Campus Living: A British University Student's Experience

British university students have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, including living on campus, in private accommodation, or at home. Many universities have halls of residence, which are large buildings, sometimes divided into flats, where students can rent a room. These halls are typically located on or near campus and provide an opportunity for first-year students to meet new people and adjust to campus life. In addition to halls of residence, some universities offer self-catered flats or private accommodation, allowing students more privacy and freedom to live where they choose.

Halls of residence

University halls of residence are typically large blocks of flats that can house hundreds of students, with individual furnished bedrooms organised around corridors or apartments. In some cases, bathrooms are shared, but en-suite rooms are becoming more common. Halls are usually managed by the university or in partnership with a private company, and the quality tends to be good as they have to comply with national codes.

The type of accommodation in halls can vary. Some provide single rooms with shared bathrooms, kitchens, and communal areas, while others offer en-suite rooms or even studio flats. Some halls also provide meals and a bed linen and cleaning service. Bills, such as heating, lighting, and water, are generally included in the price of the accommodation, and students in halls are exempt from paying council tax.

Living in halls of residence is a great way to become fully immersed in the student community and to access support from campus and residence teams. They are ideal places to make friends and be part of the social scene, although they can often be loud and distracting. Halls are usually furnished and offer good value for money, but they may be more expensive than private accommodation.

Applying for halls of residence should be done as early as possible, as demand is often high and places are typically allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Many universities guarantee a place in halls for full-time first-year students and international postgraduates, provided application deadlines are met.

It is worth noting that you may not get to choose your flatmates in halls, which can be tricky if you don't get along with the others in your flat. With so much going on, halls might not be the best option for those seeking peace and quiet. Additionally, while your bedroom may be small, all the facilities you need (like a laundrette) are usually on-site, and the university accommodation team is available for maintenance support.

Overall, halls of residence provide a convenient and social option for British university students, especially those in their first year of study.

Private accommodation

In the UK, it is common for undergraduate students to live in halls of residence during their first year of university, then move into private rented accommodation from their second year onwards.

Private rented accommodation gives students a taste of life beyond campus and the option to choose their flatmates. It also provides more flexibility in choosing where to live. Most private student accommodation is already furnished, but you may need to provide your own kitchen utensils and bedding.

Students opting for private accommodation will need to factor in the costs of travel to their university, utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and a TV licence. However, as long as everyone in the house is a full-time student, they are exempt from paying council tax.

It is recommended to view the properties before signing a contract and ensuring that it covers the entire duration of the student's stay in the UK. Students can also reach out to their university's accommodation service or general student support centre for advice and support in finding private accommodation.

When deciding on their living arrangements, students should carefully research the costs and benefits of each option and seek advice from family and friends. They should also try to attend accommodation open days and start the accommodation application process once they have accepted a place on their course.

Student housing options in London

There are several options for student housing in London, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here is an overview of the different types of accommodation available:

University-Managed Accommodation (Halls of Residence)

University-managed accommodation, typically in the form of halls of residence, offers a convenient option for first-year students. Halls provide a great opportunity to meet people and live close to campus. They are usually located on or near campus, making it easier to access support services and participate in social activities. Halls of residence can be managed by the university itself or in partnership with a private company, ensuring good quality as they comply with national codes. Bills are often included in the rent, making budgeting easier. However, this option may be more expensive compared to private accommodation, and you don't get to choose your flatmates.

Privately Owned Halls of Residence

Privately owned halls of residence offer similar benefits to university-managed halls but are not linked to a specific university. You book a room directly with the hall operator, and many offer easy online booking systems. This option provides more independence while still allowing you to live close to campus and enjoy the social aspects of student life.

Private Rented Accommodation

Another option is to rent a house or flat privately, usually shared with other students. This route offers more choice over your location and flatmates, as you can choose to live with friends. While you may be further from campus, good transport links and amenities are often available in popular student areas. Rent is typically cheaper than halls, but you will need to pay bills on top and manage payments for utilities, Wi-Fi, insurance, and TV licence (if required). It's important to understand your rights as a tenant and be comfortable dealing with any issues or repairs.

Staying at Home

For those studying locally, staying at home can be a cost-effective and convenient option. It saves on rent and bills, and you avoid the stress of moving out and living with new people. However, this choice may remove you from the social hub of student life, and it could be more challenging to make friends. Joining sports clubs, societies, or other university activities can help bridge this gap.

When deciding on student housing in London, it is essential to research the costs and benefits of each option and seek advice from family, friends, and university staff. Each choice has its advantages and drawbacks, so careful consideration will help ensure you make the right decision for your needs and preferences.

