Guide to campus living

So you've decided to live in university accommodation? There are usually lots of different types. Check out this guide to help you make up your mind.

Room types

When choosing a room, think about what you are and aren't willing to share. You might be happy sharing a kitchen, but nervous about having a communal toilet! Generally, the more you share, the cheaper the room!

Single rooms: a bedroom to yourself but washing and toilet facilities will be shared and not in your room.
Single en-suite rooms: bedroom with your own toilet and washing facilities.
Shared rooms: you share a bedroom with another student of the same sex.
Flats: a group of four-eight students share a living room and all facilities, but have their own bedroom.
Studio flats: a flat for one student, who has their own bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.

Meals

In self-catering accommodation, you'll be cooking meals for yourself and sharing kitchen facilities with others. Full board means your halls provide at least 2 meals a day for 5-7 days per week.

How much?!

Studio flats are the most expensive. Most students choose single or en-suite rooms.
Average costs for university halls*:

Self-catering single room: £69
Self-catering en-suite: £86
Self-catering shared: £67
Studio flats: £110
Full board single: £105
Flats: £82

What's included?

Many halls of residence include the costs for heating, water and lighting in the rent. Some will include internet access and insurance and other benefits like gym membership. However, not everywhere will!

Always research what's included in your rent to see how much you need to budget for!

Contract

The amount of rent you pay per year will depend on how many weeks you can have your accommodation for. Universities charge rent for 39 weeks a year on average, however in other halls this may be between 42-45 weeks.

When you sign a contract, make sure you know how many weeks you are paying for so you can budget (and know when you have to move out)!

Benefits

Many students prefer living in university accommodation, especially for their first year. Here’s why:

• Uni accommodation tends to be closer to lectures, social events, and the student union bar! Living nearer to these things will save you time and money.
• Most people there will be in the same situation as you so it will be easy to make friends.
• Support networks, university advice clinics, and student services will all be close to hand.

Related links

• Where should I live?
• Finding student accommodation
• Private renting: Things to remember
• Should you stay or go?
• Zen and the art of shared living

Your shout!

Are you a student who is living in uni accommodation? What are the pros/cons? Share your thoughts by posting a comment using the link below.