Halls for students
Many first-year students are offered a place in university accommodation (or ‘halls), which has its merits.
It is a great way of making friends and to meet other students.
You should also be aware that some halls run by universities may be located in nearby cities or towns, as opposed to on campus.
If your halls of residence are on campus, it will make it easy for you to get to classes, group work, and the library. You don’t even have to drive to the university for these activities.
Halls can help you transition to the private-rental sector if this is your first time living elsewhere. While you have all the advantages of independence without the hassles of landlords and utility bills, halls can offer many of the same benefits.
There will always be someone on hand, often on site, to help you if you have any problems.
Uni halls pros:
Social scene: It’s a great opportunity to meet many students in one location.
It’s the halfway’ house option. It eases you into living without your home, but not completely.
You are not the only one: your university will offer additional support if you’re in need.
Uni halls cons:
Being thrust into the deep end means you are not able to choose your partner (although some universities may try to pair you up through personality questionnaires).
There is no guarantee that you will be offered a seat in your preferred hall.
Living among many students can be stressful. Learn to tolerate noise and chaos! This can be difficult for introverted students who are not from a large family or have no siblings.
Private halls
You can also choose to live in a student housing community.
The arrangement is similar to university halls. Each room has its own private space, while you share common areas like a TV or kitchen. It’s not owned by your university.
There are several large universities in major cities like London or Manchester that offer private halls.
There are more options than university-managed apartments. These rooms tend to be smaller and less expensive.
Private halls are an option. Do your research about what you will be paying for.
Private halls may be a great way of expanding your social circle, as students from different universities might live in the same building. They are popular among international students.
If you are looking for private housing, be sure to look at the available communal spaces, as well as any activities or events for residents.
Your university will be able to approve private accommodation providers and may even have a formal partnership with them (especially if they don’t have enough spaces in their own halls).
Private halls pros:
Students-oriented: All the benefits of university halls for students apply.
Mod cons include handy perks like an on-site gym, or laundry services.
Location, location: Private halls tend to be in the same area as your student town, so you might feel more at home there (and spend less on taxis home after nights out).
Cons: Private halls
The cost of the halls is typically higher than those managed by universities.
Don’t pay for unnecessary perks.
These same student pitfalls are also present: noise, choosing not to live with someone, mess and so forth.
Catered vs. self-catered accommodation
Although catered accommodation has fallen in popularity, it is still an option that you might be offered when visiting different halls.
Catered meals will make it easier to transition into student life. This is especially true if you don’t know much about cooking. Although you will have to pay an extra amount for this privilege, it is worth the cost.
If you have a preference for what is served, it might make things difficult. Self-catering might be better if your budget and preferences are more flexible.
People who want to eat wherever and whenever they want can find it difficult to accept the fact that they have to eat at certain times of the day.
Privately-rented apartment or house
Most students rent a property from a landlord or letting agent after they have completed their first year. This is a great option if you don’t want to go down the private or university route.
Sometimes you will have no choice. For instance, if you’re a mature student who wants your own living space outside the realms of university or you want to just live with other mature students/non-students.
If you’re in your twenties, or older, it might seem like a complete nightmare to live with a bunch 18-year-olds far from home.
In other cases, you may be forced to move into private student accommodation Leicester.
All universities can’t guarantee a place for first-year students.
It can be very appealing to live in a privately rented home.
If you are not yet at university, it can be hard to find someone in your situation. Your housing office can help by matching you with others, suggesting approved landlords and student-focused leasing agents.
Private rental pros
Independence means you are in charge of where you live and who you share it with.
Locality: While the university’s halls are all on campus you may feel more part of the local community if you have private housing options. This can be great if you want to participate in local activities, like the religious community.
Flexibility: Private rental markets offer many living options that can be tailored to your individual needs. While some landlords may charge utilities, you’ll be able to select from a wider variety of property types. For the most part, student halls are the same.
Private rental cons:
Further out: You may need to travel infrequently and be outside of the main campus. This might increase travel costs.
Managing your bills: Some landlords may include certain utilities in rent. However, you’ll need to budget for these separately.
Dealing directly with a landlord/letting agents: this is called dealing with admin. We surveyed more than a tenth of the students to see if they had any issues with their landlord, and only 13% said that they had had issues with a letting agent.
Where can you find housemates
You should consider inviting people to your home if you know of anyone you would like to share your life with. Even though it might seem awkward to ask, just asking if they have any plans for housing the next year can start the ball rolling.
Here are some options if you’re still looking for housemates.
Friends in current halls – you’ll already be able to get a decent idea of their lives.
Clubs and societies: Share your passion!
Your course: A good option if your subject is very technical, such as medicine and law.
Social media channels for universities: Your university housing office could share information regarding housing events, as well details about vacancies, with potential housemates.
Landlords verses letting agents
If you have a landlord, then you will be able to contact the property owner directly. Agencies on the other side often manage property for landlords (so they effectively act as middlemen).
Agency gives you greater security. You can check to verify whether they’re members in good standing of a government-approved redress system to address complaints.
However, 11% reported having problems with their landlord (11%), and 11% reported that they had issues dealing with their letting agent (13%). 8% stated that they had problems with both*.
But, it’s likely to save money if you use a landlord directly. Agencies charge extra fees, such as credit checks and the setting up of inventory.