When finding somewhere to live as a student, there are several different accommodation options to consider. From halls of residence to homestays, this post breaks down some of the different types of student accommodation and what makes them unique.
Halls of residence
Halls of residence are often a first choice for many first-year students. Typically owned and managed by universities, these accommodations offer a lively community atmosphere. Each student has a room furnished with a bed, desk and wardrobe. You can choose between catered or self-catered accommodation, depending on whether you want to cook for yourself or follow a meal plan – in self-catered halls of residence, multiple students will typically share kitchen facilities as well as living quarters and bathrooms.
Student flat
For those looking for a bit more independence, student flats can be an appealing option. These may be university-owned or privately owned, but are different to regular flats in that only students can apply to live in them. You can opt to rent a studio apartment to yourself, or a flat with flatmates – in this case you each still have a private bedroom, but share a communal area. The former option is better suited for those that want their own space, while the latter option is ideal for those that want to build friendships.
Shared house
Shared houses are popular in many university towns – particularly among second-year students and above who may not be eligible for halls of residence any more. This involves renting out a house that is typically privately owned. Several students typically share a house – with each student getting their own room and then communally sharing the rest of the property. Some shared houses are furnished, while others are unfurnished. When choosing this option, consider whether it is a joint tenancy agreement or separate tenancies per room.
Private halls
Also known as PBSAs (purpose-built student accommodation), private halls are like halls of residence, but are not owned by the university. They are still targeted exclusively at students, but are privately owned by another company. While some private halls are designed to match the quality of university halls of residence, others are designed to be more luxurious and may have additional amenities ranging from private gyms to cinemas. Of course, these more luxurious private halls often come at an added cost, which students cannot afford.
Homestays
Homestay accommodation involves staying with a local family. This option can be beneficial for international students wanting to improve their English language skills. Typically, homestays include a furnished private room and the option to enjoy meals cooked for you. Because you will be staying in someone’s home, you will need to respect their rules and be certain that you are likely to get on with them for the duration of your stay.
Conclusion
Choosing the right accommodation will significantly improve your university experience. Determine whether you crave independence and space, or catering and community. Different university towns and cities will have a different selection of accommodation to choose from, so bear in mind that you may not always be able to secure your dream type of accommodation.
