University Halls vs Private Accommodation: I'll Tell You What Everyone Gets Wrong
This is the question I get asked most.
"Should I live in uni halls or go private?"
And honestly? The answer isn't what you think.
I've spent months analyzing 1,300+ student properties across the UK. I've read thousands of reviews. I've talked to students who loved their experience and students who wanted to break their contract within weeks.
Here's what I've learned.
The Conventional Wisdom Is Outdated
You'll hear this everywhere:
"First year? Go halls. It's the only way to make friends."
That was true in 2005. It's not 2005 anymore.
Here's what's changed:
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University halls are no longer cheap. Some universities charge £180-220/week for a basic room. That's MORE than luxury PBSA in the same city.
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Private PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) has massive social spaces now. We're talking rooftop terraces, cinema rooms, gaming lounges, co-working spaces. Some are better than halls.
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The "everyone makes friends in halls" thing? Depends entirely on your flat. I've read reviews from students in halls who said they barely spoke to flatmates all year.
So let's actually compare them properly.
The Real Cost Comparison
This is where it gets interesting.
| Factor | University Halls | Private PBSA |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Cost (London) | £200-280 | £270-380 |
| Average Weekly Cost (Outside London) | £120-180 | £100-200 |
| Bills Included? | Usually yes | Almost always |
| Contract Length | 39-42 weeks | 44-51 weeks |
| Deposit | £100-300 | £150-500 |
Wait, did you notice that?
Outside London, private PBSA can actually be CHEAPER than halls. In Sheffield, I found rooms from £73/week at private PBSA. The cheapest uni halls? £95/week.
The catch with private PBSA is the longer contracts. You're often paying for summer weeks you won't use. But some providers offer 44-week contracts now - worth checking.
Social Life: The Truth Nobody Tells You
Here's the uncomfortable truth about making friends in student accommodation:
It's not about where you live. It's about who you live with.
I've read reviews from students in halls who said their flatmates were quiet, kept to themselves, and they felt lonely all year.
I've also read reviews from students in private PBSA who said their building was constantly having events, they made friends in the common areas, and it was the best year of their life.
The difference? Luck of the draw + building management.
What Actually Matters for Social Life:
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Flat size - 6-8 people per flat is the sweet spot. Too small (4) and you might not click with anyone. Too big (12+) and nobody takes responsibility.
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Common spaces - Look for buildings with actual communal areas that people use. Not just a sad corner with two sofas.
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Events calendar - Good PBSA providers and unis run regular social events. Check if this is mentioned in reviews.
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Kitchen size - This is where the magic happens. Tiny kitchens = people eat in their rooms = no socializing.
My Honest Take:
For first years who are nervous about making friends: Halls MIGHT be slightly better, purely because everyone is in the same boat. But honestly, join societies and sports clubs - that's where real friendships form, not in your corridor.
For anyone else: Private PBSA is often better value with similar social opportunities.
Freedom & Rules
This is where it gets real.
University Halls - Typical Rules:
- • No overnight guests without registration (some limit to 3 nights/week)
- • Quiet hours enforced (usually 11pm-8am)
- • No candles, incense, or certain appliances
- • Room inspections (usually with notice)
- • Stricter on parties and noise complaints
Private PBSA - Typical Rules:
- • Guest policies vary (some more relaxed)
- • Noise complaints handled case-by-case
- • Similar appliance restrictions
- • Less frequent inspections
- • Still no parties in rooms, but often more relaxed vibe
The reality: Both have rules. Neither lets you throw massive parties in your room. But university halls tend to be stricter because they're managed by the uni, and they don't want liability issues.
If you value having friends stay over without hassle, or you just want to feel like an adult who isn't being monitored, private PBSA tends to be better.
Location: The Hidden Factor
Here's something people don't think about enough.
University halls are usually:
- On or very near campus
- Great for 8am lectures (you can literally roll out of bed)
- But often far from city centre nightlife
Private PBSA is usually:
- Near campus OR near city centre (rarely both)
- Sometimes 15-20 min walk to campus
- But often closer to clubs, bars, restaurants
My advice: Check the actual walking distance to YOUR campus, not just "the university." Big unis have multiple campuses. A 5-min walk to the business school might be a 25-min walk to engineering.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
After all this analysis, here's my honest recommendation:
Choose University Halls If:
- ✓ You're a first year and genuinely anxious about making friends
- ✓ Your uni halls are genuinely cheaper than local PBSA
- ✓ You want the "traditional" uni experience and don't mind rules
- ✓ The halls are on campus and you hate walking
- ✓ You're an international student wanting uni support nearby
Choose Private PBSA If:
- ✓ You value more freedom and fewer rules
- ✓ You've found a PBSA with great reviews and social spaces
- ✓ The price is similar or better than halls
- ✓ You're returning for 2nd/3rd year
- ✓ You're comfortable making friends through societies/sports
One More Thing: Check Actual Reviews
Don't just trust the marketing photos.
I've seen uni halls with beautiful websites and terrible reviews. I've seen budget PBSA that punches way above its weight.
Compare properties with real reviews →
Data based on 1,300+ UK student properties, January 2026. Prices vary significantly by city and provider.