Moving to a new country means starting a new life altogether. You need to take care of your rent, pay your bills, find new friends and the list goes on. But there’s one thing that can make your entire experience way easier.

It’s finding the most suitable place for you to stay!
If you need clarification about whether you should live in your University or rent a private hall, you have come to the right place.

We have made this guide to compare the Uni and Private Hall experiences for you so that you don’t have to. Let us help you find the best student residence in London.

Difference Between University Accommodation And Private Halls

University accommodations are the rooms provided by your university. Most universities in the UK provide this option. But if the uni doesn’t provide them or if the halls are booked, don’t worry! The choice is private halls, which are owned by a private company, rather than by a university.

Companies such as Fresh Student Living, Unite and Yugo provide a wide range of options, especially for international students.

University Accommodation 

University accommodations are usually within walking distance to the uni so you can get to the university in less time, save more money on transport, and don’t have to wake up too early.

Staying in university accommodation is beneficial since you can quickly contact and gain extra support from your university about utilities and other facilities.

If you are the type of student who likes to stay around people, make new friends and know everyone in the corridors in the first week, this option is quite perfect for you.

However, before making your final decision, looking at reviews from other students will also help you get honest opinions.

PROS

1. Social Scene
   Get a chance to bond with students from your university, and be more involved with student unions, clubs and societies, and parties ofc. You can also utilize the other facilities provided by your unis such as the gym and library when it is accessible at walking distance.
2. Halfway house
   If you are staying away from your home for the first time, university halls would help you settle in easily with the new environment and have the company of students who are going through the same things as you.

CONS

1. No importance to your preferences
   Likely, you may not get a chance to stay in the room you prefer. This might be a deal-breaker for a few students.
2. You can’t be picky
   You may not get to choose who you have to share your university accommodation with. Getting your personal space can also be a hurdle because you have to be around people all the time.
3. The mess
   A shared kitchen is provided by most uni accommodations in the UK. Hence, things could get a bit messy.

Private halls

Private halls are a good alternative because they provide similar facilities and are built for students. It also allows you to choose from various options and decide what could be the best for you.

Search for private halls by postcode or city 

Although,  you need to do some research and get details about the various utilities provided by them. Don’t leave it to luck. Be smart and don’t be afraid to ask any questions that may concern you.

Most importantly, jot down what all facilities are included and what is excluded from the amount of rent you will pay so that you can get an idea about your average cost of living in the UK.

PROS

1. More Connections
   The accommodation will be shared by students from different universities and courses so it could turn out to be a great way to make new connections and build a network in the UK.
2. Learning and Growth
   Living with students who would be pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree can give you a diverse environment to grow and great exposure to new learnings.
3. You can choose
   You can find private halls which are way cheaper and provide great facilities. Although, if you don’t like your university accommodation, and prefer to stay in a luxury student accommodation in London, do opt for this option.
4. Easy Commute
   Most private halls are located in the city’s main parts (near most universities). Therefore you’ll have access to convenient commuting options.

CONS

1. All the noise
   It could get noisy and u may feel peace deprived because you would be living in the fast-moving areas of the city.
2. Dealing with the landlords
   This has been one of the major disadvantages of living in private halls because landlords may impose certain rules. So, it is advisable to clear any doubts before moving in.
3. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
   Lastly, there is a great possibility that you may find yourself quite far from the campus, and getting to the university can become an issue eventually.

Phew! Overwhelming innit? Let us help you!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A FREE COUNSELLING SESSION!!

Conclusion

Hope this blog provided you with relevant information and some idea about a student residence in London. Below are a few of the frequently asked questions that students have. If you have any more questions regarding your stay in the UK please feel free to drop them below and get our response.

FAQs

1. What questions should I ask before renting student accommodation?
   a) What’s Nearby?
   You must be looking for a budget-friendly supermarket, a cafe, and a pub or restaurant for a night out.

   b) How much are the bills?
   Since the living expenses in the UK for international students are quite high, if you are planning to pay the rent as well as the bills, make sure you ask for the average amount of bills for things like electricity, water, wi-fi, etc. Also, if you are planning to give an “all-inclusive rent”, make sure they are not charging extra for the bills.

   c) Is there anything else I need to know?
   After all your queries, you can go for this question to make sure you have not missed out on asking anything that you should be knowing.

2. How many days a week will I have to attend college/university?
   In most of the universities in the UK, if you are planning to study an undergraduate course, you would have to attend lectures around 2-3 days a week in your first sem which may increase thereafter.
   For postgraduate students, it is usually 4 days a week according to the university and the courses in the first semester.
3. When should one apply for accommodation?
   The best time to apply for accommodation is as early as possible. Usually, you will need to pay some amount of the rent in advance. Therefore, you can apply after you receive your student visa and it is confirmed that you are going to the UK. However, you should start looking at places and do research in advance, and keep 2-3 options so you can apply whenever you get the visa.