How do I choose university accommodation?

There’s not a single correct way to choose where you reside. There are numerous variables – like your budget and where your accommodation is situated and how modern it is take a look at what’s essential to your needs. Use the UCAS accommodation search to see what halls are offered at the institution that you’re interested in. Also, examine the information your institution can provide on the local private accommodation available.

These are some of the questions to inspire your Loughborough student accommodation search, and if your wondering which students chose where to live, feel free to have a chat with students currently in university.

1. Do you need to remain in halls the beginning of your first year at university?

The situation is different for each university. Some offer more rooms than others. There are times when you’ll spend several years in halls, or very little time. Usually you’ll find places in halls fill up quicker than places in private accommodation however, there’s usually a number of rooms in universities. So take a look at what you may prefer.

You can learn more about the universities that you are interested in by reviewing their information on their site about accommodation.

2. Who would you like to share your life with?

The halls in which you live are assigned by the university. However, you might be able to indicate preferences on your application if there are particular requirements or want to share a room with someone you already know.

Private – you may be able to select your own housemates in private housing, e.g. if a few of your classmates attend the same uni. Students tend to move to private housing in their second year, when they may choose to live with the people they’ve grown to know during their first year. Or if you end up having to apply for accommodation after the application cycle – and as a result there’s no space in halls available for your first year – you could be able be part of a group of students that are moving straight into private accommodation.

3. Where do you want to be?

Halls – are often located on campus, or nearby in a location that offers the ability to transport students directly to your campus (with student-friendly prices). Or your halls might be closer to the town centre than your campus or perhaps they are tucked in a quieter area, containing its own amenities (like a shop, refectory or the bar of the Students’ Union or even an exercise room and sports court).

Private – student residences or flats could be situated in any town – from safe neighbourhoods for families to lively places with entertainment or nightlife places close by.

4. What is the length of time you would like to live there?

Halls are usually rented out for durations of tenancy which correspond with the academic year. This could be from September to June for instance. And then you’ll be returning home to spend the summer before going back to the university. The university you attend may offer various lengths of tenancy however – contact them to learn more.

Private – tenancy lengths vary for student housing that is private. You may be able to stay for a full calendar year in order to stay in your school town or city in the summer. You may also be able to live in the same spot for many years, If you’re content with the house and residents you share it with.

5. What shared spaces do you want to share?

Halls: You’ll have a shared bathroom or a private shower room. There’s probably no outdoor space that’s exclusive to you and your roommates. There may be an outdoor space or a green area outdoors that are shared with other student halls , or, in some cases, your halls are right on campus.

Private – you’ll probably have a shared bathroom as well as an enclosed garden or courtyard which is great for those who love gardening as well as barbecues and enjoying time outdoors.

Ok, what should I do next?

Have a look around! Imagine living in various types of lodging. Be sure to visit or take a virtual tour of the accommodation options so that you can imagine the kind of experience you’ll have.