Choosing the right student accommodation is a significant decision for both students and their parents. This guide aims to provide comprehensive advice on the various aspects of student accommodation, including costs, contracts, safety, and the application process. Whether you’re considering university-managed halls, private rentals, or even purchasing a property, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What are the different types of student accommodation?
What you need to know about accommodation costs
Application deadlines and tenancy contracts
- Is there a deadline for student accommodation?
- How do student accommodation contracts work?
- Where can I stay if I visit my child at university?
Student accommodation safety and security
All-inclusive student accommodation from Study Inn
What are the different types of student accommodation?
When considering student accommodation, it’s important to understand the different options available:
University-managed accommodation is typically located on or near campus and often includes residence halls and other student housing. These are usually the first choice for first-year students due to their convenience, social dimension, and built-in support systems. Most universities will have a process for students with a selection of the different types of accommodation organised by the university, i.e. catered, studio, ensuite, single room with shared facilities etc. This will happen before the beginning of the academic year and spaces generally get filled up quickly. The contracts for student halls are generally 40-51 weeks long with some offering 36 weeks, but most will be within the former range.
Private rentals can range from shared houses to individual apartments or studios. These are often more suitable for second-year students and beyond, offering more independence and thus also requiring a greater degree of responsibility. Private rentals and house shares are a great way to save money, live together with friends, and ideally be close to campus, however, there can always be drawbacks with house shares such as joint tenancy agreements (and thus liability beyond your immediate control), relationship tumult, a feeling of a lack of privacy and own space, etc.
There are also private rentals which offer studios, an option I had opted for in my second year and enjoyed with Study Inn – the kitchenette, privacy, cleaning services, utilities included, 24/7 security, and gym were the most notable aspects of the studio which reigned far above alternatives in the private rental market. Moving into your second year brings forth challenges and a new level of seriousness for your studies and personal development. To get ahead and attain stable footing in at least one dimension – housing and living – read more about when to look for 2nd-year student accommodation.
For some students who may be studying close to home, living at home is a viable option. About 20% of students choose to stay at home whilst studying at university (HESA 21/22). This can be a cost-effective choice but also might limit the independence and development of your child and may furthermore potentially tarnish the social aspect so often yearned for, with regards to on-campus university life.
For more detailed advice on choosing the right type of accommodation, we have made a succinct and informative article on finding student accommodation that is perfect for you.
What you need to know about accommodation costs
The cost of student accommodation can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation and the location of it. On average, weekly costs can range from £100 (this is very optimistic) to £200 for university-managed accommodation and slightly higher for private rentals. The annual average rent across ten cities in 2023/24 was £7,475, so roughly private rental prices will be £140-150 a week. For example, in the survey, Leeds was just above average in terms of rent cost, whereas Nottingham was the third most expensive, only after Bristol and Exeter. Each accommodation will vary in terms of what it offers in the price, so it is worthwhile having some prescience and seeking a more inclusive deal – if of course, this is suitable to your needs and budget.
There is a plethora of different offerings for accommodation across the sectors. For example: apartments can be unfurnished, university halls can be with or without catering, or all-inclusive private accommodations, such as Study Inn, with cleaning services, gyms, kitchen appliances, and more. Each possible accommodation will have their pros and cons and will be favourable depending on your particular circumstances and preferences.
Do parents pay for student accommodation?
If you and your child choose to get a government loan through Student Finance, then there will be a student maintenance loan – the sum of the maintenance loan will be handed out according to the university’s location (more funding if in London), income your child receives from savings or other sources, and your taxable income. The student maintenance loan is designed to cover living costs, including accommodation. However, these loans often do not cover all expenses. According to data from Unipol, the average rent in England is £7,566 which will take up nearly 100 per cent of the average loan received and 76 per cent of the maximum loan. Without family support or part-time work, students in England will have no money to live off, once they have paid their rent.
Is it worth buying student accommodation?
Some parents consider buying a property for their children to live in during their university years. This can be a good investment, but it requires careful consideration of the local property market and long-term financial planning. Extensive research and speaking to financial advisors and real estate experts will give you a better idea as to whether a return on investments will be worth the purchase. While Study Inn does not offer property to purchase, the contracts offered at our luxury accommodation are certainly a worthy investment for your children during their studies.
Application deadlines and tenancy contracts
Navigating the deadlines and contractual obligations is a critical part of securing student accommodation, before anything further, it is important to note there will always be two general rules: 1. the fact of contracts between parties, 2. the sooner you apply and seek accommodation, the better.
Is there a deadline for student accommodation?
Yes, application deadlines vary by university and accommodation provider. It’s essential to apply early to secure preferred options. If you miss the deadline or can’t find accommodation, universities often have services to help students find housing.
Applying for accommodation will of course require funding. Fortunately, you can still apply for funding (through student finance) up to 9 months after the first day of the academic year for your course. To avoid trouble and any unwanted stress, it is still best to apply before your course start date.
If the rare circumstance arises where you cannot find accommodation for your child you have several options: find accommodation farther away and they can commute in via car, bus, or train; they can take a year out and deregister before the academic year starts; or have your child live with you and commute or study remotely (as many universities have recorded lectures and study material).
How do student accommodation contracts work?
Accommodation contracts outline the terms of the tenancy, including the length of stay, rent, and any deposits required. Typically, contracts for student housing last for the academic year. It’s important to review these carefully before signing. A deposit is almost always required to secure the accommodation, but this is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided there are no damages or unpaid rent.
For a full overview of all the intricacies, read our detailed guide to the legal requirements of student accommodation.
Where can I stay if I visit my child at university?
Parents can usually find information about guest accommodation on the given university’s website. Many universities will allow guest visits for a couple of nights or so, but if this is not a choice for whatever reason – such as lack of room or other such constraints – a hotel will always provide more room and privacy.
At Study Inn, we offer details on whether non-tenants can stay and suggest local accommodation options for visiting parents – Study Inn offers a fourteen-night stay within a thirty-day period.
Student accommodation safety and security
Ensuring your child’s safety while they are away at university is a top priority. While student houses can be targets for burglaries, choosing accommodation with good security measures can mitigate this risk. As many private accommodations do not even have burglar alarms, it is best to invest time and effort into searching for a secure property. Look for properties in safe areas with secure entry systems, CCTV, and on-site staff – all of which Study Inn does indeed provide.
It is also advisable to have contents insurance to cover your child’s belongings. Some student accommodations include basic contents insurance, but it’s important to check the specifics and consider additional coverage if necessary. Cover4Insurance is a student insurance provider specialising solely in student insurance. All student insurance includes “Walk In Theft” cover, which means you are not required to have a lock on your bedroom door. Cover4Insurance also offers other options depending on what you wish to protect. MoneySuperMarket offers comparisons between insurance providers and details all necessary information to make a prudent judgement on contents insurance.
The Metropolitan Police suggest marking your property to deter burglars. They also advise registering your property for free on Immobilise, so that in case of any robberies the property in question is more easily recoverable. For more accommodation safety tips see our guide.
All-inclusive student accommodation from Study Inn
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial to your child’s university journey. By considering the various options and understanding the financial and contractual aspects, you can help ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
It is difficult to stray away from such an all-inclusive deal here at Study Inn – with a fully equipped gym, spa, and study areas, on top of all-inclusive utilities, high-speed internet, a kitchenette, and regular cleaning services, all to help provide the ultimate student experience in a hassle-free and wellbeing-promoting living environment. Learn more about how Study Inn can enhance your child’s university experience.
