Shared Flats vs Studios: Which Uni Accommodation is Best?

One of the biggest things you need to decide on when coming to university is choosing where to live.

How close do you want to be to the city or campus? How many people do you want to live with? Which amenities are essential and what can you do without? How much do you want to spend on rent?

These questions and more are at the forefront of every student’s mind as the new semester approaches. Two popular options for uni accommodation for students are between shared flats vs studio flats. Which one is best for you? Read on to find out.

Shared Flats in Student Halls

Student halls of residence are buildings which house blocks of student flats. These flats are often pretty much identical, with bedrooms that can be as little as two bed and up to 15 bed or more.

These flats are the most common type of uni accommodation, and in them you’ll share with some other students who will be your flatmates for the year. You will get your own bedroom which is complete with a bed, work desk, and storage space. Some of these rooms will even have a private en-suite too, so no need to share a bathroom!

You’ll also share the kitchen and living area with your flatmates. If the building doesn’t offer ensuites, then you’ll share a bathroom too.

Studio Flats in Student Accommodation

In these buildings of student flats, there may also be some studio flats on offer to students too. Here, you won’t need to share with any other people and you get the whole place to yourself.

They are typically much smaller than the shared flats, but you’ll get everything you need in your own space. This includes a double bed, mini kitchen, workspace, dining space, ensuite and storage.

They’re perfect for people who like their own space and don’t feel like sharing. They’re also great for couples who want to live together as sharing the studio doesn’t cost any extra.

Shared Flats - Pros

Shared flats are a great place to meet new students from the day you arrive and start making friends. Together, you can go to social events and get to know each other better.

It makes the whole experience easier as you don’t need to go out of your way to meet new people – they’re right there!

Shared flats are often quite spacious and it can be nice to spend an evening in the kitchen or watching TV with your flatmates outside of your bedroom. You can also host parties (if your halls building allows it) without the space getting too crowded.

Studio Flats - Pros

Studio flats are a great way to relax and get work done in peace and quiet. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to share their space with others, they might be perfect for you.

If you’re in a couple, it can be a great way to live together and cut costs as you split the rent. You don’t have to worry about flatmates eating your food or have to clean up after anyone else.

There are also no queues for the kitchen or the bathroom as they are all yours! You may also get a newfound sense of independence that you haven’t had before which can be an enriching experience.

Shared Flats - Cons

As with anything else, shared flats have their drawbacks too. You run the risk of living with people you don’t get along with or have much in common with. They may be messy and might eat your food or use your things without asking.

Shared flats can also get pretty noisy sometimes and if you’re someone who likes peace and quiet, this could be irritating. You will also experience times when you have to wait for the kitchen or bathroom to be free before you can use it.

They also lack the privacy of studio flats, and if you want to host a party or have people come to stay, you will need to let your flatmates know ahead of time too.

Studio Flats - Cons

There are some drawbacks of living in a studio flat as well. First, you might end up getting lonely as you live all by yourself. You can’t just walk into the living room or kitchen and see if anyone is around for a chat. You need to make a conscious effort to be social.

If you want to host a party, there isn’t much room to do so with many people. Studio flats also cost a bit more than shared flats do, and if you’re in one alone, the costs might stack up.

They are small, which means that you might not have a lot of space for your things, even with the extra storage. Plus, whenever you make food in your kitchen, it will linger throughout the studio for much longer and that can be annoying too.

Shared Flats vs Studio Flats: Which Uni Accommodation Will You Choose?

There are many pros and cons when it comes to the battle of shared flats vs studio flats. These are very popular options for uni accommodation, but neither is perfect. It’s totally up to you to decide which appeals more to you and you think you’ll be happiest in. Whatever you choose, you’re still sure to have an amazing university experience.

Want to find student accommodation for university? We offer both shared and studio flats, so get in touch and we’ll help you every step of the way. Also, we have another updated guide on choosing between a studio and an ensuite here.

One of the biggest things you need to decide on when coming to university is choosing where to live.

Shared Flats in Student Halls

Studio Flats in Student Accommodation

Shared Flats - Pros

Studio Flats - Pros

Shared Flats - Cons

Studio Flats - Cons

Shared Flats vs Studio Flats: Which Uni Accommodation Will You Choose?

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Student Flat Share Problems-and how to deal with them

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