How much does student accommodation cost?
So, you’re thinking about going to university? Great – but have you thought about where you’ll stay? And, more importantly, how much student accommodation costs?
The truth is, if you don’t live too far from the university, you may wish to live at home – either in your own place or with your parents – and that’s perfectly fine. Beats forking out on student accommodation at the end of the day, doesn’t it?
Leaving home for university, where you’ll be living with people who you’ve never met before, can be daunting. However, where you choose to live can impact on your student experience – and there is no right or wrong answer. It simply depends on which works best for you.
Before we delve deeper into the cost of student accommodation, it helps if you know a little bit about the different options that are available to you.
Student accommodation options
Student halls
Usually large blocks of flats that house hundreds of students, halls of residence are a great choice for first-year students – and with good reason. Living under the same roof as others, and using communal areas, is a great way to get to know people. And they are typically located on or near to campus, with all of the facilities you need on-site.
Bills are usually included so it’s easy to budget your finances. However, it’s worth noting that some universities also offer catered student accommodation which is great if you’re not ready to cook for yourself – but will add to the cost of your rent.
Private rentals
Halls of residence not really your scene? Perhaps you’d prefer to live in a rented house or apartment with other students? Arguably the best thing about renting a property is that you get to choose who you live with. For second/third-year students this often means moving in with the friends they made in first year or from their course.
Though the rent is generally cheaper in private rentals, it’s worth bearing in mind that you will have bills to pay (i.e. water, electricity, internet access, TV license, etc.) and you will need to be comfortable liaising with the landlord.
Living at home
Living with parents is a luxury many of us take for granted. For starters, it saves you money on rent and bills – not to mention the stress of moving out and living with a group of strangers. It’s also convenient as you don’t need to pack up your belongings and move them between home and your uni digs when it’s time for the holidays.
The only downside to living at home is that you’ll be further away from student life – as those living in at halls or student houses will be on the doorstep from the university, social events and nightlife. If you’re adamant you don’t want to leave home just yet, it’s worth getting involved in clubs and societies to overcome FOMO (fear of missing out).
University accommodation costs
Though it’s difficult to put an exact figure on student accommodation, rent prices often vary depending on several factors, including:
- Location
- Type of accommodation
- Preferred amenities
And as more universities are improving their student halls, rent prices are going up and private landlords have increased their rates too.
Something to be mindful of about living in halls of residence is that payments are taken at the beginning of each term. This means that a huge portion of your student loan will disappear within the blink of an eye but, on the bright side, you’ll have no bills to pay. Modern furnishings and ensuites come at a price too so, if money is tight, try keeping an eye out for cheaper options.
Generally, landlords in London charge the most, and this explains why students studying in the capital receive a larger maintenance loan to cover the cost of accommodation. The same can be said of student housing in cities, such as Manchester and Liverpool, which is why many people opt to stay in student accommodation in Ormskirk (or nearby) as the cost of rent tends to be lower.
How to afford student accommodation?
If you’re serious about going to uni, don’t let your financial situation stop you. There are plenty of options when it comes to finding luxury student accommodation at an affordable price.
For example, McComb Students provide some of the best student accommodation in Ormskirk – including private halls and modern apartments. Their rooms are graded from bronze, right through to gold plus – with a bronze room starting from as little as £139 per week (including utility bills and high-speed Wi-Fi). What’s more, if you want to share a place with your friends, they can offer student accommodation at a discounted rate. So, why not give the team at McComb Students a call on 01695 422 122? They are always on hand to help and will be more than happy to offer tips on how to afford student accommodation.
