When it comes time to choose the best place to stay, it could be overwhelming, especially in the case of your first time living away from home.
There are many factors to take into account like the location, budget, as well as the number of people you’d like to live with.
Our guide to student accommodations for students in the UK will outline the pros and cons of a number of the most popular options.
4 Different types of student housing
Halls of residence
Private student halls
Private rentals
Homestay
1. Halls of residence
This is the kind of housing that the majority of first-year students choose to take.
Halls of Residence are generally administered by the school. The rooms are yours however, you’ll share other areas, like kitchens or bathrooms.
Usually located on campus, or at a minimum, in the same city or town as the university, they can be an ideal option to commute in.
You’ll be living with lots of students in your first year however, they won’t necessarily be who are on the same track as you. This is an excellent opportunity to make new friends.
It’s also an excellent first step into living outside of your home, as you’ll be able to live your life without the need to worry about landlords and the cost of utilities.
The best parts:
It’s a simple method to begin your university experience
Halls can be a wonderful place to be a part of when it comes to social aspects of college life
Since halls are typically managed by the university You’ll also receive extra assistance in case you require it
The negatives:
You’ll have no say over who you live with
They can be extremely loud
Some universities may not have halls available for each first-year student
2. Private student halls
Private student halls are comparable to residence halls, but are managed by organisations.
You might find that they can accommodate students from various universities , which is great for expanding your social circle to the next level.
For private halls you’ll have your own room , and are part of the communal spaces However, you may also find studio apartments available for extra cost. Some halls that are private have unique features like cinema rooms and saunas.
Things to check before deciding whether this kind of property is for you is whether you will have to pay any initial costs and if utility bills are included in your rent.
The best parts:
The halls have been designed and built with students in mind.
You’ll be able to meet a lot of people
The halls are typically modern and well-equipped.
The bad parts:
Like halls of residence, they can also be extremely noisy spaces to live.
Extra costs might apply
There’s no control over who you live with
Click here for student rooms Loughborough.
3. Private rentals
Private rentals is where you rent a house or flat from a landlord or letting agent.
Usually, you share your space with a group of friends or other students, you may also choose to live alone in the event that you need an individual space.
There aren’t all universities with enough room in their halls of residence, you may find that this is an option you need to examine for your very first year.
If you are in this scenario Your university should be able to assist you locate a suitable location, and could have a list of facilities that they utilize regularly.
The majority of students choose this option between their third and second years, as it’s easier to pick a spot to live in once you’ve got to know the area a bit better.
Although living in a private apartment can be more costly (you’ll have bills and rent to manage), it gives you the freedom to choose who you share your space with and where you live.
The good parts:
You live in a home with friends
You can choose where you reside – near the university, or within easy reach of the city centre or town.
There are more options available to you on the kind of property you decide to rent
The bad bits:
You’ll need to budget additional expenses like the cost of rent, deposits, bills and deposits
You’ll need to negotiate with your landlord, and resolve any issues that arise
Living with close friends isn’t always as simple as you imagine
4. Homestay
Renting a room with an existing family is a great option for students looking to have the comforts of home while they study.
Host families are inspected and approved by the university which means you can be sure that you’ll be into a safe and secure space. The university may also take any personal preferences regarding the host family you choose to stay with prior to offering you a place.
In most homestays, meals are provided which means that meals are shared among the family. This can make it a great option for international students looking to improve their English skills and experience real daily British life.
The good bits:
The friendly family atmosphere is a great option if this is your first experience away from home
The meals are typically provided
You’ll gain a unique glimpse into the culture of the country.
The bad parts:
You’ll need to comply with the rules of the host family
You may be quite a ways from the campus
It is sometimes difficult to establish friendships with other students