Uni halls vs private accommodation: Which is best for students?

Deciding where to live when starting uni is a really important decision - it’s your new home away from home. There’s a lot of debate about which is better: private student accommodation or university halls of residence. Each has its own pros and cons, and where you’ll be happy depends on how you want to live and what perks you want to enjoy. 

Here, we’ll help you understand the difference between the two options, so you can make an informed decision before moving in. 

What are university halls of residence?

University halls of residence (also known as uni halls) are university-owned or managed buildings that provide accommodation for students. They’re primarily suitable for first-year students as they offer a safe, often fully furnished place to call home. The rent also typically includes all bills like electricity, water, gas and wifi, making budgeting easier for residents. 

When applying to stay in university halls, you provide a list of preferred halls and room types via your UCAS application, and then you’re assigned a room. 

What are private sector halls/student accommodation?

Private student accommodation, or private sector halls, is owned and operated by a private company. It offers accommodation to students from different universities and years. Private student accommodation can also mean privately rented houses or flats. Sometimes, the bills are included in the rent or have to be paid separately to several service providers. 

University halls vs private student accommodation: Key differences

There are some key differences between the two accommodation types, besides who manages the properties. From how bills are paid to what kind of support you receive as a resident, there’s a lot to consider before making a decision between living in uni halls or private student accommodation. 

Cost and budgeting

Typically, university halls of residence offer students a single amount of rent to pay in a certain number of installments. These payments usually include the rent and all other bills such as electricity, water, gas, heating and wifi. 

Knowing exactly what you’re paying each time and not having to pay several service providers is great for students living away from home for the first time, as it takes the stress out of managing lots of different payments. At iQ, this is our approach - all your bills are included in your rent, making budgeting easier. 

When it comes to private student accommodation, or renting an apartment or shared house privately, you may have several different bills to pay. For example, you may need to pay your landlord rent, and then different service providers for water, wifi and electricity.

Social life

Knowing who you want to live with and how often you want to socialise is an important part of choosing where to live at uni. 

In uni halls, your housemates are allocated by the university. During the application process, you can appeal to live with someone you know or flag any preferences you may have; however, this isn’t promised. One good thing about living in halls of residence is that you’ll be surrounded by like-minded students, and making new friends is always a possibility. 

With private student accommodation, you have more freedom to choose who you want to live with. For example, you can choose to live alone or rent a house with friends. Some students may find living alone too isolating, while others enjoy the privacy. At iQ, you can enjoy independent living but hang out with other residents in shared social spaces. 

Location

Uni halls are often located on campus or nearby. Some uni halls are located a little further from campus, but have easy transport links to campus. Private student accommodation or shared houses can be situated wherever, from the city centre to quieter residential neighbourhoods. 

When choosing where to live, make sure to understand how close you’re going to be from campus or how long and how much it’s going to cost to travel there.

Contracts

Another factor to consider is how long you want to live somewhere. University halls of residence typically have tenancy agreements that match the length of the academic year, making it easy to move in and out. 

This is a little different if you rent privately, such as a shared house, which may have a notice period that you need to give before wanting to leave. 

At iQ, we offer the best of both worlds. We have longer tenancy lengths, or you can just stay for a semester. 

Facilities

Depending on what the uni halls are like, you’ll either have to share a bathroom with other residents or have your own en suite shower room. Uni halls sometimes have a canteen or shared kitchen, as well as green spaces or courtyards for everyone to share. 

In private student accommodation, the facilities also depend on what you choose. You could opt to have an en suite bathroom or a studio with a kitchenette. In a shared house, you may have an en suite bathroom or have to share a bathroom and kitchen with your housemates.

Support and security

Your security and wellbeing are really important when staying away from home - the first year can be stressful. 

If you’re staying in university halls of residence, you’ll likely have access to on site student support, and be staying in accommodation that prioritises student safety. Renting privately means you may not have immediate access to student support networks such as campus security or student counselling services. 

Factors to consider before choosing between uni halls and private student accommodation

There’s so much to consider before choosing between living in uni halls or private accommodation. Before making a decision, weigh up the pros and cons of each and what will make you happy in the long run. 

Would you prefer to live alone or be surrounded by students? Are you comfortable sharing a bathroom? And, how close to campus do you want to live? Make sure to also weigh up your options when it comes to pricing, on site facilities and student support. 

If you’re renting privately, make sure to take a tour of the property and understand who you might be living with. At iQ, you can book a virtual or in-person viewing, or take a 360° virtual tour of our rooms.  

Living with iQ

At iQ, you can have the best of everything when it comes to student accommodation. 

With over 80 properties scattered around the UK, you’re bound to find the perfect place to call home that’s close to campus and has all the support you need. Plus, enjoy tons of student-friendly perks to have the best year yet. 

• Choose from three modern room types: en suite, studio or apartment
• All your bills are on us
• Enjoy 24/7 security, superfast wifi and on site wellbeing support
• Fun social spaces like cinema rooms, lounges with TVs, gyms, and karaoke rooms
• Access to amenities like laundry facilities, parking and bike storage 

Ready to move in? Search available rooms by location, university or building. 

FAQs

Is private accommodation cheaper?

Not necessarily. It depends on what type of accommodation you choose, where you decide to live, and how much your bills are. 

Can non-students live in private student accommodation? 

In private student accommodation buildings, you have to be a registered student to live there; however, this might not be the case in a shared house where not all residents have to be students.  

Can visitors stay in student accommodation?

Most student accommodation allows for visitors; however, the rules may differ or have certain conditions. 

Do you need a guarantor for private student halls?

Yes, most university halls of residence in the UK require a guarantor.