Finding the best living place while studying abroad can create a huge difference in your college experience. Opting for the right types of student accommodation can be an overwhelming task, as there are multiple options available. Whether you are seeking independence, a reliable or a lively social setting, knowing the types of student housing is the key to making an informed decision. Therefore, this complete guide will help you discover the popular housing options, including University halls and private rental flats, along with the pros and cons. So let's get started!
Table of Contents
Student accommodation is mainly categorized into two parts, one is on-campus and the second is off-campus. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs. Below is the detailed classification of different housing options with their merit and demerits for your reference:
University halls of residence are a kind of setting that offer living quarters for students, generally a mix of private rooms and shared communal spaces, like lounges, bathrooms and kitchens.
| Pros of Living in University Halls of Residence | Cons of Living in University Halls of Residence |
|---|---|
| Living among many new students in the same situation helps form friendships quickly. | Parties and social activities often cause loud noises, disrupting sleep and study. Some halls are quieter, but noise is common. |
| Proximity to university events and functions (e.g., freshers’ week) encourages socializing. | Even casual chatting or door noises can disturb concentration or rest. |
| Students learn to manage their own routines with less parental guide but with on-campus support. | Being close to peers can cause pressure to attend all social events, risking stress or feeling excluded. |
| Staff and security provide safety while encouraging self-reliance. | Peer groups may form quickly, leading to feelings of exclusion if not involved. |
| Bills and maintenance often included, reducing responsibility compared to private renting. | Intense social environment can blur lines between social life and study, potentially harming academic focus. |
| Uncatered halls still close to campus cafes, bars, and grocery stores. | Constant proximity to others means it’s difficult to have quiet or alone time. |
| Opportunity to share cooking and socialize around meals in uncatered halls. | Noise and presence of others can affect rest and study, especially for introverts. |
| Universities provide virtual and real tours to set expectations clearly. | Rooms tend to be basic and functional, with limited scope for personalization. |
| Options often exist for private en-suite rooms for more privacy. | Some halls may be old or less well-maintained, impacting comfort. |
| Some halls have distinct reputations (party vs quiet) helping match preferences. | Students may have little control over who their neighbors are. |
| Living in halls builds a sense of belonging and peer support, reducing homesickness. | Halls often have strict rules (visiting hours, noise curfews) that some find restrictive. |
| Staff and student services nearby for support and emergencies. | May have restrictions on guests, alcohol, or quiet hours. |
A private hall is a purpose-built housing/ PBSA not owned by a University but by a third-party commercial company. These offer rooms, communal spaces and various social events.
| Pros of Private Student Accommodation | Cons of Private Student Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Social Spaces: Often includes social rooms where residents can hang out and socialize. | Roommate Uncertainty: In some halls, you may not choose your roommates, leading to potential mismatch. Recent options allow room selection, but not always. |
| 24/7 Onsite Staff: Provides safety and security with staff presence around the clock. | Noise Levels: Proximity to campus and foot traffic can cause noise, which might disturb light sleepers despite security efforts. |
| Good Value for Money: No upfront agency fees; usually just a deposit. Bills often included. Booking offers and cashback deals may be available. | Less Independence: Bills often included and managed by accommodation, which may reduce experience in managing finances and household responsibilities. |
A shared student house or HMO is basically a type of House, in which a property is rented to three or more people from various households, who share facilities, like a bathroom or kitchen.
| Pros of Shared Student Accommodation | Cons of Shared Student Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Lower Cost of Living: Rent and utility bills are shared. It makes the budget-friendly and easier to manage your finances. | Less Privacy: Shared kitchens, bathrooms, and living area can limit the personal space and spare time. |
| Social Condition: Promotes making friends, socializing, and provides a built-in support assistance. | Conflict : Differences in habits and lifestyles may cause disagreements over cleanliness, noise, and shared expenses. |
| Shared Duties: Household tasks like cooking and cleaning are divided among the partners and can save your time. | Disturbances: Various residents can create a noisy atmosphere, making study and rest challenging. |
| Flexibility: More control over roommate choice and location selection, offering a personal living experience. | Lack of Control Over Shared Spaces: Limited control over how flat mates use and maintain communal areas, which may affect comfort. |
| Potential for Tenancies: 12-month contracts are often available, and beneficial for students needing housing during holidays or internships. | Commitment Levels: Unequal participation in duties or bill payments can errupts the household dynamic. |
Studio apartments mainly consist of a single open space, which includes the living room, bedroom and kitchen in one common area. This open area, most of the time, creates a sense of flexibility, thus making it a more appealing option for students.
| Pros of Studio Flats | Cons of Studio Flats |
|---|---|
| Affordability: Studios flats are more reliable than large units, making it a cost-effective option for individual person. | Limited Space: Studio flats have less space and this is the biggest drawback. |
| Ease of Maintenance: The small size of the studios makes it much easier to clean and maintain. | Lack of Privacy: The sleeping area is not separated from the living areas and that can be challenging when having more people, like friends or family during visit. |
| Energy Efficiency: Smaller living spaces tend to consume less energy for cooling, lighting and heating, that can lead to lower utility bills. | Limited Storage Capacity: These space is often very limited in apartments, demands downsizing the stuff. |
| Simplicity of Living: Staying in a studio encourages minimalist way of life. It necessitates prioritizing essential items. It helps to live a very straightforward way of life. | Not Family-Friendly: It is not suitable for families as they require more space especially those having kids. |
| Ideal for Single: This is the perfect place for the students who are married but without children. A studio flats offer proper living space without the cost of maintenance of extra rooms. | Rental Challenges: Studio flats are not appealing to apartment renters, thus making them harder to sell. |
| Location Benefits: Most of the studios are often located in urban areas that are close to amenities like restaurants, bars, shopping and public transportation, | Noise Distribution: In a small space, cooking smell and noise can be effectively distributed throughout the apartment. |
It is a type of accommodation where you can live with the local families, including all the essential facilities. This option is generally preferred by newcomers to help them avoid feelings of homesickness.
