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University/college accommodation

Housing advice

University/college accommodation

When applying for accommodation with your university or college, you usually will have some opportunity to request what type of room you would like. There are a wide range of different rooms, in some you live in a self-contained flat with your own kitchen. This accommodation is referred to as ‘self catered accommodation’. The most common types of room in this arrangement are the ‘single’ room and the ‘ensuite’. Though there are others including small houses and studio flats.

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In a single room, you will share bathroom facilities with your flatmate, in ensuite you have your own shower and toilet for your room. Ensuite accommodation has become increasingly common, and whilst it has the benefits of privacy, it also is significantly more expensive that single rooms where you share your bathroom facilities with your flat mates.

In addition to self-catering, some universities and colleges have accommodation that offers a part or full board package, providing a certain number of meals each day (usually breakfast and evening meal). Some will also own or manage houses which they rent to students on a shared basis.

A lot of student accommodation is now either owned or managed by private providers, either in conjunction with your university or independently. There are large providers such as Unite, Opal, Liberty or Victoria Halls, or smaller companies specific to the area you are living in. This accommodation tends to be en-suite and, as a result, is generally more expensive than halls of residence provided solely by universities.

Costs

Rent levels for each of the categories of accommodation provided by universities and colleges vary, with rents generally cheaper in the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The rent is likely to include the costs of heat, light and water. Many now also include additional extras such as broadband or contents insurance. Other than the weekly rent, most universities and colleges will request a deposit to cover any damages or other charges that may be levied.

For more information, you should contact the accommodation office of the university or college concerned.

A lot of student accommodation is now either owned or managed by private providers, either in conjunction with your university or independently. There are large providers such as Unite, Opal, Liberty or Victoria Halls, or smaller companies specific to the area you are living in. This accommodation tends to be en-suite and, as a result, is generally more expensive than halls of residence provided solely by universities.

Costs

Rent levels for each of the categories of accommodation provided by universities and colleges vary, with rents generally cheaper in the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The rent is likely to include the costs of heat, light and water. Many now also include additional extras such as broadband internet. Other than the weekly rent, most universities and colleges will request a deposit to cover any damages or other charges that may be levied.

For more information, you should contact the accommodation office of the university or college concerned.