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Living in Student Halls vs. Private Accommodation
As if there aren’t enough decisions to make about going to university already! There’s which uni or college to choose, which course to choose, or even whether to go to university at all! And, then once you’ve made your decision about where and what to do, you need to think about where you will be living and whether to choose university halls accommodation or a private student house!
If you’ve chosen Leeds as your university destination, then thankfully you have some great options to choose from. Both student halls and private student accommodation in Leeds are great options, and maybe you will ultimately decide that you want a bit of both during your student years.
In order to help you make your decision a little easier, below we’ve noted some benefits for each type of student accommodation so you can decide which features are more important to you right now.
Living in Student Halls - The Benefits
Making friends
One of the main reasons that some students choose halls of residence in their first year at university is so they can have access to a wider group of like-minded people close by. This often makes the first few months a little less daunting, as you will be in the same boat as everyone else - finding your way around, making new friends and socialising at organised events and activities. Some universities try hard to match their student residents up with those that share similar interests, so there is a better chance that you will meet people who you are likely to get on with living next door.
Mealtimes sorted
Some student halls offer catering facilities, again, making it easier for students to ease into living away from home. Having breakfasts, lunches and dinner prepared is a big plus for many young people, who might never have attempted to cook for themselves before.
Essential facilities
As well as having your food options sorted, university halls often come with other facilities like a laundrette, a gym, medical centre and study areas, making life admin much easier to navigate while you are still settling into uni life.
Closeness to classes
In general, halls of residences are located on or very close to the university campus itself, making travel easy and keeping transport costs down to a minimum. Accessing your lectures, the library and sporting facilities will be much easier and you should be able to walk on foot to get where you need to go.
Private Student Accommodation - The Benefits
Living independently
One of the main reasons that some students prefer to choose private accommodation is that it offers more freedom and privacy compared to halls of residence. For those young people who are already independent and used to taking care of themselves, it will come as a huge treat to finally move into a place of their own. Private student houses or apartments allow for complete independence and the chance to transform into an adult overnight!
Personalising your space
Although there may still be limits to what your landlord will allow you to do, personalising your living accommodation may be easier in private accommodation. You can often bring furniture, fittings and decor to make your living space feel like your own - both in your student bedroom and also other living spaces.
Flexible living
Choosing to live in private accommodation means you can choose the type of property that suits you and your lifestyle. Perhaps an apartment in town if you love being close to the shops and restaurants, or maybe a small house a little bit further out of town if you prefer the countryside and rural life. You are also flexible to choose who you live with and when, where and how you eat, work and travel.
More space
Private student accommodation will often offer larger bedrooms, better storage and bigger living spaces in comparison to student halls accommodation. If you appreciate a little more room for yourself and all your things, then this might be a more appealing option for you so that you don’t feel like you are squeezing into somewhere too confined.
Nearer to all the action
Although your private accommodation may not be as close to the campus or your lectures as student halls, you might find yourself nearer to the shops, bars and restaurants, as well as gyms, sports centers and entertainment complexes. Location is always a personal preference, and will be dependent on what your priorities are while spending time at uni.
Better value for money
Depending on what location and the type of property you choose to rent, opting for private accommodation can often be cheaper than halls, especially if you're sharing with multiple people and splitting the costs. Some student lets will include all your utility bills, so that you don’t have to worry about these additional costs, and also sometimes there might be a little room for negotiation with your landlord, whereas you’re unlikely to have this option with the university accommodation.
Ultimately, the type of student accommodation you choose will very much depend on your personality, what you want to get out of your student life. Whether you are looking forward to being very independent or would like a little more help getting settled into adult living, there are choices for everything to ensure that university life suits them.
If you are interested in private student accommodation in Leeds, then browse our available student properties to find your perfect pad!