Student accommodation options in the UK
Once you know you’re coming to the UK one of the first things you’ll want to short out is where you’ll be living, because it certainly isn’t something you want to leave to the last minute!
The good news is that the UK has a lot of options when it comes to student accommodation, and you’ll be able to find something relatively easily on your budget. And here we give you the main options along with the pros and cons.
Private purpose-built student accommodation
Private purpose-built student accommodation is always in good locations with plenty of amenities, such as shops, restaurants, nearby and often in walking distance or very near to university campuses.
They tend to be modern, and some are modelled on luxury hotels! You will get a furnished room with a bed, desk, and storage as well as spaces to socialise and study. Some even have on-site gyms (flashy). And you will have staff to look after you and organise social events so you can meet other students.
Pros to private purpose-built student accommodation
- You pay one fee that covers your room and all amenities
- You are likely to meet students studying not just at your university
- You will have staff looking after you
Cons to private purpose-built student accommodation
- Your room is likely to be small and you will have to share the communal spaces with other students
- The cooking facilities may be limiting
- The cost of living in this kind of accommodation is higher than other options
University run student accommodation
University accommodation (commonly known as student halls) is popular with both home and international students in their first year and is generally a budget friendly option. However, it is rare for home students in their second year to stay in halls, but it remains a popular choice for international students to choose this option until they graduate.
Halls can be modern, but some can be dated and shabby looking, and with some you won’t get a bathroom in your room, instead you will have to share it with other students.
One of the big advantages of staying in student halls has to be that you are likely to be on campus or very near to your university so you will save money and time commuting to your lessons.
Pros to University run student accommodation
- Budget friendly option
- All first-year students are offered university accommodation
- A good way to get to know students studying at your university
Cons to University run student accommodation
- You may have to share a bathroom with other students
- The accommodation maybe dated and not have a lot of amenities
- The communal areas may get noisy and untidy
Private houses or flats
In the UK there is always a good supply of houses and flats near universities. This option may suit you if you want to live on your own, want to live with friends or are moving with your family.
You may choose to rent a whole place or take a room, which is called a flat or house share, and could mean you end up sharing with students or even locals.
This option will mean you have to find the property yourself although you can get help from your university or Students’ Unions, as they often provide lists of approved estate agents and landlords.
Whilst this option can work out to be cheaper don’t forget to ask what bills are included in the rent and factor in what you might have to pay for such as the cost of the internet, water, gas, and electricity. And you might also be liable for repairs if things break in the property, such as the washing machine or the shower.
Finally, you will have to liaise with a private landlord. But don’t worry, there are a lot of protections for tenants in the UK, such as the Tenancy Fee Act, which means that deposits are capped at five weeks-worth of rent.
Pros to a private house or flat
- Living in a house or flat is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the local culture
- There is greater privacy, and you can save money by cooking at home.
- You can choose to live by yourself, which will provide a calmer, tidier and quieter environment.
Cons to a private house or flat
- Neighbourhoods that are most convenient for your commute to university might be expensive
- In most cases you will be responsible for all bills and maintaining the property, including the garden, if it has one
- If you don’t live with other students, it might be more difficult to make friends which could lead to loneliness
Living with a host family
If you’re looking for a home away from home, have you considered living with a host family? There are numerous websites that can pair international students with local host families, depending on what they need. You’ll need to fill in an application to help narrow down what you need and then you’ll be presented with some options that best match. For example, you can choose to stay with a host family that offers meal plans like breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner. Or you can go with the self-catering option, where you have full access to the host’s kitchen.
Pros to living with a host family
- You will get to know the local culture much better, and it will help improve your British English
- The rent money you pay is likely to cover all bills and may include some meals
- This could be a cheap option
Cons to living with a host family
- You might not be able to invite friends over
- You may have to be home at a certain time for meals
You may miss out on university life.