First Year Accommodation: The Decision Everyone Overthinks
Let me guess.
You've got your uni offer. You're excited. And now you're paralyzed by the accommodation question.
Halls? Private? Catered? Self-catered? En-suite? Shared bathroom?
I'm going to simplify this for you.
The One Thing That Actually Matters
Here's what nobody tells you:
Your accommodation choice matters way less than you think.
I've talked to hundreds of students. The ones who had the best first year weren't the ones in the "best" accommodation. They were the ones who:
- Joined societies in the first two weeks
- Said yes to everything (within reason)
- Kept their door open when they were in their room
- Didn't rely on their flatmates for their entire social life
That last one is crucial.
The "Halls = Friends" Myth
Yes, you might make friends in halls. But here's the reality check:
- You don't choose your flatmates
- 6-8 random people doesn't guarantee you'll click with anyone
- Some flats are incredibly social. Some are dead.
- The "freshers corridor friendships" often fade by second year
I'm not saying halls are bad. I'm saying don't put all your eggs in one basket.
The students who made the best friends? They did it through:
- Course mates (you see them for 3+ years)
- Societies (shared interests = actual connection)
- Sports teams (bonding through suffering is real)
- Part-time jobs (mature friendships, plus money)
Your corridor is just one option.
OK But What About First Week?
I get it. First week is scary. Knowing nobody is scary.
And yes, in that specific first week, halls have an advantage. Everyone is new. Everyone is nervous. There's a built-in excuse to knock on doors.
But here's what PBSA students do:
- Attend the building's welcome events (most good PBSA does this now)
- Go to freshers' events on campus
- Join the uni's official freshers groups
- Say yes to literally every invite
Honestly? After the first two weeks, it doesn't matter where you live. You'll have a social circle from various sources.
Let's Talk Money
This is where my analytical brain kicks in.
Average costs for a first year (outside London):
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Cost | Contract | Total Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uni Halls (standard en-suite) | £140-160 | 40 weeks | £5,600-6,400 |
| Uni Halls (budget shared bath) | £100-120 | 40 weeks | £4,000-4,800 |
| Private PBSA (en-suite) | £120-180 | 44-51 weeks | £5,280-9,180 |
| Private PBSA (budget options) | £80-120 | 44-51 weeks | £3,520-6,120 |
The trick with PBSA is finding 44-week contracts and budget options. They exist - you just have to look.
Find budget PBSA in your city →
The Real Questions to Ask
Before you book anything, answer these:
1. What's your actual budget?
Be realistic. Include everything: rent, food, going out, transport. If you're stretching for expensive halls "because social life," reconsider.
2. How do you actually make friends?
Be honest with yourself. If you're naturally outgoing, you'll make friends anywhere. If you're introverted, a quiet PBSA might actually suit you better than a party-heavy halls block.
3. Do you need structure?
Catered halls = someone makes your food. Helpful if you've never cooked. But you're paying £50-80/week extra for it.
4. How important is location?
Some halls are on campus. Some PBSA is 20 minutes away. Check the actual walk time to YOUR department.
5. What do reviews say?
Not the marketing. The real reviews. Search Reddit, StudentRoom, Trustpilot.
My Recommendation for First Years
After everything I've analyzed:
If halls are similarly priced to PBSA in your city: Go halls. The slight social advantage in week one is worth it.
If halls are £30+/week more expensive: Consider PBSA seriously. That's £1,200+ over the year. You can make friends other ways.
If you're anxious about making friends: Halls, but also commit to joining 3+ societies. Don't rely solely on flatmates.
If you're international and want support: University halls often have better support systems for international students.
If you're mature/postgrad: PBSA is usually better. Undergrad halls can be intense.
The Secret Nobody Mentions
Here's something important:
You can change your mind.
If you hate your accommodation, you can often arrange a room swap mid-year (within uni halls) or find someone to take over your PBSA contract.
It's not a permanent decision. It feels like one. It isn't.
So stop overthinking. Pick something reasonable. Focus on actually enjoying first year.
Compare options in your city →
Want the full comparison? Read our University Halls vs Private Accommodation guide.