When it comes to selecting the ideal accommodation, it might feel overwhelming, especially when this is your first time living away from your home.
There are a variety of factors to be considered such as location, budget, and the amount of people you would like to live with
Our guide to student accommodation within the UK will explain the pros and cons of several of the most sought-after options.
4 Different kinds of student accommodation
Halls of residence
Private student halls
Private rentals
Homestay
1. Halls of residence
This is the kind of residence that the majority of first year students opt for.
Halls of residence are normally managed by the university. They will provide you with a room however, you’ll share other areas, like kitchens or bathrooms.
Most often, they are located on campus or in the same city or town as the school They can be an excellent choice for those who commute in.
You’ll live with lots of first-year students however, they won’t necessarily be on the same course as you. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends.
It’s also a great way to take your starting point to start living away from home as you’ll gain independence, but you won’t need to worry about landlords or the cost of utilities.
The good things:
It’s a hassle-free option to kick off your college life
Halls can be a wonderful place to be a part of when it comes to the social aspects of college life
Because halls are administered by the school In addition, you’ll be provided with additional assistance when you need it
The bad parts:
You’ll never have a say in the people you live with
They are very loud
There aren’t all schools that will offer halls available for each first-year student
2. Private student halls
Private student halls have a similar structure to residence halls, but they are managed by different organizations.
You may find that they’ll accept students from several different universities , which is great for expanding your circle of friends even more.
If you’re in private halls, it’s likely that you’ll have the privacy of your own home and have shared spaces with other people, but you’ll sometimes find studio flats for rent at an extra cost. Some halls that are private have cool features like saunas and cinema rooms.
Things to check before deciding whether this type of Leicester uni accommodation is suitable for you is whether there are any upfront charges and whether utility costs are included in the rent.
The best parts:
The halls were made to accommodate students.
You’ll get to meet lots of people from all walks of life.
The halls are typically modern and well equipped
The bad parts:
As with halls of the residence, they can be extremely noisy spaces to live.
Extra costs might apply
There’s no control over who you share your space with.
3. Private rentals
Private rentals are where you rent a house or flat from a landlord or letting agent.
Usually, you share your space with a group of friends or students, you may choose to live alone when you feel that you require your own space.
Not all universities offer enough room in their halls of residence, you could consider this as an option you need to look at for your first year.
If you find yourself in this position then your school will typically be able to assist you find a suitable place, and might have a listing of facilities that they utilize regularly.
Most students will choose this option during their third and second years, as it’s easier to choose a location to live in once you’ve got to know the area better.
While living in a private apartment can be more costly (you’ll have bills and rent to pay) It also offers the freedom to choose who you share your space with and where you live.
The good things:
You live in a home with friends
You are able to choose where you reside close to the university, or close to the town or city centre
There are more options available to you on the type of property you choose to lease
The bad parts:
You’ll need to budget more expenses such as charges, deposits and rent
You’ll need to negotiate with a landlord and manage any issues that may arise on your own
Being close to your friends can be as difficult as you think.
4. Homestay
A room rented by the family of a nearby resident is an excellent option for students looking to have some of the home comforts when they’re studying.
Host families are scrutinized and accepted by the university, therefore you can rest assured that you’ll be into a safe environment. The university can also consider your preferences about the host family you choose to stay with prior to offering you a place.
The meals are usually catered with meals shared with the family. This can make it the ideal choice for international students who wish to practice their English abilities and experience daily British life.
The good things:
The family-friendly atmosphere could be a good thing if it’s your first time leaving your home
Meals are usually provided
You’ll get a unique insight into the culture of the country
The bad bits:
You’ll need to follow the host family’s rules
It is possible that you are far away from the campus
It is sometimes difficult to form bonds with fellow students
