Halls vs Houses
Are you an International Student in Cardiff? Follow our guide to Guide to student accommodation: Student halls vs Private houses.
Congratulations! You made the right choice to study in Cardiff. After you went through a stressful application process you need to start thinking about where your home away from home will be.
We know that moving abroad to study can be stressful and anxiety inducing especially when you need to think about so many other things. It’s not always easy to choose, so we made a short guide to make it easier for you to choose the right option.
Essentially there are two types of student accommodation in the UK: private or university owned student halls or private houses/flats. Both have their pros and cons which are outlined below.
Private houses/flats
Private houses or flats are rented from a landonlord or letting agent. There are usually 6 to 8 people sharing a house or flat with a common kitchen area and living room with 1 to 3 bathrooms. They offer more freedom when it comes to choosing with whom and where you’re going to live. Also, they are usually cheaper than student halls. Meaning, you don't have to break a bank and still live in a decent accomodation.
On the other hand they do not offer as much security as student halls which sometimes have security guards around the properties. Sometimes, due to uni hall's policies, your mates will not be able to come over or spend a night.
Pros:
Privately rented homes are cheaper than student halls
More freedom when choosing the location and housemates
More comfortable as far as the living room and kitchen are concerned
Cons:
No additional amenities like gyms, private bathroom or cinema rooms.
Sometimes dealing with a landlord or letting agent can be difficult.
Student Halls
Students halls are a great way to meet new people when you’re new to the country. You can choose between privately or university owned halls and they usually come with other amenities such as gyms, cinema rooms, ensuite bathroom etc. However, comfort and amenities come at a price. Student halls are in most cases more expensive than sharing a house and the nice amenities they advertise; you’ll probably never use (trust us this on this one). Another thing is that you mostly can’t choose where and with whom you are going to live with.
Pros:
Student halls offer more amenities.
It is easier to meet new people.
Student halls are very safe and often you need to enter a code or swipe your key card to enter the building.
Cons:
Student halls are a more expensive option.
Less flexible when it comes to choosing the location and flatmates
There you have it, all the differences between student accommodation types. If have any more questions or need more tips, check out rest of our blog or feel free to drop as a dm on our social media.