| Pros of Homestays Accommodation | Cons of Homestays Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Reasonable Costs: Homestays are usually less costly as they offer various amenities. | Observing the Rules: You need to follow certain rules and regulation for your own help, but sometimes you find them restrictive to your privacy. |
| Cultural Mix: You will truly experience the cultural diversity and help survive in an unfamiliar setting. | Having No Friends: Students will find it very difficult to attend their pals because of families. |
| Language Adaptable: With the help of host family, one can quickly become fluent in the native tongue. | Reduced Privacy: Most of the time families make effort to not to feel you alone but sometimes because of this, you feel your privacy get reduced. |
| Family Environment: One can never feel homesick and these families keep you close to your family and extends as a wonderful support system. | Food: You may not be satisfied by the host family’s home cooking in a new city or country. |
| No Household Chores: One do not have to perform the essential household chores. | Manage all the Household Chores: Students are required to manage all the essential work. |
Here are the key points to be considered before finalizing any student housing property during your study abroad journey:
Once you receive your offer letter, start looking for student accommodation. This must be your priority to secure a suitable and comfortable living place. If you are not opting for University-owned housing, your college will assume that you will find a private housing option.
You will have multiple options in terms of college-owned or the private rental market. But you are required to book as early as possible, as there will be fewer choices available. You will find better deals and are more likely to find something that is tailored to your needs.
Online student review could be the another source of analyzing the details of affordable housing. One can get feedback from those who have lived earlier in certain parts. University halls and large purpose-built student accommodation also maintain their own social media group. Some of the Universities also offer student accommodation services to assist you throughout the process.
Before you finalise on any housing option, your budget is one of the first things you will need to decide. Your monthly budget will be an important factor in determining what kind of housing option you choose. Shared apartments with others are probably the most cost-effective. However, if one can afford to pay more, and privacy is the top priority, then studio flats could be the best option. In the private sector, you need to submit the deposit one month in advance. So, you must consider this factor in your budget planning for effective management.
Location is a crucial thing to consider when looking for student housing. You have to consider factors, like how far the place is from the campus, markets, town center, etc. Moreover, your place of living must be located near public transport, such as a bus stop, a metro, or a train station. All these factors are the prime ones that should be well thought out before going for any property.
Besides,make sure you know what you want inside your accommodation when you arrive. It includes a bed, a desk, and a chair. Before arriving, it is good to know what is given and what is not, so you can arrange the things you desire within the time.
Before signing the contract, make sure all the relevant terms and conditions, including your rights, are as follows:
Sometimes these things seem unlikely, but it is always better to be prepared and be ready for what to do if anything unexpected arises.
Opting for the perfect type of student accommodation plays a crucial role in shaping your scholarly and in-person journey for study abroad. Every housing option offers different benefits and challenges, including amazing life of college halls, the privacy of studio apartments or the cultural immersion of homestays. In addition to this, having a thorough awareness of your priorities, like finance, freedom, location, or lifestyle, can help you make a well-informed decision. So, don’t rush the process and take your time to explore the things. With the right place to call home, you'll be in a better position to enjoy your studies, build new friends, and make the most of your student life. In case, you need any assistance regarding to student housing, then you can connect with the experts at GraddingHomes.com. They assist you throughout the process and make your study abroad journey smooth and easier.
Student accommodation for study abroad is basically well-furnished with basic facilities, like a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe. However, this may vary from country to country and provider. Some of the places provide fully furnished rooms, whereas others may require student to bring furniture and appliances as per their need.
The bills for student accommodation can vary by provider and location. Housing option provides all-inclusive rent covering utilities, like electricity, water, heating and internet, etc. Others may charge bills on a separate basis, which requires students to manage payment themselves. In addition to this, it is important to clarify this before finalising the property to avoid unexpected expenses and plan finances effectively during your study abroad experience.
Yes, many of the student accommodations abroad require a deposit before moving in. This deposit amount usually covers possible damages or unpaid bills and is probably returnable at the end of your stay if they found well. The amount typically lies between one and three weeks' rent. Thus, it is crucial to plan your budget for this cost when planning your accommodation.
Staying in student accommodation during holidays depends based on the policies of the provider. However, some of the providers allow students to stay year-round without extra charges, whereas some of them might require you to vacate or pay additional fees during breaks.
Choosing the appropriate student housing depends on your budget, lifestyle, and preference. Location, facilities, lively community or quiet space could be the prime factor to consider while opting for student housing. In addition to this, one can check that safety, contract terms and bills are included.
15 People watching now
Chat with Expert
15 People watching now
Let us shortlist and book accommodations that match your preferences—all for a small amount
Service charge
Chat with Expert
Most Affordable
Get 24x7 Facilities
Convenience & Comfort
Clean & Hygienic
We are available in :
LondonBirminghamNewcastleManchesterLiverpoolLutonPortsmouthPrestonLeicesterSheffieldBristolReadingDerbyEdinburghGlasgowNottinghamLeedsCanterburyBathSunderlandDisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities and properties used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding Homes does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
