When you choose a university, the first thing that comes to your mind is “where will I live?” because that won’t just be any ordinary place; it will be a place where you will create the best memories of your life. It will be like living in your own Netflix show. Then suddenly, a thousand student accommodation options will start appearing on your Instagram feed and on your messaging app. And your choice will ultimately come down to University Halls and Private Student Accommodation.
We know indecisiveness can disrupt your sleep. So, in this blog, we will help you understand what university halls vs private student accommodation are, what the pros and cons are, and which one you should choose.
University Halls vs Private Student Accommodation: Quick Overview
| Factor | University Halls | Private Student Accommodation |
| Location | Usually on or very close to campus | Maybe near campus or in city areas, sometimes farther away |
| Cost | Often cheaper; bills typically included | Can be more expensive; some include bills, others don’t |
| Privacy | Less privacy; shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas | More privacy; options for en-suite rooms or studios |
| Facilities | Basic facilities provided by the university | Modern amenities like gyms, study rooms, cinema rooms, and security |
| Contract | Fixed academic-year contracts with strict rules | More flexible lease terms depending on the provider |
| Social Life | Strong student community; easy to make friends | Social opportunities available, but more independent living |
| Best For | First-year or international students wanting convenience and community | Students seeking independence, comfort, and upgraded facilities |
Understanding University Halls vs Private Student Accommodation
Before even starting to look for accommodation, it’s important to know what university halls and private student accommodation are and how they are different from each other.
University Halls: Have you ever thought about how easy it would be to live near your campus? That’s how university halls are. They are owned and managed by the university, with all bills included. University halls are perfect for first-year students, where they can make friends and create strong relationships with college staff.
Private student accommodation: Have you ever watched a high school drama on Netflix and felt like, “I wish I had the same life as them”? Then, private housing student accommodation is for you. Fewer rules and maximum privacy are the main USP of private student accommodation. It is owned by private companies or landlords for students who care about privacy and comfort more than money.
Private vs Campus Accommodation – r/Edinburgh_University from r/Edinburgh_University
Key Differences Between University Halls vs Private Student Accommodation
Now, knowing what university halls vs private student accommodation are helps you understand the key differences between the two. Below are the most important differences that will help you make the right decision.
Cost and value
When you look for accommodation, the first thing you see is the rent. But what we usually miss is what that rent covers. University halls are cheaper than private student accommodation. University halls usually cover utilities, Wi-Fi, heating, maintenance, and basic furnishing in a single fixed budget. Whereas private student accommodation is slightly higher than university halls due to its privacy and modern facilities, such as gyms, cinema rooms, and study lounges. The rent at private student accommodation usually only covers utilities, but if booked from UniAcco student accommodation, it covers water, utilities, and heating too. So, where you are booking your stay from plays a major role in reducing the rent and cost.
Location and daily commute
Imagine you have a class at 9, and you woke up at 8:45, isn’t it a nightmare to reach the lecture in 15 minutes? You might even have to skip your coffee. Or imagine your classes are cancelled, and now you have two hours to spare, but don’t know where to go. These situations can arise at any time, which is why your commute time and location matter equally. University halls are always within walking distance of the campus. So, reaching a class last-minute wouldn’t really be like Fast and Furious for you. Whereas, for private accommodation, you will get access to a wider range of locations and decide where you want to live. You can even find student accommodation within five minutes or 30 minutes away, depending on your preferences. If you like to take an extra step in the morning and enjoy the country’s culture, especially if you are in London, you might want to take student accommodation a little farther from the campus. It isn’t about how close the location and daily commuting are; it’s about having power over how you would like to travel.
Privacy and lifestyle
Imagine living away from home and yet not getting the privacy you expected. This would be a big bummer during exams. Knowing how you will live and what your lifestyle will be is as important as rent and location. University halls are perfect for first-year students because of their social environment, but the downside is that students do not get the privacy they want. Halls typically have a private bedroom alongside a shared kitchen and communal spaces. Whereas private student accommodation, such as studios or smaller flats, offers great privacy compared to university halls. Even some private student accommodation offers quiet study lounges.
Facilities and overall living experience
Back in your country, if you used to go to the gym regularly, enjoy movie nights, or play games in your building, and suddenly all of it was taken away, how would you feel? Moving to a new country to study doesn’t mean you will have to compromise on facilities or lifestyle. University halls focus more on your well-being and basic needs, like laundry rooms and a shared room for studies. Whereas private student accommodation offers facilities beyond studies, like a gym, cinemas, gaming rooms, laundry rooms, study lounges, and a rooftop terrace. These services add to the higher rent for private student accommodation.
Contracts and flexibility
Imagine you don’t like the stay, and you want to move after 12 or 18 weeks, but you can’t because you signed the contract without reading it. That’s why, before signing any agreement, students should read the terms and conditions. University halls contracts are somewhat rigid; the agreement lasts around 34 weeks to 48 weeks, which means you can’t move before that period. There’s also a strict schedule for move-ins and move-outs set by the universities. On the other hand, private student accommodation contracts are more flexible, especially if booked from UniAcco. At UniAcco, lease terms start from 12 weeks, which means you don’t need to stay a year if you don’t like the stay.
