Guide

Picking the right type of student accommodation

Halls? Private halls? Shared house? Here’s how to choose what fits your budget, lifestyle, and study plans.

Student using laptop for accommodation search — Bills-included options can make your first year simpler.

First year students at some universities and colleges, may be offered accommodation in student halls. These halls are often on campus or near the university or college concerned. It can be challenging getting to know a new area, so living within halls where bills are usually included, and you are with other new students, can make life a lot easier and be reassuring.

However, come your second year, you may be required to find your own accommodation. Again, you can go for halls designed for students but privately owned. Or you could go for a house share with a group of university friends. This second option can often be more cost effective if you are on a budget as are many students.

Although student rental accommodation has been significantly improved over the years and all landlords are required to meet current HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) guidelines, you may have to forgo such luxuries as an ensuite in this type of accommodation. However, you may think the financial benefit outweighs such considerations and of course it can be fun to share with friends.

Tip: If you’re sharing, look for properties accredited by your students’ union or university. Many include high-speed internet and have clearer standards.

If you do decide to go for a private house rent share it would be prudent to look at houses set up for students and therefore registered with or accredited by your university. Some of these types of rentals also include bills and highspeed Internet making life easier for you.

Checklist when comparing options

Commute time to lectures and late library hours
Included bills (electric, water, internet)
Safety & lighting on your route home
Noise levels and study space
Contract length and break clauses

You can search for student properties on your university website or you can search the whole rental sector on AllTheProperties where we also do our best to include properties listed on university websites, something that most websites don't offer.

It is important to select carefully the area in which you will be living. You may want to live in the city for a change if your campus is out of town. However, make sure there are good bus routes to and from your university and the area you choose is student friendly with plenty of amenities nearby such as takeaways, gyms, shops etc.

Wherever you choose to live, make sure you search…