Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you'll make before starting university.

For many students (and their parents), the choice comes down to three main options:

• University Halls
• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
• Private Renting

Each offers a very different university experience. Some are more social, some are more independent, and some offer better value for money.

The good news? There isn't a "wrong" choice.

The best accommodation is the one that suits your budget, personality, lifestyle and stage of university life.

This guide compares all three options, without bias, so you can decide which is right for you.

What Are the Three Types of Student Accommodation?

University Halls

University halls are owned or managed by your university.

They're usually located on or close to campus and are designed primarily for first-year students. Most include furnished rooms, Wi-Fi and utility bills, making them one of the easiest options for students moving away from home for the first time.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

PBSA stands for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation.

These are privately owned student buildings run by specialist accommodation providers such as Unite Students, Student Roost, iQ Student Accommodation, Yugo, Fresh Student Living and many others.

PBSAs are built specifically for students and often include modern facilities such as:

• Gyms
• Cinema rooms
• Study spaces
• Games rooms
• Social lounges
• Secure bike storage
• 24-hour reception

Many also offer both ensuite rooms and private studio apartments.

Private Renting

Private renting usually means renting a student house or flat through a landlord or letting agent.

Most students choose this option during their second or third year after they've made friends and know the city better.

Private houses often offer more space, greater independence and lower overall costs, but they also come with more responsibility.

At a Glance

University Halls

For decades, university halls have been the traditional choice for first-year students, and for good reason.

They're designed to make the transition to university as easy as possible.

Pros

• Usually close to campus.
• Bills and Wi-Fi are often included.
• Easy application process.
• Great place to meet other first-year students.
• Strong university support network.
• Secure buildings.
• Little day-to-day admin.

Cons

• Less choice over who you live with.
• Rooms can be smaller.
• Facilities vary between universities.
• Some contracts only cover the academic year.
• Older halls may feel dated.

Best for

✅ First-year students

✅ Students moving away from home for the first time

✅ Parents looking for reassurance

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Over the last decade, PBSA has become one of the fastest-growing forms of student accommodation in the UK.

Think of it as student living with extra facilities.

Many PBSAs include:

• Ensuite bedrooms
• Studio apartments
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Utility bills
• Study rooms
• On-site gyms
• Cinema rooms
• Social events
• Maintenance teams
• Reception staff

Everything is designed specifically around student life.

Pros

• Modern buildings.
• Excellent facilities.
• Bills usually included.
• Predictable monthly costs.
• Secure buildings.
• Strong community events.
• Great for international students.
• Minimal household admin.

Cons

• Can be more expensive.
• Less choice over flatmates.
• Premium locations often cost more.
• Some buildings feel less connected to university life than halls.

Best for

✅ International students

✅ Students wanting premium facilities

✅ Students who prefer all-inclusive living

Private Renting

Private renting offers the most freedom, but also the most responsibility.

Instead of living in dedicated student accommodation, you'll rent a shared house or flat with friends.

For many students, this becomes the preferred option after first year.

Pros

• Usually the cheapest overall.
• Bigger bedrooms.
• More living space.
• Choose who you live with.
• Greater independence.
• Often stay for multiple years.
• Experience managing your own home.

Cons

• Bills may not be included.
• Deposits usually required.
• More responsibility for cleaning.
• Need to deal with landlords.
• Repairs may take longer.
• Shared responsibility with housemates.

Best for

✅ Second and third-year students

✅ Groups of friends

✅ Budget-conscious students

What Does It Actually Cost?

Headline rent doesn't tell the whole story.

Always compare the total monthly cost.

University Halls

Usually include:

• Rent
• Wi-Fi
• Utility bills

Laundry is often charged separately.

PBSA

Usually includes:

• Rent
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Wi-Fi
• Contents insurance (sometimes)
• Maintenance

This makes budgeting much easier because there are very few surprise costs.

