You’ll need to be familiar with the options and the most popular choices when you think about student accommodation. There may be many options available for student accommodation. This is why it is important to familiarize yourself with them all and understand their pros and cons.
We will take a look at the most commonly used types of accommodation for students:
Privately rented accommodation
University residence halls
Private sector halls for residence
Living at Home
Property purchased by parents
Privately-rented Accommodation
Students love private accommodation and many choose to rent it in their second or subsequent years.
You won’t have the convenience to live on campus in this type student accommodation but you might feel closer to your community. First-year undergraduate and postgraduate students may find it difficult to find fellow students to share your space. Your university’s accommodation office can often help you to match you up with students.
You could rent accommodation for students in Leicester on your own, share a flat or house with friends, or rent out a room in a rental property owned by your landlord. You should remember that your landlord may be more able to end your tenancy if your tenant-landlord relationship is not working out.
Pros:
You can be completely independent and free.
You choose who you live with and what type of property you wish to move into.
You can decorate your own room or move your furniture around, but you must adhere to the terms of your tenancy agreement in order to not lose your deposit.
You have the option of living close to your university, town, and other amenities.
Cons:
You will often have to budget for and balance rent and bills separately.
If you live far from your campus or buildings, it might be necessary to walk or use public transport.
It will be your responsibility to clean and maintain the common areas.
Many properties are older so make sure you inspect the property for any signs of dampness or disrepair before you buy.
University residence halls
University halls of residence are operated and owned by the university. These are popular options for students who are new to the university or are studying abroad.
Because they are located close to campus, they are highly sought after. You may find living in halls useful in your first year. However, if you wish to move into shared housing in your second year you will have to make a decision about who you would like to share your home with. Halls are a great place to meet your housemates for next year.
You might not be able get the first room in this type accommodation for students. The rooms with en-suite bathrooms are often oversubscribed. The rooms are generally unremarkable, but they are comfortable.
Pros:
It’s a great way to get from being at home to total independence.
You won’t have far to travel to most halls accommodation.
It is easier to meet new people and make friendships – and there is a group that you can go with for your first night out.
Many halls organize and host events like quizzes or pub crawls. Most have a social media presence that allows you to make new friends before you even go to university.
Cons:
Halls are highly competitive, so it is possible to not get your first choice for accommodation.
They are typically available only to first-year student.
Some halls enforce strict rules such as closing the fire doors at all hours or keeping them quiet. They can also penalize anyone who breaks these rules.
Fire alarms can be used to evacuate entire blocks if toast is toasted at six in morning.
Do you prefer to be catered or self-catered
You can choose whether you want to live in a catered or uncatered student accommodation. This will affect the quality of the kitchen facilities that you have in your halls. While catered accommodation is less in demand than in the past it is still available at some unis. To cover food costs, you will need to pay extra rent. However, this allows you to save time shopping for food and cooking.
Keep in mind, however, that shared kitchens offer a wonderful space for making friends and meeting new people. You won’t be tied to the canteen schedule if you cook for yourself.
Private sector residence halls
Private halls look similar to university halls, but are owned by commercial businesses. You have your own space and some shared areas like a kitchen or lounge.
While some of these student accommodations work in partnership to unis, most are located in the city center, close to restaurants and shops. You may have more options than the uni halls. Many studio apartments are available with their own kitchen and bathrooms.
Pros:
Purpose-built, stylish, with more options for room types.
Many have more amenities. These can include saunas, gyms and games rooms.
You will generally get bills such as utilities, broadband and contents insurance.
Cons:
It can be one of your more expensive options. All those amenities don’t come for free.
Because private residences can accommodate multiple colleges and unis in the same area, you might not live with them.
FOMO is a common side effect of living off-campus.
Living at Home
The university experience wouldn’t be the same for most students if they didn’t live away from home. Some students, however, choose to stay at home while they study – whether it’s for personal reasons or financial reasons.
Pros:
This is often the cheapest option, even if it does require you to contribute towards your living costs. It will likely be much cheaper than living in student digs.
It’s comforting to know you have a place to go home to after a long day.
If you keep your support network around you, you won’t feel homesick.
Cons:
When you are at university, it will be more difficult to meet people through your lectures and sports and social events.
Consider travel time and cost when you commute to work each day.
Independence when you have to answer to your parents
The place you live with your family can limit your choices for uni.
Parent purchase
Another option for student accommodation has been growing in popularity is for parents to buy a home or flat and become landlords to students who include their child. Although this may seem like a good idea financially, it is important to take into consideration the implications.
If one of your friends happens to be the landlord’s child it could lead to a strained friendship. You could find yourself in a difficult situation if your guardian, parent, or sibling is the landlord.
Parents might prefer to have the property managed by a local letting agent in this type buy-to -let situation.
Pros:
It is usually significantly cheaper than renting private property from an unknown landlord.
You are more likely to be allowed to decorate your space by your parents than you would think.
Because their child is also living in the property, landlords have a vested right to ensure that it is maintained.
Cons:
Relationships that are strained can lead to a ripple effect in your home and make it difficult.
Without warning, your landlords may visit your child.
Problems with your living arrangements can be difficult.
You have many housing options, so it is worth taking the time and weighing your options carefully to ensure that you choose the best student accommodation for you.
The Most Common Types Of Student Accommodation
According to HESA data in 2018, the most common form of accommodation for students was private rented properties (‘other rented accommodations which were not purpose-built). Keep in mind that the data was collected during 2020-2021. Many students were affected by the pandemic.
Living at home was the next most popular option, closely followed by living in their own house. But, we can narrow down the number to only first-years. Only 24 percent of students lived in provider-maintained homes.
The best student accommodation will depend on many factors. You’ll also need to be willing to make compromises. Perhaps you are not comfortable sharing a bathroom space with four others, but you’re willing to travel by bus to get to uni each day. You’re certain to find the right student accommodation for you. There are so many options.
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