For the purpose of settling any debates, let’s start by understanding what we mean by these two terms. On the one hand you have private housing, which to me refers to any type of house or flat you pay to rent. The landlord lets you stay there and you’re responsible for everything. It’s like renting a normal house when you’re not a student.
On the other hand there’s student accommodation, which refers to any type of housing that’s specifically designed for students. This can be flats, managed apartments and so on. Student accommodation differs from private housing in numerous ways – and that’s what you’ve come here to read about. While it’s undeniable that private housing has its benefits, there are simply more reasons to consider student accommodation while you’re studying.
More Amenities
The biggest advantage of moving into student-focused housing is that you receive far more amenities. You’ll find loads of student lettings with some of the following perks:
- Weekly cleaning included
- On-site clothes washing facilities
- Communal areas
- High-speed internet (wired and wireless)
They give you more bang for your buck, but these amenities (and many others) help you during your time in university. You don’t have to stress as much about looking after your home because a cleaner comes every week. You’re never worrying about slow internet because you can plug directly into the Ethernet to study.
Private housing basically gives you no proper amenities, which often means you’re more stressed and juggling more tasks at once.
Way Better Locations
Another key benefit of student accommodation is that it tends to be in much better locations than private housing. You’re highly unlikely to find private properties to rent right next to your university – but you will find student lettings nearby.
That’s because the university owns some student accommodation, but even privately-owned student housing ends up being much closer. If you don’t want to deal with multiple bus journeys to make a 9am lecture every Monday, then this is easily the better choice.
Better Balance Of Privacy & Social
University is a massive step up from sixth form because you’re given full independence. You live alone for the first time, which means you may want to make friends or be more social. Private housing helps you do this and almost forces you to be social – but what if you want some privacy now and then? It’s hard to find privacy if you’re sharing a house with 6 other people!
Student accommodation gives the ideal balance between the two. You normally get a private room with access to communal areas. Depending on where you choose to stay this could mean you share a kitchen with other people or have everything to yourself but can go to a common room for social activities. It’s perfectly designed to let you seek privacy when you want it, yet remain social if you want to make new friends.
All in all, student accommodation is a better choice than private housing because it gives you so much more. You have less to worry about while studying, are closer to your university, and can strike a balance between being social and enjoying your own company.