Types of accommodation

Q: What types of accommodation are available and which would best suit me?

A: It’s fair to say that the types of accommodation and their relative availability are generally similar across university towns. Deciding what type best suits you is worth some consideration.  Below are brief descriptions of the types of accommodation available typically to students.

 Shared houses and flats                              Bedsits, self-contained flats

Rooms in owners’ homes or Lodgings            Large Developments

 Shared Houses/Flats

The overwhelming majority of students opt for this type of accommodation. The usual deal is that you rent a room in a house and share the kitchen, lounge (if there is one), bathroom and toilet with other students.

The amenities are shared between the occupants. The vast majority of students will sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST)  For more information on contracts please click here

Self-contained flats

A number of students live in small self-contained flats, where none of the facilities are shared. A flat should have its own bathroom, toilet and kitchen. This category will particularly interest small families, couples or those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. A self-contained flat may have one or two bedrooms.

Bedsits

Bedsits account for a small percentage of student accommodation. Click here for local statistical detail. A bedsit is a room which contains some form of self-contained amenity, normally a small kitchen or separate washing facility. Bathrooms and toilets are usually shared with other residents.  

The supply of bedsits, self-contained flats and houses for two can vary between University towns, so check for local details.

Room in an owner's home or Lodgings

This is where you live in a house, normally with the owner. The provision of meals and who you share with varies. House rules and regimes can also vary considerably, so it's best to talk to the resident owner occupier about how the house works and what they would expect of you.Although only a few students live in this kind of accommodation it is especially useful for international students wanting to live in a local household (also a good way to improve language skills), younger students (particularly those under the age of 18) and those who want a short stay. Live-in owners are often very flexible about accepting short lets.

Large Developments

Although large developments primarily house first year undergraduates increasingly this is becoming an attractive option for other students and providers are meeting this need by offering flats where, for example, postgraduate or final year students can live together.   If you are interested in looking at which large developments are available to you please click here.