Flatshare Versus University Accommodation: Which Is Better for Students?

Students have plenty of accommodation choices these days. They can live with their parents, share a house with friends or move into university accommodation. University halls are taking over our cities and towering above the high streets. Most of the new accommodation buildings offer luxury flats with communal spaces to hang out. Students are spoilt for choice nowadays, and it can be difficult to decide between them.

In the 2019/2020 academic year, there were 1.9 million full-time and sandwich students in the UK. A whopping 569,000 students occupied other rented accommodation outside of university halls and provider-maintained property. It seems students prefer finding their own accommodation outside of the university system.

Before you make any decisions, here are the main differences between living in a flatshare and university accommodation.

Location

University-owned buildings tend to be on campus or nearby. City universities, like Newcastle University and Leeds University, tend to have accommodation in the city centre. Many students enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city and want to live amongst it all.  However, the central location can drastically increase rent prices. University life can be a little overwhelming at times, and it’s nice to live off-campus. 

Other accommodation usually rests in student towns, like Hyde Park and Headingly in Leeds. These towns are often just outside of the city centre and a short walk from campus. It’s like a student suburb. You can live in a house share with other students and feel a little more independent. You should take out tenant’s contents insurance to protect your belongings in a house share, especially if you live in a rougher area.

Social life

University halls are usually equipped with games rooms, communal areas and other facilities. While these facilities look impressive, students often don’t make the most out of them. You are more likely to make friends on your course or in a society.

Flatshares are much more relaxed and homely. You can live in a proper house with your friends and enjoy socialising more naturally.

Cost

University halls are undoubtedly more expensive. The nicer accommodation has modern kitchens, luxurious ensuites and high-rise views. In 2017, the NUS found that university halls came with an average weekly rental cost of £134.23.

A house share is likely to be much more affordable, and you can learn how to pay bills yourself. You will learn some invaluable life skills and slowly start to gain a bit more independence.

Bathrooms

An increasing number of university halls come with ensuites. You will share a kitchen with your flatmates and have your own room and ensuite. In some cases, you may share a bathroom with other students. Ensuite rooms are a luxury, and they give you a little more privacy.

Unfortunately, you are unlikely to have an ensuite in a house share. Student house shares tend to be older properties with one or two bathrooms.

Find the right university accommodation for you and your personality.