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🏡 Book Your UK Student Stay NowPros and Cons of University Halls vs Private Student Accommodation
Every choice you make comes with pros and cons, but it doesn’t have to weigh you down. It depends on what you are looking for and if it aligns with your requirements and expectations.
University Halls
Pros:
Close to campus: One of the main reasons why students choose university halls is because it’s closer to campus. Imagine how much extra sleep you’ll be getting by staying closer to your classes.
Built-in student community: Coming to a new country is not as easy as it looks on TV shows. Blending with the culture and making new friends can get intimidating, and that’s why first-year students choose university halls. Living with other students makes it easier to build friendships and understand the local culture.
Simple booking process: Booking student accommodation is already intimidating; contacting multiple agents and landlords makes it even worse. That’s why students choose university halls; they handle applications directly, making the process straightforward.
Bills usually included: The biggest worry for every student is managing a budget. Unless you are a member of the Kardashian/Jenner family, we might suggest our luxury student accommodation. However, most of us are on a tight budget, which is why all bills included matter a lot. University hall bills usually cover utilities, internet, and sometimes even meals.
Cons:
Less privacy: The biggest drawback of choosing university halls is that students don’t get full privacy; they have to share the space with their fellow students. If you are someone who loves spending time alone and prioritises your me time over anything else, then this might be the biggest turn-off for you.
Limited room choice: If your Instagram saved reels and Pinterest board are filled with DIY room decoration, then this option might not be for you. With limited options for standard rooms, this can be a little deceptive. Students would not be able to choose based on their needs.
Strict rules and fixed contracts: Aren’t you already fed up with the rules set by your parents? You must be, and that’s why strict rules and fixed contracts in university halls can be the biggest downside. University halls have strict rules, such as fixed curfews, visitor restrictions, and long-term contracts.
Private Student Accommodation
Pros
More independence and comfort: Imagine living in another country with a spacious room and freedom — isn’t that what all students want? Where they can breathe after a long day of studies and enjoy their “me time”. That’s the biggest advantage of private student accommodation: students get more independence and comfort.
Better facilities in many properties: When you move out to study abroad, the main concern arises when you can’t maintain your lifestyle. Imagine you are going to the gym every day, and suddenly you can’t anymore. That thought alone will make you restless, but many private student accommodation providers offer facilities such as a gym, study area, lounge, and gaming room. If booked through UniAcco, all of our properties will offer these facilities because we understand that staying far doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of living.
Choice of location and room type: Unlike university halls, students in private student accommodation can choose how close or far they want to stay. Some students prefer student accommodation 30 minutes away from campus so that they can enjoy a new culture and take a stroll outside, so having power over how far or close you want to stay with a specific room type is very important.
Flexible lease options at UniAcco: This is the biggest advantage of living in private student accommodation when booked through UniAcco, as students can even request a 12-week lease. If you ever feel like you want to change the location because you don’t like the vibe or you just want accommodation near the university only for one semester, then you can go for a short-term lease.
Cons
May require commuting: If you are someone who is always late, then this can be the biggest downside for you because not all private student accommodations will be near your campus, and some will require a little commuting.
Can be expensive in some areas: Every good thing comes at a price. Private student accommodation rents are generally higher than university halls and can be expensive in some areas, such as London and Birmingham.
Qualities vary by provider: Not all private student accommodation offers the same quality or facilities, but this can be mitigated by booking with UniAcco, which only lists verified private student accommodation with top facilities.
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🏙️ Book London Student AccommodationWhich Option Is Right for You?
Best for first-year students:
Studying away from your hometown is not easy; having no friends or little understanding of the culture can feel intimidating. That’s why university halls are best for first-year students, where they can make friends and understand the local culture.
Best for tight budgets:
No matter how much money you carry with you, it will never be enough if you are in a different city. Especially if you don’t have a part-time job, it becomes tough to manage the budget and pay rent. So, if you are on a tight budget, then university halls are the best option for you.
Best for privacy and quiet study:
After a long day of college, every student needs privacy to rest or study, and you can’t get this in university halls. Private student accommodation is perfect for students who care about their privacy and comfort.
Best for first-year international students:
The common problem that all international students face is cultural differences, which makes them feel like a black sheep in the class. That’s why choosing a university hall for a first-year international student is a practical choice, since they get to learn about the culture and make friends as well.
Best for long-term stays:
Your stay doesn’t end when the exams are over. During summer vacation, students go for internships, which can result in longer stays. But in university halls, students are usually asked to vacate once the semester is over. That’s why, if you are someone who wants to learn beyond books and is looking for a place to stay long-term, then private student accommodation will suit you best.
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🔑 Book with UniAcco NowConclusion
To wrap up, choosing between university halls vs private student accommodation is about what you really want and not what they offer. Even though university halls are best for first-year students, they might not be best for you. Knowing how university halls vs private student accommodation function makes it easier for students to decide where they want to stay.
Don’t be confused about what you want. Whether you want accommodation near your college or a room with full privacy and facilities, UniAcco student accommodation can help you find your exact dream room, like the ones that are on your Pinterest board.
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