What's the difference between halls and private accommodation?
Halls are owned by the university and often provide on-campus accommodation to students, mostly first years, in catered or self-catered options. You usually apply with a list of your preferred halls and room types and will be assigned a room. The amenities and modernity of the facilities will between universities.
Private accommodation can either be halls owned by a company, which can serve students from different universities and colleges, or it can mean privately rented houses or flats, where you can have more choice over who your share with and exactly where you'll be living.
Halls or private? Things to consider
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Who do you want to live with?
Halls – usually your housemates are allocated by your university. Though you may be able to state a preference on your application if you have any requirements or you’d like to live with someone you already know.
Private – you may be able to choose your own housemates in private accommodation, e.g. if a few of your friends are going to the same uni. A lot of students go into private accommodation in their second year, when they can choose to live with people they’ve met during their first year. Or if you end up applying for accommodation later on the application cycle – and as a result there are no more places in halls left for your first year – you may be able to join with other students who are going straight into private accommodation.
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Where do you want to live?
Halls – often located on campus or nearby, or with direct student transport to your campus (with student-friendly rates). Or your halls might be closer to the town centre than your campus is – or they could be tucked away somewhere quieter, but containing its own amenities (like a shop, refectory, students’ union bar – maybe even a gym and sports court).
Private – student houses or flats could be situated anywhere in town really – from family-friendly neighbourhoods to lively areas with nightlife or entertainment venues close by.
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How long do you want to live there?
Halls – usually have lengths of tenancy that match the academic year. This might be September to June for example, and then you might move back home for summer before returning to university. Your university might offer different lengths of tenancy though – get in touch with them to find out more.
Private – tenancy lengths vary for private student accommodation. You may be able to stay for a full calendar year if you wanted to remain in your university town or city over the summer. Or you might be able to live in the same place for multiple years if you’re happy with the property and the people you live with.
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What shared spaces would you like?
Halls – you’ll either have a shared bathroom or your own en-suite shower room. You probably won’t have any outdoor space that’s exclusive to you and your housemates. But you might have a courtyard or green spaces outside shared with other student halls – or your halls might be right on campus.
Private – you’ll probably have a shared bathroom and a private garden or courtyard, which could be great if you like growing things, barbecues or spending time outside.