Uni halls vs. private accommodation: How to choose
21 October 2024By Amelia. A, Staff writer at Unite Students
Deciding where to live when you're at university can be overwhelming, and the options are sometimes endless. Between student uni halls and private accommodation – or shared housing – many students struggle to choose the right place to stay while studying.
There are pros and cons to each – so, to help you make the best choice, we’ve put together this helpful guide comparing uni halls and private accommodation. This way, you know what to expect from your student residence so you’ll be able to focus on that all-important coursework.
In this guide:
What’s the difference between uni halls and private accommodation?
Uni halls vs. private student accommodation: Which is cheaper?
What’s the difference between uni halls and private accommodation?
Both university halls and private accommodation are popular options for students, but there are some key differences between the two:
Student and university halls
University and student halls are a type of accommodation owned by the university, or a provider like Unite Students. These halls of residence are typically allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and are often located within a close proximity to university. You’ll also find they often come with shared social spaces and facilities like en-suites and study rooms.
Private accommodation and shared housing
In contrast to uni halls, private student accommodation and shared housing are not offered by your university or an affiliated provider. Also known as “private sector halls” these residences are owned by private rental companies and landlords and rented out to students. They are often houses made up of multiple rooms, rather than part of a larger accommodation village or building. With this option, you can either live on your own or share with other students, though you’ll likely be further away from uni and won’t have access to larger social spaces.
Uni halls: The pros and cons
Living in student halls can be an incredible experience. Not only do you get to live alongside fellow students, but you’re more likely to be well-placed to access your place of study.
To help you decide whether uni halls are for you, we take you through some of the main pros and cons of student halls below.
The pros of student halls
All bills included.
There’s no worrying about paying utility bills when you choose to live in uni halls. All bills are included in the price of your rent. This covers:
Gas
Electricity
Water
Broadband
Insurance
With all your bills covered, you don’t need to worry about turning the heating on in winter, and no quarrelling with your flatmates over who’s been using more hot water. You can have peace of mind knowing splitting bills will never be an issue, saving you the stress of arguing with flatmates.
Close to campus
Most student halls are situated close to university campuses. This can make it easier – and cheaper – for you to commute to and from class. Plus, if you’re not an early bird, being closer to campus can make those 9 am lectures a bit easier.
Live with friends or move in independently
If you know who you’d like to live with next year, some student halls – like Unite Students – let you make a group booking so you can live with old or new friends. You can even rebook halls with those same pals for your second or third year.
If you haven’t found a group to live with, don’t fret. You can join a flat with other students in the same boat – a great way to make new friends. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to live independently, you could opt for a studio flat for ultimate independence.
Make a group booking
Ensuite bathrooms
Lots of uni hall flats come with a private bathroom, so there’s no need to queue for a shower in the morning. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about someone using the last of your shampoo.
Exclusive to students
When you choose to live at student or university halls of residence, you know that all your neighbours are students too. This provides a great community feel and a sense of camaraderie and support. You’re more likely to meet like-minded people who’ll soon become your friends.
Better security
Uni halls tend to have excellent security measures in place to provide added peace of mind. For example, all Unite Students properties have a concierge available 24/7 and there’s CCTV in operation in all entrances. Students are also given key fobs or access cards to make sure only residents and guests can enter the building. This helps to keep you and your belongings safe and secure.
Read the personal safety leaflet
Modern, well-designed apartments
Student halls are often designed with a modern aesthetic, and provide a great blank space to get creative with and make your own. At Unite Students, all our flats are well-maintained and kitted out with everything you need to make the most of your uni experience.
On-site facilities
From on-site gyms and study rooms, to cinemas and communal spaces, you tend to get more when you choose to stay in student accommodation. Our facilities can provide the perfect escape from the hectic uni lifestyle.
Drawbacks of student halls
It can be more expensive
Student halls can cost more in upfront rent than private housing, but you often get more for your money. With all bills included, on-site security, plenty of facilities and your own bathroom, it’s worth paying a little more if you can afford it.
No private outdoor space
One of the drawbacks of living in a flat is that you won’t get a yard or a garden. But most university halls do have a communal outdoor space for residents, and you can even get parking if you need it.
Explore Unite Students accommodation options
Private accommodation – pros and cons
Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for somewhere a little more ‘homey’, private housing could be the way to go. A lot of communal areas in halls are open plan, but private housing might offer a more ‘cosy’ experience.
Discover the main pros and cons of private accommodation below.
The pros of private accommodation
Living in the student village
A lot of cities have an unofficial ‘student village’ where students live in close quarters. While this can be great for fostering a sense of community and socialising, it can also mean quite a lot of parties that may disrupt you when you’re trying to study or sleep.
Communal areas
In a private student house, you’re more likely to have a dedicated living room and a separate kitchen, which can be great for relaxing and socialising. Having a garden in a student house is also a big plus. Just bear in mind there’s no guarantee you’ll get an outdoor space in a private house – lots of student areas are made of built-up terrace streets.
More choice
From choosing which area to live in and the size of the house, to the number of bedrooms and the amount of rent you can afford to pay, there is often a little more choice with private student housing.
Can be cheaper
Depending on the type of house and location, student housing can be cheaper upfront than uni halls. There may be more opportunities to save when you stay at private sector halls, but keep in mind that bills might not be included in your rent.