Self-catered accommodation

When it comes to self-catered accommodation, British university students have a variety of options to choose from. This type of accommodation offers students greater independence and flexibility in their daily schedules, as they can cook and eat whenever they like. Here are some important considerations and factors to keep in mind:

Independence and Flexibility

Cost Considerations

Self-catered halls are generally more affordable than catered options since students are not paying for meals. However, it's important to consider the cost of groceries and the time spent cooking and cleaning. While cooking your own meals can be cost-effective, the convenience of having meals prepared for you in catered accommodation can save both time and money, especially if you find yourself relying on takeaway or eating out due to a busy schedule.

Social Aspects

The kitchen is often a social hotspot in self-catered accommodation. Students can chat and bond with their flatmates while cooking or preparing meals. It provides an opportunity to get to know your housemates, collaborate in the kitchen, and even experiment with fusion dishes. On the other hand, catered accommodation offers the chance to meet people outside your flat during mealtimes, potentially expanding your social circle.

Location and Convenience

When choosing self-catered accommodation, consider the location in relation to the central campus and city centre. Self-catered options are often closer to the heart of the university, providing easier access to various facilities and saving you time on your daily commute. Additionally, being located near shops and supermarkets can make grocery shopping more convenient.

Practical Tips for Self-Catered Living

• Learn a few simple meals before arriving at university. It's not necessary to be a master chef, but knowing how to prepare a few healthy dishes can save you from relying solely on takeaways or microwave meals.
• Create a shopping list of essentials for your first day, including items like milk, cereal, toilet paper, and hand soap.
• Get to know your flatmates, as they can become a valuable source of support and friendship during your time at university. Remember, you don't have to become best friends with everyone instantly, as there will be plenty of opportunities to meet people and find your tribe.
• Be mindful of packing only the essentials when moving to a new city. You can always purchase additional items, like a clothes horse or homeware, from local shops once you arrive.

In conclusion, self-catered accommodation offers British university students the opportunity to develop their cooking skills, manage their own schedules, and save money on meals. It provides a balance between independence and social interaction, allowing students to create a unique and memorable university experience.

Student accommodation for international students

International students have many accommodation options when studying in the UK. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget, the location of your university, and whether your university has halls of residence.

Halls of Residence

On-campus living is one of the most common types of accommodation for international students in the UK. This is often due to its affordability, with an average weekly cost of £212 (USD 250) in London and £166 (USD 200) in the rest of the UK, as well as the safety of living among other students.

Halls of residence are large buildings, sometimes divided into flats, where students have either a single room or share with another student. Rooms are typically basic, and if they do not have an en-suite bathroom, communal bathrooms are provided. Halls provide standard furniture such as a bed, desk, and chair. Most halls of residence also have a canteen with food for students, usually at a fixed cost.

Pros of living in halls of residence:

Socialising and networking opportunities

Cons of living in halls of residence:

• Shared kitchen, bathroom, and/or other facilities
• A limited number of places are available
• Little to no privacy

Private Dorms

Private dorms are similar to halls of residence, except they are managed by student organisations rather than the university. In private dorms, students may find shared and single rooms, but they usually have shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Private dorms are more expensive than halls of residence, with a weekly cost of £259 (USD 310) in London and £155-£228 (USD 185-270) in the rest of the UK.

Pros of living in private dorms:

• Available studio rooms
• Cinema rooms and saunas (included in some, not all, dormitories)
• Modern construction, designs, and equipment

Cons of living in private dorms:

• More costly than halls of residence
• Shared common areas

Renting an Apartment

Renting an apartment is typically something second or third-year students do. It is more expensive, with an average rent of £750 (USD 900) in London and £554 (USD 660) in the rest of the UK, but it offers more privacy and the freedom to choose your roommates and location.

Pros of renting an apartment:

• Freedom of choice (whether the roommates or location)
• Privacy of having your own room

Cons of renting an apartment:

• Can be costly (including bills and rent)
• Safety can be an issue depending on the location
• More responsibilities, including answering to the landlord, cleaning, and compromising with roommates

Rooms in Private Houses (Homestays)

Staying with a host family can be educational, affordable, and safe for international students. Universities usually arrange and appoint a host family for students, and the family is paid for the hosting period. A host family can be a couple, a family with children, or a single individual.

Pros of living with a host family:

• A faster way of learning the British culture and language
• It can give you a close sense of home
• You mainly eat home-cooked meals (for free)

Cons of living with a host family:

• Live according to the host family's rules
• No socialising opportunities with other students
• Possibility of living far from campus

Frequently asked questions