In the UK First-year students typically decide to live either in halls of residence or private student housing. Many students choosing to move to private accommodation in the second and third year.
Student accommodation for private students and university student halls share some similarities. The major distinction is that private student accommodation is managed by a private corporation, instead of a university. Companies like Unite, Scape and Student Living provide private student living locations in cities across the UK.
Private student accommodation typically has luxurious facilities and modern amenities This is the reason why it is generally more expensive than traditional university halls with less basic facilities.
Both types of Leicester uni accommodation can be great ways to make new friends, but differ in terms of location price, the cost, social activities and duration of tenancy.
To make your choice simpler, we’ll be outlining the advantages and disadvantages of these two popular options for university students.
Location
Non-private student halls are offered directly by universities for students attending that university. For this reason, they’re generally closer to campus. This is extremely convenient when you’re waking up just five minutes prior to your 9am lecture.
Private student accommodation tends to be situated in cities where there are several universities, like London, Leeds and Manchester. The majority of them are in the city’s centre where students are attracted from universities across the city, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with students from different universities. However, you may need to travel further to get to your lectures.
All it boils down to is individual preference. If you’d prefer to live in the central city with the energy and excitement Private accommodation could be the best option for you. If you’d like being close to the campus and university buildings campus, you may be better off living in university halls.
Costs
Private halls run for the purpose of profit, and generally have the price higher than student halls for university students. For this additional price, you will get the latest facilities, luxury amenities like bathrooms with en-suites, private kitchens, and a fantastic central location within the city.
University halls are generally cheaper but can vary greatly in price depending on the types of halls you’re looking to rent and the facilities that you need.
The two types of accommodation for university students will help you avoid hidden costs as utility bills, contents insurance as well as cleaning for communal areas are included in the price.
It’s worth noting that the cost of both private lodging and university halls vary based on their locations.
Social life
Student housing is a fantastic way to get to know new faces because you’ll be living in a room with four to twelve people. In both housing options, you don’t get to pick who you will be living with.
In university halls, it is common to live in more friendly halls, quiet ones or with fellow students of a similar age and universities will do their best to fulfill your request. Private halls may have the option of requesting to live with your friends or in quieter halls. Be aware that in any type of accommodation it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be offered the first option.
In student residences at universities, you’ll usually be sharing the kitchen and lounge as well as a bathroom, except if you’ve chosen an en-suite.
Private accommodation is also often equipped with communal areas, which may include cinemas, eating areas, and lounges to gather in. If you’re in search of privacy, studio apartments could be offered as private student accommodation, though they’ll be more expensive.
Accommodation providers could also organize regular events for residents that allow students to meet one another and meet up with friends.
Facilities
From a grand piano in Nottingham to a rental of a surfboard service in Bournemouth, private student accommodation can often have unexpected perks. Because private student accommodation is usually found in newly constructed or renovated buildings, they could have better facilities as compared to standard student residences.
But, most university halls have premium rooms, which includes double beds fast internet access and bathroom en suites. Also, you can choose between catering and uncatered which gives you a set amount of money to spend on food at campus.
In general, student accommodation comes with Wi-Fi and a social area. However, often the facilities at private student accommodations will be higher-end that include the option of double beds, gyms and fast Wi-Fi.
You get what you pay for, and the more expensive halls private as well as non-private generally will have more amenities.
How long do you have to stay?
While the standard university accommodation may provide you with the option of staying for 40 weeks (September to June) or 52 weeks (September until September) Private accommodation might have longer terms, meaning that you will have to pay for the full 52 weeks.
Read the accommodation’s tenancy terms before you make your decision.
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