Drawbacks of private housing
Further away from the university
Most private student accommodation is located further away from university than student halls, which means you’ll have to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to your lectures. This might sound fine in the summer, but can be a drag in the cold winter months – especially if it’s raining! They’re also usually further away from the city centre, which means more taxis home after nights out.
Quality of the housing
As private rentals won’t have on-site maintenance – and landlords often own multiple properties – they’re often not as well maintained. They’re mostly older properties, which can have less insulation, which can mean higher energy bills – or shivering – in the winter months. Problems with damp, mould and other issues can also happen in some rentals, and private landlords might not be as responsive to requests for maintenance and repairs.
Less legal protection
Things like maintenance issues, rental deposits and home security aren’t always water-tight when you’re renting through a private landlord.
Not as secure
Private accommodation can be located in various areas across a city, some of which may be less central, accessible and safe than others. These private sector houses may not have as many security measures in place either, so you could feel safer staying in more secure halls.
Pay your own bills
With student housing, you may have to foot the bills on top of your monthly rent. This can easily add up, as you’ll have to cover:
Electricity
Gas
Water
Broadband
Bill payments can also cause rifts between house members, with disagreements over how often to have the heating on, how long to spend in the shower, or even about paying the bills themselves.
Different sized rooms
Moving in with your friends sounds super exciting, until one of you has to take the small box room. In private accommodation, some bedrooms are bigger than others, and deciding who gets the best room is never an easy conversation.
Sharing bathrooms
Unlike many uni halls or residences, private student accommodation doesn’t usually come with an ensuite bathroom, which means sharing a bathroom with your housemates. This can cause tension if you’re all getting ready for lectures at the same time, using the same toiletries, or if some people are less tidy than others.
Furnishings and fittings
You won’t always get a fully furnished pad if you go for private student accommodation. This might mean you have to shell out for items like a desk, a TV, or even a bed, which won’t come cheap or be easy to set up.
Grab some friends and arrange a group booking with Unite.
Uni halls vs. private student accommodation: Which is cheaper?
The cost of both uni halls and private student accommodation will depend on factors such as location, property and the type of room you want. In general, student uni halls tend to be more expensive than private accommodation, but this is mainly due to the additional security, maintenance and social facilities they offer – from cinema rooms to gyms and much more.
On average, private sector accommodation – such as a rented room in a house – can cost around £155 a week for an ensuite and £228 for a studio. Meanwhile, at Unite Students, we offer ensuite rooms from approximately £165 and studios from around £255, all with access to additional amenities. Bills are always included in our prices, but this is less likely to be the case for private accommodation – making uni halls easier to budget for.
Find out more university accommodation costs in our finance support guide.
Uni halls or private?: Things to consider before choosing
Are you happy not choosing who you live with?
Leaving home and moving to university offers a great opportunity to meet new people and get a new sense of independence. Living in uni halls can provide a more authentic experience, where you’re placed with like-minded individuals who are all in the same boat as you – navigating student life.
At Unite Students, we give you the option to choose who you want to live with – great if you already have a group of friends you want to move in with. Check out our group booking page to learn more.
How long do you need to live there?
Tenancies can differ between uni halls and private houses. Most halls match their tenancies to the academic year, so you don’t need to worry about move-in and move-out dates aligning with your studies. This isn’t always the case with private accommodation, so you’ll need to discuss your move-in dates with your landlord.
Do you want to live closer to university?
Uni halls are often located closer to campus than private rentals. This can make it easier and cheaper for you to get to your campus when you need to, whether for lectures, study groups or library sessions. Private student rentals aren’t always located as close to university, so be sure to check commute times before making your choice.
Do you want common or social spaces?
Most student halls, like Unite Students, provide facilities such as common rooms, courtyards, study areas, cinema rooms and much more to make your student experience as enjoyable as possible. You can use these areas with friends or to meet new people – helping you establish a healthy study-life balance. These facilities aren’t always available at private accommodation – you’ll usually just have access to a kitchen, lounge and garden.
The verdict
Ultimately, deciding where to live for uni is all about doing what’s right for you. Whether you’re entering your first, second or third year, your comfort and safety should always come first – this way, you can focus on your studies and achieve top grades.
If you’re a private person who enjoys having your own bathroom and will feel safer with 24/7 security, choosing uni halls is probably more your style. It’s also a great option if you’re keen to make new friends.
However, if you’re looking for something in a particular location, and need to stick to a tight budget, private housing might be the way to go.
Still unsure about which accommodation to go for? It might help to do some research beforehand to help weigh up your options. This will be your new home, so make it count!
Ready to book? Check out Unite Students accommodation options in your city.
FAQs
How much does it cost to live in uni halls per week?
The cost of uni halls per week in the UK averages at around £165 for an ensuite room and £255 for studios. At Unite Students, we offer ensuite rooms from £99 in cities across the country from Sheffield to Edinburgh.
Is living in uni halls worth it?
Living in halls is worth it if you value being able to take full advantage of the university experience. There, you can live with friends, meet new people, easily commute to campus and enjoy modern rooms with lots of fun amenities like cinema rooms and gyms.
How do I book with Unite Students?
You can easily book a room with Unite Students online. Just explore our options in your chosen city, choose a suitable hall of residence and pick the room you want. From there, you’ll need to provide payment details and accept the tenancy agreement to confirm your place.