Private Renting

Rent may look cheaper, but don't forget:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Broadband
• TV licence (where applicable)
• Contents insurance
• Deposit
• Moving costs

Sometimes private renting still works out cheaper, but always compare the full cost rather than just the advertised rent. Your budget should also account for deposits and other upfront costs before moving in.

Who Will You Live With?

This can completely shape your university experience.

University Halls

Your flatmates are usually allocated by the university.

That might sound scary, but everyone is in the same position and many lifelong friendships begin in halls.

PBSA

You may be able to request to live with friends, but many providers allocate flatmates.

You'll often meet students from different universities and even different countries.

Private Renting

You choose exactly who you live with.

That's one of the biggest reasons students move into shared houses after first year.

Which Has the Best Facilities?

University Halls

Usually include:

• Laundry
• Common room
• Bike storage
• Study areas (sometimes)

PBSA

Usually offer the widest range of facilities:

• Gym
• Cinema room
• Study spaces
• Games room
• Social lounge
• Roof terrace
• Reception
• Parcel collection

Private Renting

Facilities vary enormously.

One house might have:

• Garden
• Parking
• Large kitchen

Another might have very few extras.

Which Is Most Social?

University Halls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Still the easiest place to make friends.

Everyone is new.

Everyone is looking to meet people.

PBSA ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Very social too.

Many providers organise welcome events, movie nights, fitness classes and social activities.

Private Renting ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Much depends on who you choose to live with.

If you've already built a friendship group during first year, this can be the perfect setup.

Which Is Safest?

Both university halls and PBSA generally offer:

• Secure entry systems
• CCTV
• Reception or support staff
• On-site maintenance

Private houses vary.

Many are perfectly safe, but security depends on the property and location.

Location Matters

Think beyond rent.

Ask yourself:

• Can you walk to lectures?
• Is there a supermarket nearby?
• How close is the town centre?
• Is there public transport?
• Can you cycle?

Sometimes paying slightly more for a central location can actually save money on travel. Location should always be considered alongside transport links and access to everyday essentials.

What Should Parents Consider?

Parents often focus on slightly different priorities.

University Halls

✔ University support

✔ Easy transition

✔ Campus location

✔ Good security

PBSA

✔ Modern facilities

✔ Bills included

✔ Secure buildings

✔ Reception staff

✔ Predictable budgeting

Private Renting

✔ Usually better value

✔ More independence

✔ Teaches real-life skills

✔ Greater responsibility

Before You Book Any Accommodation

Whatever option you choose:

• Start looking early for the widest choice.
• Visit in person or take a virtual tour if possible.
• Check exactly what's included in the room.
• Read the contract carefully, including deposits, guarantors and cancellation policies.
• Save the accommodation team's contact details before you move in.

Our Student Move-In Checklist, Ultimate University Packing Guide and Student Bedroom Setup Guide can also help you prepare once you've secured your room.

Our Recommendations

🏆 Best for First-Year Students
University Halls

You'll meet lots of other freshers, live close to campus and have university support on hand.

🏆 Best for Premium Student Living
PBSA

Perfect if you want modern facilities, all-inclusive bills and a hassle-free experience.

🏆 Best Value for Money
Private Renting

Usually offers the lowest overall cost, especially when sharing with friends.

🏆 Best for International Students
PBSA or University Halls

Both make settling into a new country easier thanks to bills included, furnished rooms and dedicated student support.

🏆 Best for Second and Third Years
Private Renting

Once you've made friends and know your university city, a shared house often offers the best mix of value and independence.

Final Thoughts

There's no single "best" type of student accommodation.

University halls, PBSA and private renting all have their strengths, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you.

If you're a first-year student looking to make friends quickly, university halls are hard to beat.

If you want modern facilities, predictable costs and an all-inclusive lifestyle, PBSA is an excellent option.

If you're ready for more independence and want the best value, private renting is often the natural next step.

Whichever you choose, start your search early, compare the total cost, not just the rent, and think about how you want to live, not just where. The right accommodation can make a huge difference to your university experience.