Choosing your accommodation for your prospective UK university is one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll make as a student. You’ll live there in your first year of University, with the option to stay in our halls for the entire duration of your study, so you want somewhere you’ll enjoy calling home and creating new memories.
Learn about all of the different types of accommodation options available to you as well as the process of applying.
The process
You should usually start your accommodation application once you've accepted an offer of a place on a course, but check with your university for exact details of the process.
It’s best practice to do your own research. A good starting point is to take a look at your prospective universities’ accommodation options. Different accommodation types come in a range of shapes and sizes so finding the right one for you shouldn’t be too difficult.
Accommodation can be allocated in the order that the applications arrive, while others, like Newcastle University, let you pick a number of your preferences. But accommodation officers will do their best to match your choices, such as a ground floor room or shared bathroom.
It’s likely that you’ll need to pay a deposit, so keep that in mind and have a clear plan of how you’re going to pay for your accommodation.
Also, be aware that universities often have deadlines for applying well ahead of your course start date, so don’t leave it until the last minute to complete and submit your application.
Halls of residence
Universities usually offer secure and convenient accommodation that’s called halls of residence (or commonly known as halls). Each hall varies but we have the essential information you need to ensure you pick the most suitable hall for you.
As they're typically located on or near campus, living in halls puts you at the centre of student life. There’s typically a communal area where you can socialise and some Newcastle University accommodation even has gaming areas!
This is a great way to easily settle in, make new friends and discover new hobbies.
Utilities such as gas, electric and water are typically covered in the price so you can factor that into your budget. Make sure to check this when considering your options however as some private providers don't include these costs in the rent.
Catered and self-catered are the main types of halls. They both have their advantages so choose the options which works best for you.
Self-catered halls
A self-catered experience could make you more independent. You get to cook whatever you want, whenever you want and you could gain a useful new skill. You’re not limited to set meal times and the kitchen can become a hub for new friendships.
Cooking for yourself all the time can be time-consuming. Think about collaborating with flatmates for a fusion of cultures and experience different and delicious cuisine.
Catered halls
The catered option means eating in a canteen with lots of other students, so it’s a great opportunity to socialise. It also means you could spend less time making your own meals and more time joining fun clubs and societies.
Types of bedrooms in halls
These are the basic types of bedrooms: fully en-suite, family rooms, studio rooms, bedroom with toilet, bedroom with washbasin or bedrooms with shared bathroom. It’s a good idea to check the university website for information about the type of bedroom each hall offers.
Bedrooms in halls are very basic with neutral walls, a bed and usually a desk and storage for your clothes. You can personalise your bedroom however you like for the duration of your study as long as there is no damage when decorating.
Here are some of our tips to decorate:
- bring framed photos of friends and family - this will remind you of home and is a personal addition to your room
- turn your bed into a comfortable safe space with soft blankets and cushions - this also makes your room inviting for friends
- buy a reading light for your bedside - you can study at night and the warm lighting is cosy
Private rented accommodation
You may prefer to live in privately rented accommodation like a house or flat. It’s usually second-year students who move to this type of accommodation with friends after making friendships in halls of residence in the first year.
Rented accommodation gives you more freedom over where you’d like to live. You might be further from campus but university cities typically have an extensive transport network. They usually house four to five people so bills can be split, which makes is good way to learn how to budget.
If you’re renting privately through a landlord, you’ll need to have a guarantor (this is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you don’t pay it and they need to residue in the UK). It’s best to have this in place before you agree to take the property.
Here are some extra tips if you’re considering privately renting accommodation during your study at a UK university:
- make sure you read through the whole contract carefully. You don’t want to tie yourself into a contract that is longer than your course time
- most student accommodation is furnished but you’ll need essentials like cutlery and bedding
- be aware of your rights as a tenant as well as responsibilities. Being knowledgeable about repairs and additional costs will make renting easier
Now you know the essentials about UK university accommodation, it’s time to learn about what the wonderful UK has to offer.
Everything you need to know about studying in the UK
Studying in the UK is a valuable experience and if you’re interested in studying here, don’t hesitate to apply and enhance your higher education. The UK is a diverse and welcoming place to have your higher education experience.
For more useful information for international students looking to study in the UK, download our helpful guide for all you need to know. From finance to visa applications, we have it covered.
