With all the excitement and pressure of getting into university, or just getting through another year, important things like accommodation can slip under the radar. The good news is you’ve already applied for uni, and we’re sure you’ve chosen the best city to study in, so the difficult part is over. However, there are so many factors and options to consider when looking at student housing that it can be a daunting task.
Luckily, it’s never too late or early to start looking, so to help you with your search, we’ve put together a simple guide to explain the different options available to students to help you find the perfect place to live.
If you’re thinking of moving away for university there are three main choices of accommodation available; University owned halls of residence, private halls of residence or privately rented shared housing.
HALLS OF RESIDENCE
Halls of residence are flats or houses that are shared with around four to seven other people. They are often located on, or close to, the university campus and offer a range of options from en-suite, shared bathrooms or even studio apartments. Halls of residence are popular with first year students as they are a great first step into living by yourself in a new area.
Pros:
- Lots of options to suit different budgets.
- An opportunity to meet other students at your university.
- Usually close to campus.
Cons:
- Can be expensive as you are paying for convenience and higher quality housing.
- Some accommodation may be strict on rules such as volume or having guests.
Things to consider:
When looking at halls of residence it is important to consider budgets and decide what would be the best place for you, for example, an en-suite is not a necessity.
PRIVATE HALLS OF RESIDENCE
Private halls of residence are typically flats that are shared with a group of other students; either strangers or people of your choosing, such as friends or a partner. They offer a range of options from en-suite, shared bathrooms or even studio apartments, and often include other extra amenities such as cinema rooms or gyms included with your rent. Private halls of residence are popular with students from all year groups as a they allow more freedom than university owned accommodation, whilst still being supportive of students.
Pros:
- Lots of options to suit different budgets.
- Often extra amenities like cinema rooms or gyms included.
- Often includes bills within the rent so budgeting is made easier.
Cons:
- More expensive than other accommodation options.
- Usually further from campus.
Things to consider:
When looking at private halls of residence, it’s important to remember whether the extra amenities, such as cinema rooms, are worth the higher rent. Often companies will emphasise the high-end facilities to hide the larger cost and further distances from campus. Think about what your priorities are when looking at places to live; for example, is a gym worth having, if that means you’re then having to walk an extra half hour to university?
SHARED HOUSING
Another option when looking for student accommodation is privately renting a house or flat as a group. Renting privately offers a completely different university experience as you have more freedom, however this does bring extra responsibilities.
Pros:
- Can choose to live with a group of friends or peers rather than strangers.
- Often cheaper than halls of residence.
- More freedom and independence.
Cons:
- More potential for conflict with housemates.
- Often responsible for paying the utility bills separately to rent.
- More responsibility to maintain and clean the home.
Things to consider:
To ensure you find the best place to live we would recommend asking your university for a list of trusted landlords or letting agents. When viewing houses, it is also useful to ask the current tenants their opinion of the house as they will likely offer an honest, unbiased opinion and maybe even useful advice. Check out our guide on what to look for in a student house.
LIVING AT HOME
Another possibility to consider when looking at places to live is staying at home and commuting to university. Whilst this is a different university experience, it may be the one best suited to you.
Pros:
- Cheaper rent and bills.
- Access to family support.
- Familiar environment.
Cons:
- Less freedom and independence.
- Often involves a longer commute to university.
Things to consider:
It is important to note that living at home will reduce the amount of student loan available to you. However, while this means you will have less money to spend during the year, it’s also less money to pay back when you have completed your studies and your income is over a certain threshold.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q) When should I start looking for student housing?
A) As soon as possible, there will always be something available, but the best accommodation goes first. If you are planning on sharing with a large group of people, then definitely sooner rather than later.
Q) How do I find student accommodation?
A) Look at local letting agents and ask about student deals and leases. It is useful to ask the university for a list of trusted landlords and letting agents, to get the best experience. Don’t be afraid to ask students in the years above, they have gone through what you’re going through and will have many useful tips and advice.
Q) How much is student accommodation?
A) Rent for student accommodation varies across the UK and depends on several factors including the area you wish to live; for example, accommodation close to campus or town will be more expensive than more remote areas.
Q) How do I pay for student accommodation?
A) You will be able to use your maintenance loan to pay for most if not all of your rent and it will likely be paid by semester, although you may be able to discuss paying it when your loan comes in with your landlord. Rent is a large portion of money and may make paying for other expenses hard, try our student budget planner for some help in managing your money.
Q) What is a guarantor for student accommodation?
A) A guarantor is someone who signs your tenancy contract agreeing to be legally and financially responsible for paying your rent if you are uncapable of doing so. This could be a parent, close family friend or another relative. A guarantor must be someone trusted, financially stable and over the age of 21. The role of the guarantor is to reassure the landlord that the rent will be paid and is a safety net that allows them to rent to students.
Q) Do I have to live-in student accommodation?
A) No! There are many different options for accommodation when going to university. Never feel like you should stay in student accommodation if you don’t want to, living at home doesn’t take away from your university experience and many students will be in the same boat. It is important that you find the best living situation for you.
Finally, don’t panic! Even if you feel as though you have left it too late, there are so many housing options available to you. Don’t rush into renting a place you don’t feel one hundred percent on, take your time and carefully consider all your options.
The next thing to consider once you have found your perfect place is student insurance. It may not feel like a necessity, but think of it like contents insurance, just designed specifically for students. Visit our website or give us a call and get a free, no-strings quote.
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