Student Accommodation Guide: Halls vs Private Rentals

Accommodation is one of the biggest decisions you'll make at university - and one of your largest expenses. This guide compares your main options.

University Halls of Residence

Types of Halls

Catered Halls

Meals included in rent

Often more expensive

Social dining experience

Less cooking responsibility

Self-Catered Halls

Kitchen facilities shared or private

More independence

Lower cost than catered

Most common option

En-suite vs Shared Bathrooms

En-suite: Private bathroom in your room

Shared: Bathroom facilities for multiple rooms

En-suite costs 30-50% more

Advantages of Halls

All-inclusive bills: Utilities, internet usually included

Social environment: Easy to make friends

University support: On-site help available

Security: Controlled access, CCTV

Location: Usually on or near campus

Guaranteed for first years: Most universities offer this

Disadvantages of Halls

Cost: Often more expensive than private

Noise: Especially in first-year halls

Rules: Quiet hours, guest policies

Limited choice: Take what's allocated

Contract length: Usually 40+ weeks

Typical Costs (2024-25)

London: 180-350/week

Other cities: 100-200/week

Private Rentals

Types of Private Accommodation

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Privately run student housing

Modern facilities

All-inclusive bills

Similar to halls but off-campus

House/Flat Shares

Traditional rental properties

Usually with other students

Bills separate from rent

More independence

Advantages of Private Rentals

Choice: Pick your housemates and location

Cost: Can be cheaper, especially in groups

Independence: No university rules

Space: Often larger rooms

Contract flexibility: Different lengths available

Disadvantages of Private Rentals

Bills: Manage utilities separately

Deposits: Usually required upfront

Maintenance: Rely on landlords

Commuting: May be further from campus

Finding housemates: Can be stressful

Typical Costs (2024-25)

London: 150-250/week + bills

Other cities: 80-150/week + bills

Making Your Decision

First Year

Recommended: University Halls

Easier transition to university

Built-in social network

All-inclusive simplicity

Support services nearby

Second Year Onwards

Consider: Private Rentals

Live with chosen friends

More independence

Potentially lower costs

Experience "real world" living

Tips for Finding Private Accommodation

Start early: Good places go fast

View in person: Photos can mislead

Check the contract: Understand all terms

Meet potential housemates: Compatibility matters

Consider location: Transport, safety, amenities

Budget for bills: Add 50-100/month

Document everything: Photos of condition at move-in

Red Flags to Watch

Landlords who won't provide contracts

Pressure to sign quickly

Cash-only payments

Properties in very poor condition

Extremely low prices (too good to be true)

University Accommodation Services

Most universities offer:

Accommodation offices

Private rental listings

Contract checking services

Advice on housing issues

Use these free services to avoid common pitfalls and find accommodation that suits your needs and budget.

Student Accommodation Guide: Halls vs Private Rentals

Accommodation is one of the biggest decisions you'll make at university - and one of your largest expenses. This guide compares your main options.

University Halls of Residence

Types of Halls

Catered Halls

Meals included in rent

Often more expensive

Social dining experience

Less cooking responsibility

Self-Catered Halls

Kitchen facilities shared or private

More independence

Lower cost than catered

Most common option

En-suite vs Shared Bathrooms

En-suite: Private bathroom in your room

Shared: Bathroom facilities for multiple rooms

En-suite costs 30-50% more

Advantages of Halls

All-inclusive bills: Utilities, internet usually included

Social environment: Easy to make friends

University support: On-site help available

Security: Controlled access, CCTV

Location: Usually on or near campus

Guaranteed for first years: Most universities offer this

Disadvantages of Halls

Cost: Often more expensive than private

Noise: Especially in first-year halls

Rules: Quiet hours, guest policies

Limited choice: Take what's allocated

Contract length: Usually 40+ weeks

Typical Costs (2024-25)

London: 180-350/week

Other cities: 100-200/week

Private Rentals

Types of Private Accommodation

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Privately run student housing

Modern facilities

All-inclusive bills

Similar to halls but off-campus

House/Flat Shares

Traditional rental properties

Usually with other students

Bills separate from rent

More independence

Advantages of Private Rentals

Choice: Pick your housemates and location

Cost: Can be cheaper, especially in groups

Independence: No university rules

Space: Often larger rooms

Contract flexibility: Different lengths available

Disadvantages of Private Rentals

Bills: Manage utilities separately

Deposits: Usually required upfront

Maintenance: Rely on landlords

Commuting: May be further from campus

Finding housemates: Can be stressful

Typical Costs (2024-25)

London: 150-250/week + bills

Other cities: 80-150/week + bills

Making Your Decision

First Year

Recommended: University Halls

Easier transition to university

Built-in social network

All-inclusive simplicity

Support services nearby

Second Year Onwards

Consider: Private Rentals

Live with chosen friends

More independence

Potentially lower costs

Experience "real world" living

Tips for Finding Private Accommodation

Start early: Good places go fast

View in person: Photos can mislead

Check the contract: Understand all terms

Meet potential housemates: Compatibility matters

Consider location: Transport, safety, amenities

Budget for bills: Add 50-100/month

Document everything: Photos of condition at move-in

Red Flags to Watch

Landlords who won't provide contracts

Pressure to sign quickly

Cash-only payments

Properties in very poor condition

Extremely low prices (too good to be true)

University Accommodation Services

Most universities offer:

Accommodation offices

Private rental listings

Contract checking services

Advice on housing issues

Use these free services to avoid common pitfalls and find accommodation that suits your needs and budget.

Student Accommodation Guide: Halls vs Private Rentals

University Halls of Residence

Types of Halls

Advantages of Halls

Disadvantages of Halls

Typical Costs (2024-25)

Private Rentals

Types of Private Accommodation

Advantages of Private Rentals

Disadvantages of Private Rentals

Typical Costs (2024-25)

Making Your Decision

First Year

Second Year Onwards

Tips for Finding Private Accommodation

Red Flags to Watch

University Accommodation Services

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Find your perfect UK university

Student Accommodation Guide: Halls vs Private Rentals

University Halls of Residence

Types of Halls

Advantages of Halls

Disadvantages of Halls

Typical Costs (2024-25)

Private Rentals

Types of Private Accommodation

Advantages of Private Rentals

Disadvantages of Private Rentals

Typical Costs (2024-25)

Making Your Decision

First Year

Second Year Onwards

Tips for Finding Private Accommodation

Red Flags to Watch

University Accommodation Services

Related Articles

How to Choose the Right UK University for You

UCAS Application Guide 2025: Step by Step

Russell Group Universities: What You Need to Know

Find your perfect UK university