Choosing where to live at uni

You might move away from home for the first time and experience independence by going to university. The most exciting part of the build-up is choosing where to live at university.

It can be difficult to choose where you want to live. Do you want to live in student housing, private accommodation, or at home?

This guide will help you make the first steps towards starting university. Learn about your options and the pros and cons for living in student halls, private rental, or at home.
Student residences

Many unis offer halls for students in their first year that are located on campus or near the university. You’ll be able to make friends and meet new people as soon as you move in.

The best way to be in the heart of university life is through student halls. You’ll be able to get to your lectures on time because they are located close to the university.

Student halls are the best accommodation choice for students who are starting their first year at university.
What’s Included

Students hall flats often come with wifi and bills, which makes it easy to calculate your rent. They come fully furnished with a desk and bed, as well as storage. You can bring your TV, video game or posters.

The university manages halls. They often have a security staff and can provide residential support whenever you need it.


Spaces for sharing

If you choose self-catered student residences, you will share a kitchen with your fellow students. You can also access a canteen if preferred. While most student hall rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, some may have shared bathrooms. This is something to consider when looking for a place to live.

Private renting

You can rent private accommodation, which isn’t managed or owned by the university, if you wish to live with your friends in a shared home or live alone. You have more control over where and with whom you live, but private renting also gives you more freedom.
What’s Included

Private accommodation means that you will need to deal directly with your landlord about your rent and bills, not the university. You should also be aware that not all landlords include wifi and bills in their rent.

Localization

Also, consider how far you would like to travel to university and what public transportation options are available. While student halls are usually located close to campus, a private Leicester student studio may be a little further away.
Living with friends

Students often rent privately their second and third year of university so that they can share a house with the friends they made in their first year. This is an option for students in their first year, especially if they have friends at the uni.

Living in a shared home

You can search for rooms in private shared homes if you don’t have any friends but do not want to live in student residences. You’ll meet other students from different years and share some of the rooms in student houses.
Lodging

Private rooms can be found in homes of residents. You’ll be called a lodger and this is known as lodging. The landlord will live with you and their family. Although you’ll likely be the only student living in the house with the landlord, some landlords may have several rooms they rent out.

A spare room can be rented in someone’s home. This can allow you to meet the residents of the area and their friends. It can also help you to expand your social circle beyond uni.

Living at home

You can continue living at home if you don’t want to go to uni. While you won’t live with other students, you can still take part in university life.

It can be very cost-effective to live at home while you are at university, especially if your rent is not required. However, you may have less freedom than living away and have fewer chances to build your independence.