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.

                   Large Developments                  Rooms in owners’ homes or Lodgings

Shared Houses/Flats or Tenement Flats

In Scotland tenement flats account for the vast majority of student lets in the private sector

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. Click here for details of the form of contract you’d probably sign for this type of accommodation.

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. Click here for details of the form of contract you’d probably sign for this type of accommodation.

Bedsits

Bedsits account for a small percentage of student accommodation. 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. Click here for details of the form of contract you’d probably sign for this type of accommodation.

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. Click here for local statistical detail. Click here for details of the form of contract you’d probably sign for this type of accommodation.

The supply of bedsits, self-contained flats and houses for two usually dries up by early September. If you're interested in this sort of accommodation, you should really aim to sign a contract before the beginning of August.

The market balance of these types of accommodation does, of course vary, so check for local details.