Choosing where to live at university is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before starting student life.
For many students, the choice comes down to two main options: university halls or private student accommodation.
Both can be great. Both can help you meet people, settle into university and find your routine. But they are not exactly the same, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you.
Here’s how to compare private student accommodation and university halls before you book.
What are university halls?
University halls are student accommodation usually owned, managed or allocated by the university.
They are usually popular with first-year students because they feel like a natural starting point. You may be living with other students from the same university, close to campus, with support linked to the university.
University halls can be a good option if you want:
- a university-managed place to live
- a first-year student environment
- accommodation linked to your course or campus
- a simple route through your university
- the chance to meet other students from the same institution
However, availability can be limited, especially in busy cities or later in the booking cycle.
What is private student accommodation?
Private student accommodation is usually managed by a specialist accommodation provider rather than the university.
This can include purpose-built student accommodation, private halls, studios, en-suite rooms and student villages. The buildings are designed specifically for students, but they are open to students from different universities in the city.
Abodus offers private student accommodation across Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton.
Private student accommodation can be a good option if you want:
- more choice of room types
- a wider choice of locations
- all-inclusive rent
- modern shared spaces
- on-site support
- accommodation with students from different universities
- more independence
Main difference between private accommodation and university halls
The main difference is who manages the accommodation.
University halls are connected to the university. Private student accommodation is managed by a separate accommodation provider.
That difference can affect:
- how you book
- who you live with
- what room types are available
- what facilities are included
- how much choice you have
- where the building is located
- what support is available on site
For some students, university halls feel like the obvious first step. For others, private student accommodation offers more flexibility and a better fit.
Which has better room options?
Private student accommodation often gives you more room choice.
You may be able to choose between:
- en-suite rooms
- studios
- one-bed apartments
- different room sizes
- quieter buildings
- more sociable properties
- student village-style living
At Abodus, for example, students can choose from different room types depending on the property and city. Castle Hill in Cambridge offers en-suite rooms and studios. Martha Street Apartments in Glasgow includes en-suites, studios and apartment style options. Hope Street in Liverpool offers studios and en-suite rooms, while Portland Green Student Village in Newcastle gives students a wider village-style setup.
University halls may also offer different room types, but choice can depend on availability, allocation systems and the university’s accommodation stock.
Which is better for social life?
Both university halls and private student accommodation can be good for social experiences.
University halls can be good for meeting other first-year students from your university and you may be surrounded by people who are also new to the city and trying to make friends.
Private student accommodation can also be very sociable, especially in buildings with shared lounges, study areas, events, games rooms, gyms or outdoor spaces.
The difference is that private student accommodation often brings together students from different universities and have purpose built social areas. That can be a benefit if you want a wider student community beyond your course or campus.
Which is better for independence?
Private student accommodation can be a strong choice if you want more independence.
Studios are especially useful for students who want their own private space to cook, study and relax. This can suit returning students, postgraduates, international students or anyone who prefers a quieter routine.
En-suite rooms still offer privacy, because you have your own bedroom and bathroom, but with shared kitchen life nearby.
University halls can also support independence, but they may feel more structured depending on the building, allocation and student mix.
Which is better for first-year students?
There is no single best option for first-year students.
University halls can work well if you want to be surrounded by other first years and feel closely connected to the university.
Private student accommodation can work well if you want more choice, a specific location, different room types or a building that feels more suited to your routine.
A first-year student at Northumbria University, for example, may like Portland Green Student Village because it offers a ready-made student community in Newcastle. A first-year student in Glasgow may prefer St James or Martha Street Apartments because they want city-centre living close to university life.
The best choice is the one that helps you feel settled.
Which is better for returning students and postgraduates?
Returning students and postgraduates often look for different things from accommodation.
You may want:
- more privacy
- a quieter building
- a studio
- better study space
- fewer distractions
- a location close to placements or campus
- a more independent routine
Private student accommodation can be useful here because it often gives more choice around room type and lifestyle.
A studio at The Walls in Southampton, Castle Hill in Cambridge or Stepney Yard in Newcastle may suit students who want their own space while still being part of a student environment.
Which is better for location?
Location depends on the city.
University halls may be close to campus, but not always. Private student accommodation may be close to campus, close to the city centre, close to nightlife or close to transport links.
When comparing accommodation, check:
- walking time to campus
- public transport links
- supermarkets nearby
- distance to the library
- distance to nightlife
- access to green space
- how safe and practical the route feels
Abodus properties are often positioned around student-friendly city locations. Haymarket in Edinburgh gives students strong transport links. Hope Street in Liverpool places students close to culture and university areas. Martha Street Apartments and St James offer access to Glasgow city life. The Bridge and Stepney Yard connect students with Newcastle’s Ouseburn area.
Which is better for bills?
Private student accommodation often includes bills in the rent.
That may include:
- electricity
- water
- heating
- Wi-Fi
- contents insurance
This can make budgeting easier because you know more of your costs upfront.
University halls may also include bills, but you should always check exactly what is covered before booking.
Before choosing any accommodation, ask what is included, whether there is a fair usage policy and whether there are any extra costs for laundry, gym access or other facilities.
Which is better value?
The best value option is not always the cheapest weekly rent.
A room might look cheaper, but cost more overall if bills, transport or extra costs are not included.
To compare value properly, look at:
- weekly rent
- total contract length
- bills
- Wi-Fi
- travel costs
- room type
- facilities
- location
- support
- deposit or advance rent
Private student accommodation can look more expensive at first, especially for studios, but it may include more in the rent. University halls may be more affordable in some cities, but choice and availability can vary.
Quick comparison
University halls may suit you if:
- you want university-managed accommodation
- you want to live mainly with students from your university
- you are a first-year student
- you want a more traditional halls experience
- you have a room offer that works for your budget and location
Private student accommodation may suit you if:
- you want more choice of room types
- you want a specific city location
- you want a studio or en-suite room
- you want bills and Wi-Fi included
- you want modern shared spaces
- you want to live with students from different universities
- you are booking later in the cycle
Questions to ask before booking
Before choosing between private student accommodation and university halls, ask and research:
- How close is it to campus?
- What room types are available?
- Are bills included?
- Is Wi-Fi included?
- What is the full contract length?
- What is the total cost?
- Who manages the building?
- Is there on-site support?
- What shared spaces are available?
- Can I see photos, floorplans or a virtual tour?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Do I need a guarantor?
Private student accommodation with Abodus
Abodus offers private student accommodation in Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton.
Our properties are designed to support different student lifestyles, from quieter studios to sociable en-suite flats and wider student communities.
Whether you want more independence, a ready-made community or a city-centre base, Abodus gives students a choice of places to settle in.
Private student accommodation and university halls both have benefits.
University halls may be right if you want a university-managed first-year experience. Private student accommodation may be right if you want more choice, independence, facilities or city location.
The best accommodation is not just the one closest to campus or the cheapest per week. It is the place that helps you feel safe, settled and ready to enjoy university life.
