The Iglu Guide | Blog
Shared accommodation vs Purpose-built student accommodation – which is best?
You’ve got your university place and the time has finally come to decide which student accommodation suits you best. The options are varied and many, and the truth is each student will have a different answer depending on their needs and priorities. To help you on your way, we’ve looked at what aspects really matter most to students when they move away from home. So, if you’re still wondering whether to choose shared student accommodation or purpose-built student accommodation, this is for you.
Social
No one loves a good social scene more than a uni student, and this is the perfect time to meet new people and make those lifelong friendships. Whilst you’re sure to meet a whole host of new faces at university, it’s good to have an alternative crowd away from your course that you can socialise with in the comfort of your own student home.
Shared accommodation
It isn’t always easy to make new friends, so it’s comforting to know that there are other students going through the exact same experiences in your share house. Living in a student share house also creates a more intimate social atmosphere where you have the opportunity to develop deep and lasting relationships. The flip side is you can’t always choose your housemates. So, if people leave the house and the space needs filling, you probably won’t be able to pick and choose. The focus will be on getting the rent paid on time.
Purpose-built student accommodation
This type of student accommodation like Iglu offers the opportunity to either live in a shared apartment, or a private studio apartment. If you enjoy mixing in with housemates, cooking together and hanging out as a group, shared living is a great way to transition to full independence . With no worries about leases or bills, you can make the most of each moment. If you prefer privacy over socialising, you can mix in with others completely on your own terms. Purpose-built student accommodation can be especially beneficial for international students or those new to the area.
Study
It’s easy to forget in all the excitement that students actually go to university to study! Ensuring your student accommodation gives you the space and facilities to get your work done is a serious consideration, and not to be under-estimated.
Shared accommodation
In shared student housing, there’s no guarantee what size your bedroom will be, or whether it will even have space for a desk. Without this, you may have to study in the shared living spaces, at the university library or your local library. There are also the noise levels to consider. Whilst you might start out with considerate house-mates, the dynamics could change over the course of the lease, taking it outside of your control and making it difficult to regulate.
Purpose-built student accommodation
In a private studio you have the option to study quietly whenever you choose. Equally, each share apartment comes furnished with desks giving the opportunity for study at all times. If the noise levels start to rise, there are usually private study areas in the building that can be utilised. These are also a good way to change up the scene and refresh your mind before another study session begins.
Community
Student life is all about getting involved and being part of the community. Friendships made at university are often friendships for life.
Shared accommodation
Whilst a student share house is a great way to meet other students from different courses, it does limit you to that specific set of people that share your accommodation. Shared student accommodation is rarely close to campus, so you might be restricted to making your own fun with your housemates at home. That limits your opportunities for accessing a wider student community to your days on campus.
Purpose-built student accommodation
This type of student accommodation comes with a built-in community which can be very useful when first starting out at university. Firstly, the curated social events give you purpose and opportunity as a brand new student, and secondly it creates a more varied alternative to your university student community. And because you know it will always be there, you can dip in and out as you choose.
Location
Student living is all about accessibility and convenience. Creating a hassle-free life is the ultimate goal and a huge consideration when thinking about student accommodation.
Shared accommodation
When looking for shared student housing, the more affordable properties tend to be further away from university and not always conveniently located for student living. But if budget is the driver, there will always be a compromise. When considering a share house, make sure to factor in your journey time to and from university each day, and the likelihood of taking public transport late at night.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Conveniently located and close to public transport, purpose-built student accommodation might be slightly more expensive, but for many students the benefits are well worth it. The idea of rolling about of bed and heading to a lecture is extremely appealing, and with the city on your doorstep, the opportunities for fun are endless.
Facilities
Some students are happy to have somewhere to lay their head at night, whilst others appreciate the added extras such as study facilities or gym equipment. Whatever your preferences there is something to suit.
Shared accommodation
All shared accommodation should have the basics you need, although the bathroom is likely to be shared amongst the whole household – so be prepared to form an orderly queue. The more you save on rent, the less modern these facilities are likely to be. If you’re only interested in sleeping, eating and studying at home, you should have everything you need.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Each purpose-built student building usually comes with communal study and eating areas, along with gym facilities and media rooms. The buildings are modern and well maintained and although the rents are slightly higher than share accommodation, the high level facilities makes it worthwhile for many students.
Safety
This is definitely something for all students to consider. Think about your transport options in and out of university and the times of day you are likely to be travelling before committing to any accommodation.
Shared accommodation
Student share houses can be a big leap into independence. With your name on the lease, meals to cook and bills to pay, it can be a lot to take on when first needing student accommodation. And although you can come and go as you please, that might not feel quite as safe an environment, especially as you may be living with complete strangers.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Buildings like Iglu are set up for students (and parents!) to feel safe and secure from the outset. With 24/7 security, secure entry and a resident leader onsite at all times, there is always support on hand. And with the Iglu community right outside your door, you don’t even have to leave the building to have a great time. This sense of community nurturing can be the ideal transition for many students new to independent living.
