it’s your first time moving out.
You need to think about different things like where you want to live, how much money you have, and how many people you want to live with.
Our guide to finding a place to live as a student in the UK will tell you the good and bad things about some of the most popular choices.
There are 4 different kinds of places where students can live.
- Halls of residence
- Private student halls
- Private rentals
- Homestay
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Halls of residence
This is the kind of place that most new students choose to stay in.
Usually, the university takes care of managing the halls of residence. You will have a room just for yourself, but you will need to share the kitchen and bathroom with others.
These places are usually on campus, or at least in the same town or city as the university. They are a good choice for traveling to and from the university.
You will live with many other first-year students, who may not be studying the same course as you. This can be a great opportunity to make new friends.
This can also be a good start to living on your own because you will have your freedom, but you won’t have to stress about landlords and paying for utilities.
The good parts:
- It’s a no-hassle way to start your university life
- Halls are a great place to live when it comes to the social aspects of student life
- As halls are normally managed by the university, you’ll get extra support if you need it
The bad parts:
- You’ll have no say over who you live with
- They can be very noisy
- Not all universities will have a place in halls for every first-year student
Private student halls
Private student halls are basically like dormitories, but they are run by companies instead of universities.
You may discover that they welcome students from various universities, which is great for meeting new people and making more friends.
In private halls, you will have a room to yourself and share communal spaces with other people. Sometimes, you can pay extra to have a studio flat instead. Some private halls have cool extras like movie rooms and heated rooms.
Before you decide if this type of accommodation is suitable for you, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, find out if there are any costs that you need to pay upfront before moving in. Additionally, check if the rental fees already include utility bills such as electricity, water, and gas.
The good parts:
- The halls are designed and built with students in mind
- You’ll get to meet lots of different people
- The halls are normally modern and well equipped
The bad parts:
- Just like halls of residence, they can be very noisy places to live
- Extra costs might apply
- You’ll have no say over who you live with
Private rentals
Private rentals are when you pay a landlord or letting agent to live in a house or apartment that they own.
Usually, when you have a group of friends or other students, you would share your living space with them. However, if you prefer having your own personal area, you can choose to live alone.
Not all universities have enough rooms for students to live on campus, so you might have to consider other options for your first year.
If you are in this situation, your university can usually assist you in finding a suitable place to live. They may have a list of approved properties that they frequently recommend.
Many students will pick this choice during their second and third years because it’s simpler to choose a place to live once they are familiar with the area.
Living in a private rental may cost more because you have to pay rent and bills, but it allows you to choose who you live with and where you live.
The good parts:
- You get to live with friends
- You can choose where you live – close to the university, or within easy reach of the town or city centre
- You’ve got more options on the type of property you choose to rent
The bad parts:
- You’ll have to budget for more expenses such as bills, deposits and rent
- You will have to deal with a landlord and manage any problems that arise yourself
- Living with close friends is not always as easy as you imagine
Homestay
Renting a room with a local family is a good choice for students who want a cozy and home-like environment while they’re studying.
The university checks and agrees that host families are safe, so you don’t have to worry about going to a dangerous place. The university can consider your preferences for choosing your roommate before giving you a place to stay.
Homestays usually provide meals which are shared with the family. International students who want to improve their English and have a taste of real British life can consider this as a good choice.
The good parts:
- The welcoming family environment can be good if it’s your first time away from home
- Meals are usually provided
- You’ll get a unique insight into the culture of the country
The bad parts:
- You’ll have to abide by the host family’s rules
- You could be living a long way from the campus
- It can be harder to make friends with other students
If you don’t know what kind of place to stay in, contact us and one of our friendly advisors will help you figure it out.
Book Accommodation with us
Students Accommodation available all over UK