Choosing accommodation for your second or third year of uni can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to make up your mind, we’re here to help. We’ve laid out the pros and cons of private housing and uni halls, so you can make the right choice with all the information.
Uni Halls or Shared House? How to Choose
Choosing accommodation for your second year of uni can be overwhelming. Aside from deciding which friends you want to live with, you also need to choose: student halls or a shared house?If you’re struggling to make up your mind, we’re here to help. We’ve laid out the pros and cons of private housing and uni halls, so you can make the right choice with all the information.
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Student halls – pros and cons
Living in student halls can be an incredible experience. From living alongside fellow students, to not having to worry about arguing over bills with your flatmates, there are plenty of benefits to rebooking halls for your second (or third) year.
And while it can be more expensive than private housing, that’s usually because you’re getting more for your money. From a private bathroom to 24/7 support and security as and when you need it, it’s perfect for taking those first steps away from home.
Benefits of student halls
All bills included.
There’s no worrying about paying utility bills when you choose Unite Students halls. All bills are included in the price of your rent. That covers:
Gas
Electricity
Water
Broadband
Insurance
With all your bills covered, there’s no worrying about turning the heating on in winter, and no arguments with your flatmates over who’s been using more water.
Close to campus
Consider whether living close to campus is a priority for you. Our student accommodation is located close to campus, so it’s easy to get to and from university.
Live with friends or move in independently
If you know who you’d like to live with next year, you can make a group booking at our accommodation. But if you haven’t found a group to live with, we can put you into a flat with other students in the same boat – this is a great way to make friends. Or if you’d prefer to live independently, we have a range of studio flats too. It’s up to you.
Ensuite bathrooms
Most of our flats have private bathrooms, so there’s no queueing for a shower in the morning, and no worries that somebody might use the last of your shampoo.
Exclusive to students
When you live at Unite Students, you know that all your neighbours are students too. This gives it a great community feel, and you’ll be able to meet people and make friends.
Better security
All Unite Students properties have a concierge available 24/7. There’s also CCTV in operation in entrances, as well as key fob or card access to make sure only residents and guests can enter the building. This helps to keep all our residents and their belongings safe and secure.
Better quality
We’re banging our own drum here, but our student accommodation is often a cut above the student housing options available. We make sure our properties are well maintained and kitted out with everything you need to make the most of uni life.
On-site facilities
From on-site gyms to study rooms, pool tables, laundry rooms and communal spaces, you get more when you choose to stay in student accommodation.
Drawbacks of student halls
It can be more expensive
Student halls can cost more in upfront rent than private housing, but you are getting 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 you won’t get a yard or a garden. But some of our properties do have a communal outdoor space for residents, and you can even get parking if you need it. Plus, the views are better.
Private housing – pros and cons
Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for somewhere that is 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 ‘home like’ experience.
You’ll also have more options on where to live – but be wary that a quiet residential area probably isn’t going to be particularly welcoming if you like to host parties at your place.
Don’t forget to consider that, while private housing may initially seem like the cheaper option, footing all the utility bills can make things more costly - and you may have to brace yourself for arguments over whether to turn the central heating on.
Benefits of private housing
Living in the student village
A lot of cities have an unofficial ‘student village’ where students live in close quarters. This can be great for fostering a sense of community and socialising, but it can also mean endless parties when you’re trying to study or sleep.
Communal areas
In a student house you’re more likely to have a homely 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 - but there’s no guarantee you’ll get an outdoor space in a student 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 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.
Drawbacks of private housing
Further away from the university
Most student housing is usually located further away from university than halls, which means you’ll have to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to your lectures. This sounds fine and dandy 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 expensive taxis home after nights out.
Quality of the housing
Unfortunately, student housing can be poorly maintained. They’re often older properties with poor insulation, which can mean higher energy bills – or shivering – in the winter months. Problems with damp, mould and other issues are present in some uni housing, and landlords might not be 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
Student housing can be located in a variety of areas of the city, including less safe areas. Security at home is a known issue for students and some students may feel safer staying in secure halls.
Pay your own bills
With student housing, you’ll have to foot the bills yourselves. 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 or how long to spend in the shower.
Different sized rooms
Moving in with your friends sounds super exciting, until one of you has to take the box room. In student housing, some bedrooms are bigger than others, and deciding who gets the best room is never an easy conversation.
Sharing bathrooms
If you’ve grown accustomed to your ensuite bathroom in halls, get ready to share 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 student housing. This might mean you have to shell out for items like a desk, a TV, or even a bed, which won’t come cheap.
University house vs halls: the verdict
Ultimately, deciding where to live for your second and third years of uni is about doing what’s right for you. If you’re a private person who enjoys having their own bathroom and will feel safer with 24/7 security, choosing 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 (for example, closer to work and not necessarily near campus), that fits to a tight budget, private housing might be the way forward.
Either way, if you’re still unsure, talk to the people you’ll be living with and weigh up your options carefully. Your university experience is unique to you, so make it count!
