The different types of student accommodation
Tamara Price, Lettings Manager, talks us through the different types of accommodation that are available to students...
One of the most exciting things about becoming a student is the opportunity to become independent with your own responsibilities and for most, your own accommodation. Embarking upon this new chapter of your life can also bring added stress alongside the heavy student workload, so that makes it extra important to choose a student property that will offer you the right sort of environment in the right location - and fortunately there's many different types of student accommodation to choose from. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, but they are all equally viable options provided you do your due diligence beforehand and ensure it's the right fit for you personally.
Getting this right is a huge part of making your entire student experience the best it can be, but what different types of student accommodation are there?
Private rented student houses and rooms
Perhaps the most common and popular choice among students is a room in a privately rented student house or flat. This type of accommodation is usually managed by a letting agent on behalf of a landlord, or by the landlord themselves within the private rented sector. Several students tend to share these types of properties depending on the actual size, with each having their own private room while areas such as the living room, kitchen and bathroom are all communally shared spaces among the students - though rooms are sometimes available with its own private ensuite bathroom.
These student properties are usually located in areas that contain a high concentration of students, with amenities and forms of entertainment and socialising within easy reach. However, this isn't always the case, as private rented student homes can be found in quieter and more diverse areas.
The quality of accommodation on offer can differ greatly, so it's important to do your homework and is no doubt worthwhile ensuring that you choose accommodation that is advertised and managed through a reputable letting agent.
University managed student properties
These are properties that are held by universities and colleges and can look like regular houses and flats upon first appearance, but inside they tend to have a very standardised look with basic facilities. Students usually have to apply via the university accommodation offices via a waiting list, and rooms in this type of accommodation may be offered to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Halls of residence
Student halls are also another popular choice, usually due to the fact that they are usually located on-campus over nearby, meaning they are perfect for rolling in and out of lectures. Sometimes they may even include meals on in-house canteens, though usually they have many private individual rooms for each student and one large communal kitchen area. The majority of students who live in halls of residence are those in their first or second year.
Private halls
This type of purpose built student accommodation is similar to university halls of residence, but are instead owned and managed by private companies. They are usually centrally located and all contain the usual mod cons that you would require and expect to find suitable for student living. The downside is that they tend to be a more expensive option, and it's important to always check exactly what is included in the rent.
Homestays
Homestays or family stays are much less common among UK students, but they are an option sometimes used by foreign students who are over here studying abroad. With a homestay, the student will live in a vacant room that is offered by a local family in a normal residential house for a short term that usually last a year or less.
If you're a student looking for the perfect student accommodation in Cardiff, then don't hesitate to get in touch with our CPS Homes lettings team to help you with your journey. We can find you the perfect place in the perfect location, so contact us on 02920 668585, e-mail enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk or pop into one of our three Cardiff branches.
