Home sweet home
Your uni accommodation will become your home away from home, so it’s important to pick one that will suit you. We’ve listed the most common options below.
University halls
Uni halls are blocks of furnished flats and a popular choice among first years. Typically, you’ll be living in a flat with your own private room and a shared kitchen/living room and bathroom (some rooms may offer an en-suite).
From left to right: Examples of some of the rooms available in halls: 1. A catered en-suite double bedroom, 2. Standard en-suite single room, 3. A premium single bedroom and 4. A standard single room.
Student halls can be located in various places. Campus universities will have student halls, teaching spaces, and other university facilities all in one place. Whereas city universities have accommodation and facilities spread across the city itself. To hear a student’s experience about living at university read Alice’s story.
Here are some of the pros and cons of living in halls.
Private student halls
These student halls are owned by private companies, and they operate in a similar way to university halls, sharing the same pros and cons. These halls are not exclusive to one university, and you’ll often find they cater for students from many universities and colleges. Do your research carefully to see what’s included in the costs – check for any upfront costs, what facilities they provide, and hidden bills. Other things to consider:
Private accommodation
Another popular option is to move into a privately rented house or flat, either sharing with a group of people or on your own. This also acts as a back up for those who miss out on a place in halls, or those who apply late through clearing. The university support services can help match you with other students in similar positions, giving you the opportunity to move in with other first years.
Living at home
Living at home is the most cost-effective arrangement for any student. You keep your support network and you don’t have to deal with the stress of moving.
Are there any other pros or cons you can think of that are relevant to you? Which living arrangement do you think suits you the most? Share your thoughts in the discussion below
To make an informed decision about your living arrangements, weigh up all the options your uni has to offer, don’t go for the first one if it doesn’t suit your needs.
If you need more information – speak to the uni’s accommodation office. Find out who they are, where they are based on campus and their opening times. These are the people that can help answer your questions when it comes to the practical things about university accommodation.
