Trying to figure out where to live at uni? It’s not just about location. It’s about the type of student accommodation you live in too. Will you choose uni halls, house shares or purpose-built student accommodation? And what about room type? From en-suites to studios, there’s a lot to think about – but trust us, whatever your student lifestyle, the perfect option for you is out there.
This guide covers all your student accommodation options, with the pros and cons of each, so you can make the decision with confidence.
Want to dig deeper into specific room types? Our guide to types of student room is a great place to start.
What are university halls of residence?
University halls (often called 'halls of residence' or just 'halls') are accommodation owned and managed by a university, typically filled with first-year undergraduates. They're usually located on or very close to campus, which makes them incredibly convenient, especially when you're finding your feet in a new city.
In the UK, halls of residence are quite different from American-style university dorms. In the US, it's common to share a room with another student. In the UK, you'll almost always get your own room, whether that's an en-suite (with your own private bathroom) or a standard room with shared bathroom facilities down the corridor. Occasionally, in some older or more oversubscribed halls, you might share a room with one other student, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
University halls offer a catered or self-catered experience. Catered halls include some meals in the price. Self-catered means you've got access to a shared kitchen and cook for yourself.
Pros and cons of university halls
✅ Pros
- Great for meeting people — everyone's in the same boat
- Usually on or near campus
- Bills often included in your rent
- On-site support from residential staff
- Ready-made social scene from day one
❌ Cons
- Less flexibility in room types and layouts
- Can be noisy - you're living with a lot of people
- Less privacy than private accommodation
- Often only available to first year students
- Quality can vary significantly between universities
What are uni halls vs student dorms?
If you've watched American films or TV shows set at university, you might be expecting to share a room with a stranger and have a communal bathroom on every floor. That's the classic American-style 'dorm' (short for dormitory). In the UK, we don't really do it that way.
UK students typically have their own private room, even in halls, with either an en-suite bathroom or shared bathroom facilities. The social experience is similar (lots of people, lots of noise, lots of fun), but you get to close your door at the end of the day. The term 'dorms for students' is sometimes used in the UK, but it usually refers to halls of residence or purpose-built student accommodation, not shared-room dorms.
What is private student accommodation?
Private student accommodation (also known as purpose-built student accommodation, or PBSA) is student housing managed by a private company rather than a university. It's designed specifically for students, with shared communal spaces, on-site support teams and a social calendar but it's not affiliated with any particular university. Students studying at any uni in the city can live there.
Student Roost properties are a great example of private sector halls. Our buildings are designed with students in mind - think en-suite rooms, studio apartments, social spaces, gyms, cinema rooms and all-inclusive bills. Unlike university halls, our accommodation is typically available to students at any stage of their studies, from first years to postgraduates.
Private student accommodation is often located close to multiple universities and in desirable city-centre locations. Browse our room types guide to see what Student Roost offers.
Pros and cons of private student accommodation
✅ Pros
- Available to all students, not just first years
- Wide range of room types (en-suite, studio, apartment)
- High-quality facilities (gym, cinema, social spaces)
- All bills usually included - no nasty surprises
- 24/7 on-site support
- Strong social community with events and activities
❌ Cons
- Can be slightly more expensive than some university halls
- Not directly on university campus
What are student house shares?
A student house share is a different type of private student accommodation. Rather than living in a managed building, you rent a house or flat with a group of friends (or strangers matched by a letting agent) directly from a private landlord. House shares are popular with second and third year students who want more independence and lower rent.
The experience is very different from living in halls or purpose-built accommodation. You'll be responsible for setting up utilities, splitting bills, managing a deposit and dealing with any maintenance issues through your landlord. It can be brilliant - living with friends in your own space is a rite of passage for many students - but it also requires more organisation.
Pros and cons of student house shares
✅ Pros
- Usually the most affordable option
- More independence and privacy
- Can live with existing friends
- Often larger rooms than halls
- Feels more like 'real life' living
❌ Cons
- Bills not usually included - you manage them yourself
- Requires more organisation
- Quality varies significantly between properties
- May be further from campus
- Deposit required (up to 5 weeks' rent)
- No on-site support team
Types of student room
Some types of student room are only available in certain types of student accommodation. So it’s worth working out what type of room you want before you choose your accommodation.
What is a student studio?
A studio room (sometimes called a studio flat) is a self-contained living space where your bedroom, kitchen and bathroom are all within the same unit. There are no shared communal areas, everything is yours. Studios are particularly popular with postgraduate students, international students and anyone who values their privacy or needs a quiet space to focus.
Student studios vary in size and spec. At the basic end, you'll have a compact space with a kitchenette, a bed and an en-suite shower room. At the premium end, you might have a separate living area, a full kitchen, a double bed and space for a proper desk setup. At Student Roost, studios are fully furnished and all-inclusive - just bring your stuff and move in.
You’ll usually only find studios in private student accommodation.
Who might choose a student studio?
- Postgraduates or final-year students who need to focus
- Students in a relationship who want a bit more privacy
- International students who want the security of their own self-contained space
- Students who just really value peace and quiet (relatable)
What is an en-suite room?
An en-suite room is a bedroom with a private attached bathroom, so you don't have to share a shower or toilet with other people in your flat. The bedroom is yours, but the kitchen and living areas are shared with other students in the same apartment or flat.
En-suite rooms are the most popular room type in purpose-built student accommodation. They give you privacy where it matters most (the bathroom), while still giving you shared communal spaces where it's easy to meet people and socialise. They're usually more affordable than studios too.
You’ll find en-suite rooms in private student accommodation, as well as some uni halls and student house shares.
Who might choose an en-suite student room?
- First-year students who want to meet people
- Students on a budget who still want their own bathroom
- Anyone who wants the social benefits of shared living without sharing a bathroom
What is a student apartment?
A student apartment is a step up from a standard room in halls. Rather than sharing with a large group of strangers in a big building, you'll typically share with a smaller group (say, two to six people) in a self-contained flat. Each person has their own bedroom (often en-suite) and you share a kitchen and living space.
Some student apartments at Student Roost are available as one or two-bedroom flats - ideal if you want to live with just one other person, or if you're a couple looking for more privacy.
You’ll usually only find student apartments in private student accommodation. Some private landlords offer student apartments for rent but these aren’t fully managed – this means you won’t get all bills included or 24/7 on-site support.
Who might choose a student apartment?
- People who want to live with a smaller group of students than in halls
- Students who want to live with just one other person
- Student couples who want more privacy
On the fence? Get in touch with us at Student Roost to find out more about our properties in cities across the UK and how we offer the independence of living in a student house along with tailored support, flexible payment options and fantastic facilities that we’re confident will enhance your student experience.
Check out our Help & Advice FAQs for more information, as well as answers to some common questions below.
Frequently asked questions
