PBSA vs student halls
When it comes to choosing a place to call home at uni, the options can feel overwhelming. Student halls, private housing, HMOs, PBSA; there are lots of different options out there, and if it's your first time moving away from home, you're going to want to pick the right place to help you feel comfortable.
What are student halls?
University run accommodation
Student halls are often owned and run by universities and typically offered to first year students only. Students who apply for student hall residency are randomly allocated a room with other students, typically sharing a kitchen and/or bathroom.
Located on campus
Student halls are usually on campus or very close to university, so convenient for getting to class. They do typically include bills, but there aren't any extras like gyms or events to help you get more out of your uni experience.
What is PBSA?
Built with students in mind
Purpose-built student accommodation is accommodation that's been built with students in mind. Unlike with halls, students can choose which kind of room they get, and even where they are in the building. These buildings also include onsite spaces like gyms, study rooms, games areas and laundry facilities. These spaces are often supported by onsite socials that help residents to meet one another.
City centre locations
PBSA tends to be in more central city locations, still with good access to uni and with close transport links too. In larger cities, you'll have more options, so you can choose to live in a neighbourhood that suits your vibe too.
How do PBSA and student halls compare?
Value for money
You definitely get what you pay for, whatever you choose. Student halls tend to be cheaper, mainly because they offer much more basic options in terms of design and building features. With PSBA, you can expect a much higher standard of living, and the added value of modern specs, onsite spaces and events balances out the price. You can also expect better security with PBSA, with secure entry systems, CCTV and staff onsite.
Privacy
PBSA offers better options for more privacy and independence. If you don't want to share a bathroom or kitchen, there are more options for that, whether you choose an en suite room, studio or apartment. You get a lot more control over where you stay with PBSA, whether that's by choosing the building you stay in, or your room for the year.
Social life
If you stay in halls, you'll only live with other first year students studying at your same uni. That can be a great way to make more intimate friendships, especially if you live with others on your course. With PBSA, you could live with students from any uni in the city, so there's more chance at widening your friend group and enriching your experience.
In halls, you'll get the chance to socialise with other students in your shared spaces, but you get even more chance to make new friends with PBSA. The onsite spaces and socials organised by PBSA give you the perfect opportunities to broaden your circle. At iQ, Clubs help you to find likeminded people with both an online and in person community waiting for you, whether you're into books, gaming or food.
How can I find a room in PBSA?
At a PBSA like iQ, it's incredibly easy to find a room. You can search by uni or city online and you'll be given a range of options to choose from, with different room types to suit you needs. If you're looking for full privacy and independence, then a studio or apartment is the perfect space to call home. For more of a social vibe and the chance to bump into new friends in a shared kitchen, en suite rooms are the space for you.
