Types of student accommodation: where do students live?
Ready to make the move to university but not sure where to live while you’re there? Or maybe you’re ready to say goodbye to university-owned halls after first year? Student information overload means the types of student accommodation available might have you a little bit confused – so we’re here to help.
To cut through the noise as you weigh up what the right move is for you, below we take a look at the three main types of student accommodation: private student accommodation (or private halls), student shared houses and university halls. As well as uncovering what these terms actually mean for you, we also answer some key questions so you can make yours an informed decision.
What is private accommodation at uni?
Private student accommodation typically refers to accommodation built specifically for students – for example, apartments or studios – in which students can rent a room. This is different to a student house share (more on that later) but is similar in that you’ll be living in a building that is privately-owned and off-campus. So, you might very well end up living in a ‘halls’-style setup that isn’t owned by your university, or somewhere that’s on the complete opposite end of the scale and nothing like halls – but the thing that all purpose-built private student accommodation has in common is that it’s been made with you in mind.
You might be a fresher or postgraduate student who’s keen to live off-campus from day one, or a second or third year who wants to expand your horizons beyond university halls. Private student accommodation is a solution that ticks the boxes if you’re looking for further independence and fewer restrictions than uni halls, but with added benefits that come with the place being tailored to students.
This could mean greater ease when it comes to making a group booking with friends, taking the hassle out of house hunting; or your own private space that’s more than just a bedroom in a house, e.g. a room with en-suite or a self-contained studio, complemented by shared social spaces so you still have that sense of community.
Our Student Roost properties are purpose-built and have bags of style and character, from listed buildings to canalside rooms (check out those views!), so you and your pals can choose to live somewhere a bit different. You can enjoy the freedom of being off-campus while still being supported by our property teams, available 24/7. With less of the everyday ‘maintenance’ stuff to worry about, it’s easy to build the student life you want in private student accommodation. Discover how we're more than a room...
What are private rented student houses?
Student shared houses are where groups of students live under one roof and club together to pay rent in a house owned by a private landlord.
Private halls and accommodation are similar to student houses of multiple occupancy in that your friendship circle can choose to settle in one property but, rather than being a house on a residential street that students can live in, they’ve been developed specifically for students. Student rented housing could be close to campus or on a street or suburb some way out from uni, so keep in mind nearby amenities so you can do your weekly shop or decent transport links for those early morning lectures.
Like private student accommodation, student housing offers freedom to come and go as you please, but you’ll also get life experience points for staying on top of bills and the paperwork that comes with adulting – although lots of private student accommodation includes bills in your rent so you won’t have to worry about that. Remember too that you may have non-student neighbours if your house share is the only student house on your street and, even though you’ll be able to report problems to your landlord, you may have to wait a while for the plumber to fix that leaky pipe.
What about university halls?
You may have already spent a year or longer in university halls but for anyone who’s new to the world of student accommodation, here goes: university halls are university-owned properties dedicated to housing students during their time at uni. Most universities will have halls on or close to campus, so you’ll likely be in the thick of the action, and this will probably mean you have your own bedroom in a block where you share communal spaces and a bathroom (although en-suites may be available).
If you’re keen on being right on campus, then university halls should be a good fit for you but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to take your pick of rooms, especially as a first year. This could be a great way to meet new people and throw yourself into the uni experience, but it also means you could end up sharing with strangers who you don’t necessarily click with. Postgraduate students may find they need more space, and although living on campus may have its perks you could find there are more restrictions in place.
So, how do I choose the right student accommodation?
It’s a good idea to check with your institution what’s on offer in terms of university halls and housing so you can explore other options like private student accommodation/ private halls and private student housing to determine the right move to make. Choosing student accommodation may be a source of anxiety for you, as any student wants to feel at home in order to enjoy uni and do well in their degree; but don’t stress and instead reach out to providers and book viewings (virtual if you can’t visit the property) to feel comfortable in your decision.
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.
