Types of Student Accommodation in the UK
- University Halls of Residence — managed by your university; usually includes bills; most popular for first-year students
- Private Student Accommodation — purpose-built student blocks managed by companies like Unite Students or iQ; often near campus
- Shared Private Houses — most affordable option; typically used by students from their second year onwards
- Private Flat/Studio — expensive but offers privacy; mainly used by mature students or those with families
University Halls — Is It Worth It?
For your first year, university halls are strongly recommended:
- Guaranteed accommodation close to campus
- Bills included (electricity, water, internet)
- Best way to meet people and settle in
- Usually booked directly through your university after you accept your offer
The trade-off is cost — halls are typically £550–900/month, which is more than shared housing but removes the stress of finding and managing a private tenancy.