How to Pick the Right Student Accommodation

Posted on December 7, 2017

Whether it’s your first year and your first time away from home or you’re a second or third year student searching for digs for you and your fellow flat mates, picking the right student accommodation is one thing that shouldn’t be taken lightly. With so many student accommodation options to choose from however, this already difficult decision is made even more perplexing.

Our Sunderland estate agents help people from all walks of life find the right base for them, and we regularly help the student population with this tough choice. Read on to discover the pros and cons of each student accommodation type and become one step closer to finding the perfect place to call home for the rest of your university year.

University managed halls

University halls offer a number of advantages, particularly for first year students. The social scene of halls is unrivalled and delivers an excellent opportunity to meet lots of people, many of which you will come to call friends for the rest of your time at university and beyond. Often referred to as the ‘halfway’ house option, halls provides a gentle transition from living at home to living independently with extra support available should you need it.

With halls however, there are no guarantees that you will get your first or even second choice of accommodation. For some, living in halls can be a challenge with the prospect of living in close quarters with a lot of students, and the associated noise and mess, worrying.

Private halls

Many universities recommend privately owned, purpose built halls for their students. Offering a similar set up to university managed student halls, going private comes with a number of perks. Many private halls feature the mod cons that university halls could only dream of, whilst location wise, many private facilities provide more advantageous positions. Private halls are generally pricier than university managed halls, but for many, this extra cost is worth footing the bill for.

Private student accommodation

For those looking for the independence and flexibility that comes with living away from home, private student accommodation is a great choice. The private rental market is stacked full of great properties, and whilst they may not be purpose built for students, you are in charge of where you live and who you live with, two factors that are out of your control in university managed and private student halls.

The downsides? Private student accommodation may be a little further away from university than you may like. You will also have to deal with all the admin that comes with liaising directly with your letting agent or landlord, as well as manage your own household bills.

Living at home

Living at home is of course the most hassle free and cost effective option, but for students looking for a real taste of independence, living at home may not be ideal. For most however, the university experience is what you make it so consider whether the pros are worth the cons.

Need help deciding which student accommodation in Sunderland is right for you? Call us or pop in branch to chat to a member of our team.