Choosing your uni accommodation can be both exciting and daunting. After all, it’s the backdrop to your new life as a student. Whether you’re seeking out a party flat or a quiet spot for studying, are panicking about bagging a post-clearing place or are an international student figuring things out from afar, this guide will help you decide what home at university looks like for you.
Types of accommodation
For first-year students, the two main types of accommodation are university-provided or private halls of residence. University halls are owned by your university and are typically populated by other first-years. Many UK universities will guarantee first-year students a place in their halls, so it’s worth checking if yours does.
Private halls of residence are usually owned by private companies. A few of the major UK providers include Unite, IQ and Sanctuary Students. These halls may have students from other universities living there, as well as second and third years.
Another option is to find accommodation outside of halls on the private rental market, as many second- and third-year students do. If you miss out on a place in halls, ask your university to put you in touch with others in the same position so you can look for a place together.
The pros and cons of private v university halls
Cost is probably the major factor here. Their decor may be more dated but university halls can often be cheaper and make budgeting easier, as all expenses (such as internet and heating) are usually included. In private accommodation, you’re more likely to have to budget for these separately.
Then there’s the support available to students in halls. Paul Burns is the University of Manchester’s accommodation manager and also sits on UK-wide university accommodation regulatory boards. He says: “The university’s in-house residential support ties in very closely to the other institutional support – counselling, mental health. Many may think, I’ll never need to access it. But it’s nice to know it’s there.”
At the start of your university adventure, you probably don’t want to think about things going wrong. But if you do find your accommodation isn’t right, Burns says “universities tend to be a little more flexible than private landlords”. Universities will often have several different halls, making it easier to organise a room swap.
It may not always be the big things you need support with either, as Kirstin Annand, operations manager at the University of Aberdeen, says: “There’s always somebody [at university halls] to turn to for whatever reason. One of the biggest things is the number of students who lose their keys.”
Location
Your first port of call should be a visit to the university and its accommodation campuses. If that’s not doable, then a campus map and calculator are your friends. While proximity to the university will keep public transport costs down, a central location can be more expensive, so you’ll need to do a bit of maths to figure out what works best for your budget and preferences.
The ensuite dilemma
University halls are often split-level flats of six to eight people with a shared bathroom on each level. Both Burns and Annand have found that students can be put off by this arrangement, preferring ensuite options which are more common in private halls. Burns encourages people to “check their fears and anxieties”, asking: “Is it really so bad to share?” As well as being more expensive, ensuite halls can be quieter. Chances are you’ll be sharing a bathroom with housemates in second and third year anyway.
Socialising
If your university has multiple accommodation options, some will be livelier than others. Try searching online forums for insight into the character of the different halls at your chosen university. University halls are often more sociable than private options. As Annand says: “You’re attached to the university community, so you’re going to meet lots of people. The majority of undergrads come and stay with us, so everybody’s in the same boat. It’s a community.”
The catering question
Having your meals (at least some of them) made for you can ease the transition into student life. Many universities have catered accommodation options, saving you time on budgeting and cooking. If you think catered could be for you, check the details to find out what meals your residence covers. Burns says: “It’s not uncommon for students to arrive and be surprised no lunch is provided.”
International students
For international students, the accommodation hunt can be complicated by distance and cultural differences. As well as doing your research, it’s worth speaking to your university’s housing team or students’ union for pointers from a local perspective. Some universities have dedicated online guides to private-sector accommodation (look out for accredited landlords). Burns also recommends checking before making payments. “If it’s a small landlord asking for money in advance, I advise students to contact their university accommodation service to check if it’s legitimate.”
Clearing
Congratulations, you’ve got a place through clearing! But now you’re panicking because everyone else will have accommodation sorted and you’ll be scrabbling for a spot, right? Wrong, according to Burns and Annand. “It’s OK. It’s fine,’” says Annand. “You’re in the normal time for applications anyway, because people are still waiting on exam results. There’s no mad panic.”
Even if it comes down to the wire, Burns says universities are usually able to help. “For many university accommodation teams, two weeks is almost a lifetime,” he says. “There’s lots that can change – students who are cancelling, international students who don’t secure visas. If people are patient, invariably, there will be a solution.”
For more guidance on the right course for you, check out the Guardian university league tables for 2025. The Guardian league tables for 2026 will be out on 13 September in print and online
