Moving into the first flat, house or student hall, means for many students the first time living away from Mom, Dad and the rest of the family. It will be a home away from home for many months, which makes it crucial that you choose the perfect place from the start. Before signing up, you will need to decide whether it is a pre-drinks venue or a warm place to study you have in mind.

Types of Accommodation, Rooms, Halls and Tailormade Contracts

Once you have an idea of the living space required there are still quite a few other factors to consider, should rent include meals, would you prefer a private room with a shared bathroom or en-suite and would you stay or move out during holiday periods.

When it comes to contracts, there are a few lengths to make sure all budget and preferences are covered. Halls normally offer contracts of 31 weeks long, which don’t include stay during Easter, Christmas or the summer break. These are great for students that wish to travel home during their holiday and wish to not pay for housing while they away.
The 38-week student halls contract period includes both Christmas and Easter, but not the summer holidays, and for those who wish to remain and explore the city, this is a great option.
If you’re planning to stay till the end of the year, then the 50-week contract is what you’re looking for, this includes the stay over the summer holidays, Easter and Christmas, which is great if you on a 12-month master’s course.

Room Types and Bed Sizes in Student Halls

Single rooms in student halls come in all shapes and sizes, and thankfully all rooms include at least a washbasin, while showers are shared. Rooms can be available in flats or in dorm-style offering shared bathrooms in corridors.

If you’re more budget conscious then shared rooms are the way to go, all roommates are allocated as same-sex, and unless you already have a friend to share with, a sharer is allocated by the rental agency or student housing organisation.  En-suite rooms are a bit pricier although it means you have your own room that is connected to a private bathroom. A private bathroom normally offers a washbasin and shower.

Self-Cater or Catered

Halls also offer catered or self-catered options, by choosing catered you get the chance to meet other students in the hall, each mealtime you can choose from a healthy range of different dishes, which also includes vegetarian, Kosher and Halal options. Even if you choose catered, it is still possible to prepare small meals in-between since the community kitchens are equipped with toasters, kettles, fridges and microwaves.  The living arrangement versatility speaks for itself, and with all the options to make your student life as pleasant as you wish, there is plenty to look forward to apart from studying!