Student Halls vs Private Halls

When it comes to choosing student accommodation, there are so many options to choose from (almost too many to look through!) But this is a great thing as it gives you plenty of choice depending on preferences and budgets. Halls are a popular choice for many students but what are they and what are the differences between university and private options? 

What is a 'Hall'?

Halls often have a range of room options for students looking for easy, affordable, and secure accommodation when moving to university. They can be a great choice for housing if you’d like to meet some new people as flats are often shared with communal spaces, such as kitchens, as well as other shared facilities across buildings. Most halls are bills-included, meaning less stress trying to figure out how to pay and divide up bills when you need to be focussing on your studies! Receptions, washing facilities, and security are common features of halls so they are a good, secure, comfortable, and easy option for your accommodation choice. 

However, halls differ from other private accommodation types in the sense that prices can vary, as well as differences in privacy, outdoor spaces, and proximity to areas in the city (e.g. high streets or the university campus). It’s worth exploring all your options to ensure you make the right accommodation decision for you! 

University halls

In first year, some students opt for the halls offered by their university, usually managed or operated by the university itself. These can be on campus or close by in a student village and can be a good option for those looking to roll out of bed and into a lecture theatre being often close to other university buildings! Amenities can definitely vary across halls and universities so it’s worth checking what’s on offer, but many have a reception, security and a range of flat options from those with en-suites, to shared kitchens/bathrooms, and sometimes studios too. 

Private halls

Many students will, instead, opt for private halls which are not affiliated or managed by the university itself. They are managed by private companies, with many providers offering national or even international properties. These accommodation options are also great because they are most often bills-inclusive and have a lot of similar amenities to university halls, usually with some extra facilities too! These could include hang out rooms, vending machines, and even cinemas, bowling alleys, or gaming rooms in some private halls. Although, there can be a huge variation between different halls so it’s worth checking out what options are in your area and what different amenities they provide students. 

If you're still looking for student accommodation, we have plenty of great options on our website!