A guide to first-year student accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation can often make all the difference to your overall university experience as a first-year student. There are different options available for student accommodation, which vary in their features, cost, and benefits:

University halls

Traditionally, university halls of residence are often the main choice for first-year undergraduates, and many institutions guarantee tenancy. These halls are usually split between catered and self-catered options depending on the university, and different room types on offer that vary in their size and cost. Many halls of residence will include several rooms in one flat where tenants are required to share facilities with flatmates, such as a shared kitchen and bathroom.

University accommodation can be a safe introduction to living away from home and a great way to meet new people. However, as they are in high demand, popular and more modern room types may go very quickly. To combat this, it's important to start looking for student accommodation as soon as possible, even before your offer has been accepted. Many university residence halls are also outdated and may lack desirable facilities, such as gyms, modern communal spaces, and large one-bedroom apartments.

Living at home

You may wish to continue living at home if your university is local. This can be a great way to save money and enjoy familiar surroundings. However, if you live further afield and travel a considerable distance to campus, this can become tedious and expensive. It can also make it difficult to enjoy a fulfilling student life, potentially missing out on events, socialising with housemates, and gaining more adult living skills.

Private student accommodation

Throughout the UK, there are a variety of privately rented accommodation options for all undergraduates and postgraduates. From private companies to shared housing from landlords, this option provides the most freedom and variety for first-year students, and often more modern properties.

Though these options tend to be more expensive than university halls, private student accommodation offers more personal space and enhanced facilities, like gyms, outdoor areas, and cinema rooms.

In the table below, compare the different student accommodation options for first-year undergraduate students:

Read more about the average cost of student accommodation with our guide here.

Deciding between university halls and private student accommodation depends on personal priorities. University halls provide a structured, community-focused environment, making them ideal for those looking to make friends easily and integrate into university life. However, facilities may be basic, and demand can be high, limiting availability.

Private halls provide students with real choice and flexibility compared to university halls. With university halls, the accommodation team will assign you a room in an apartment with little choice of where the property is and, in some cases, who you share it with. The rooms can be small and minimal, and often only have space for a single bed, wardrobe and desk.

With private accommodation, you get much more choice over where and who you live with, allowing you to choose the student experience you’d like. This may be a more viable option, especially if you were accepted onto your course through clearing or were late applying for residence halls. It may also be much more appealing if you’re a mature first-year student or a postgraduate.

Ultimately, university halls are a great choice for students who want an immersive student experience, while private accommodation is better suited for those who prioritise independence and upgraded facilities.

Mansion Student private student accommodation

Purpose-built student accommodations offer extra comfort and security and are conveniently located, often right in the heart of the city. Our Leeds student accommodations provide an exceptional standard of student living right in the heart of one of the UK’s favourite student cities, just a short walk from the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett campuses.

Woodhouse Flats are a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with modern ensuite rooms and a five-minute walk from the University of Leeds. Our Asquith House & Austin Hall properties have even more room types to choose from, as well as communal common and games rooms to socialise with flatmates.

 If you’re still unsure, private accommodation providers like Mansion Student can offer advice and guidance to help you find the right living arrangement.

Your choice will greatly impact your experience of first-year student life, so it’s important to properly consider every type. When looking for first-year student accommodation, it's important to consider certain factors to ensure your choice best suits for your needs:

Distance from campus

Consider the proximity of the accommodation to your university buildings. As a first-year student, you may be unfamiliar with your new surroundings, especially in a large city. Living closer to campus can save commuting time and travel expenses while making it easier to participate in student events.

Facilities and amenities

Check for essential facilities such as laundry rooms, Wi-Fi, study spaces, and ensuite bathrooms. High-end accommodations may also include gyms, social lounges, and communal areas to enhance the living experience.

Security and Safety

Ensure the accommodation has adequate security measures, such as CCTV, secure entry systems, and on-site hospitality and maintenance teams. A safe environment contributes to a stress-free student life. Many first-year students may also experience homesickness, loneliness, and other mental health issues. Look for student accommodation that accommodates these and provides well-being support.

Viewing student accommodation

There are many factors to consider when viewing student accommodation for your first year. Primarily, you will want to look for accommodation that fits your budget and can be comfortably covered by your student loan. You will need to leave enough in your monthly budget to be able to pay for necessities like food, and you don’t want your accommodation to swallow up so much of your finances that you can’t afford to go out and enjoy being a student. Read more about budgeting as a student with our full guide here.

Other key factors to bear in mind include the condition, qualities and location of the accommodation option you are considering. Is it close to campus as well as shops, cafes, and other places of interest? Does it provide a good level of privacy and a quiet place to study? Most importantly, can you see yourself living there?

Remember that competition for student lettings is fierce in big university cities like Leeds, Nottingham, and Manchester. The sooner you submit your application, the higher your chances of securing a spot in your accommodation of choice.

Mansion Student are specialists in high-quality private student accommodation in some of the UK’s favourite student cities:

·       Leeds

·       Nottingham

·       Durham

·       Dundee

·       Coventry

We provide a complete service to help you make the most of your university experience, including dedicated hospitality and maintenance teams at our properties. Whether you’re looking to share with friends or want a self-contained studio, we can advise you about what’s available.

To find out more about any of our properties, or for help and advice in finding student accommodation, contact a member of the Mansion Student team today.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for student accommodation as a first-year student?

Generally, the sooner you begin looking for student accommodation, the better. A recent survey by Save the Student found that most students start viewing accommodation for the following academic year between October (15%) and November (14%).

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