Searching for the right housing option is as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, agree? If yes, then you are also one of those struggling to find the ideal living space from the numerous types of student accommodation in UK. So, put an end to the challenges and get your perfect-fit housing in your dream nation. Read the article till the end to find out everything about different student accommodation in the UK and make a wise decision.
Types of Student Accommodation in the UK: Pros and Cons
There are several types of UK accommodation for international students to choose from. Thus, in this segment of the write-up, you will be getting along with each of them to find your best match.
University Halls of Residence
As the name suggests, these types of accommodation are owned and managed by the universities only. This accommodation type is popular among first-year students as these are located on-campus or near it, which makes it convenient for students to reach the classes. Besides, they are affordable, and it is easy to build a network in a foreign place. In these, you will be having your personal room but need to share the common spaces and Kitchen with fellow mates.
Pros
- Great for first-year students who are new to a place as it is easily accessible and has all-inclusive bills that ease the management.
- As these are managed by the universities themselves, you can get extra support if you need it.
Cons
- Students might not get the freedom or independence they want while they are living alone.
- You do not have any option to select your roommate, as it will be done randomly by the authorities.
Private Halls of Residence
Opposite of the university halls, private halls of residences are owned by the private organizations. These are popular among second and third-year students as they allow them more independence and freedom than the university-owned ones. Here, you have the freedom to choose who to live with and under what conditions. These types of accommodation are best for socializing and building networks with different people from several communities or backgrounds.
Pros
- These are modern and have all the basic amenities that might be missing in university ones.
- It has all the bills included in the rent that help you to manage your monthly budget.
Cons
- It might be far from the university, so you need to travel and spend both time and money.
- You need to manage everything by yourself, which can be challenging at times.
Shared Houses
If you do not want to go to university halls, or you haven’t got any private accommodation, then shared houses are the best choice for these students. This is common for second and third-year students who want a bit of privacy or freedom. Moreover, these accommodation for students in London, UK, are ideal for those who are tight on budget. This is so because, here, you will be sharing the costs with your roommate.
Pros
- These are best for those who are typically self-catered and have a shared bathroom, Kitchen and more.
- You can build a good bond with the one you are sharing the flat or house with.
Cons
- Sometimes, you might struggle to cooperate with a fellow being or might have some conflicts.
- You might get disturbed if you are a private person.
Studio Flats
These are also owned and managed by private owners, similar to the private halls. But these are the best student accommodations in the UK for those who want full privacy and want to live alone. In this, you will get a small kitchenette, personal bathroom and all the basic amenities. However, getting these is a bit difficult as they are the most popular required type.
Pros
- These are fully self-contained (Kitchen, bathroom), so you do not have to spend more on arranging the furniture.
- Do not have to share your space with anyone else.
Cons
- It is one of the most expensive yet the most challenging one to secure.
- You need to be self-independent in all situations.
Homestays
This housing type allows you to live with a local family. Moreover, these are a lesser common type than university accommodation and are typically for international students who want to experience local culture. Besides, living in these family stays, you will feel less homesick and can explore the native customs more closely.
Pros
- In these types of accommodation in UK, you will get more immersive cultural experience.
- You will not feel homesickness as you will be living with a family only.
Cons
- These are less independent than any other type of accommodation.
- These are short-term and usually do not exceed a term or a year.
These are the different types of student accommodation in the UK that you can choose from as per your preferences. Now, you might get confused to select the ideal one, so we have you covered. Read the upcoming segment and reduce your confusion.
How to Choose the Ideal Type of Student Housing Option?
To find the ideal student accommodation in the UK, you need to be strategic. So, here are some tips to use and get the best one for yourself:
- Choose based on your year of study and level of independence.
- Set a clear budget, including rent and extra student accommodation cost in UK.
- Pick a location close to campus and public transport.
- Decide what type of housing suits your lifestyle.
- Think about whether you want to live alone or with others.
- Check what facilities and utilities are included.
- Read and understand the housing contract terms.
- Consider cultural fit if you’re an international student.
- Make sure the property has good safety and security.
- View the place in person or online before committing.
Conclusion
This was all about the types of student accommodation in UK. Now, you must have selected the one that fits your preferences and budget as these write-ups have provided you with details about each type of accommodation available in the nation along with their pros and cons. Besides, if you are confused, you should follow the steps mentioned above and ensure you find the right one. But if you are still struggling, seeking assistance from the experts will be the best solution. They will not only guide you to find the right accommodation in one nation, but you can also take their help to find the accommodation for students in Australia and more as well.