Shared student accommodation: what you need to know

Okay so If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you’re unsure whether to go for shared student accommodation or opt for a private one. Where you live is a major aspect of your student journey. Therefore, you must give it enough time and attention when considering your accommodation options.

Shared Student Accommodation: Pros

Shared student accommodation undoubtedly comes with a myriad of advantages. We’ve summarised some of the key ones below:

1) Cheaper

 

Starting with an obvious one, you’d generally pay lower prices for shared housing. Great option if you’re on a budget and/or about to study in an expensive location with high rents such as London.

2) It's more social

 

Making friends and learning about new cultures as international students is a big part of your student life. Living in shared flats helps you step out of your comfort zone, talk to others and get to know different people. However, if you do decide to live in a studio, there are social events and common rooms in many halls these days. 

3) More accommodation options

 

Given the fact that shared student accommodation remains to be the primary choice for most students, the market is also accordingly more lenient towards shared housing. Hence, you might end up having more options.

Shared Student Accommodation: Cons

1) Bills

 

Starting with an obvious one, you’d generally pay lower prices for shared student housing. Great option if you’re on a budget and/or about to study in an expensive location with high rents such as London.

2) Bad flatmates

One of the most common, if not “the” most common disadvantage of shared accommodation is problem housemates. 

Whether it’s them leaving a mess in the kitchen, playing music on maximum volume at 1am or just simply being difficult people, problem housemates can be a major problem in shared student accommodation. 

There are ways, however, in which you can minimise the risk of bad flatmates. Check our other article about this issue.

3) Less privacy

 

This depends on the type of shared student housing that you go for (ensuite vs. standard rooms: check our guide if you’re unsure of the difference). 

And it also depends on your personality and specific preferences. For example, if you’re a postgraduate student you may prefer more independence, in which case studios and private housing would be more preferable to you than shared student accommodation.

Hopefully by now you have a better idea about the pros and cons of shared accommodation. If you’re looking for accommodation,  browse our website or ask us to search for you

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