Flatshare London vs Uni Halls – The Battle Royale

For many years, university halls have been the automatic choice for many first year students. They’re the hard hitters. The heavyweights. Renting a flatshare London hasn’t even been in the picture. Private student accommodation is the underdog. Written off before the fight has even begun.

But the fight is happening – all over the country. Private accommodation will not lie down and accept defeat. So we have decided to put the two together in a 7 round match – who will reign victorious?

Round 1: Freedom

Verdict – Flatshare. But university is all about being free isn’t it? Well… yes, but also no. You are unlikely to get any choice with the people you go into halls with, little choice of rooms or communal areas. True freedom comes with the freedom to choose and find your own flatmate or roommate, to fall out with them and to find another one. To live above a club in Camden rather that in Euston with everyone else. To rebel.

Round 2: Location

Verdict – Uni Halls. Walking to 9am lectures hungover from the game of high stakes snakes and LADders you were playing the night before is nobodies’ cup of tea. Uni halls, in their very nature, will be far closer to the university that any other (affordable education). As far as location goes, University Halls are far superior.

Round 3: Comfort

Verdict – Flatshare. Your university bedroom is likely to be nicer that the average one in a rented flatshare London. However – there is one major university halls flaw – no sitting room. This does give an extra level of comfort to private student accommodation. Yes, many halls will have common rooms, but, as you may find, being kicked out by a group of cool kids watching ‘TOWIE’ and having nowhere to go but the kitchen can get a little repetitive.

Round 4: Close Interaction With the Uni

Verdict: Uni Halls. At uni halls you will not only be closer to the university but will have great access to the plethora of university staff frequently buzzing in and out. This does make it far easier for you to sort out any issues you might have while at uni. If you want to live and breathe the student university life – halls are where you want to be. You’ll live together and you’ll grow together. There are few other experiences like it. If you’re looking for the university experience – halls are a no brainer. Without them, the ‘university experience’ would cease to exist

Round 5: Prices And Budgeting

Verdict – Flatshare. Private accommodation is cheaper. There is no doubt about that. First year single rooms in halls in London are typically between £166-£240 per week. That could go a long way in the private flatshare sector. Factor in paying for meals, and other extras, the cost of university living could be as high as £270 per week. Thus private student accommodation works out significantly cheaper over the course of a week than uni halls.

Round 6: Choosing Your Flatmates

Verdict – Flatshare. Finding your own flatmates is one of the greatest benefits of private accommodation. You can stay with friends of family, or even find new roommates online!

A quick search to find flats to rent in London can show many interesting people to flatshare with and many flats (far cheaper than halls) to stay in. Shoreditch, for example, a great student area in London, has an average room price of £126 per week. Camden just £154.

Round 7: Bills

Verdict – Flatshare. Just. It all comes down to cost. While in a uni accomodation you don’t need to worry about consumption or monthly usage, in private you do. Private here becomes real life. Real experience. Real preparation. Yet in a private London flatshare, you can also rest easy knowing that you are spending less money than a uni halls student. You are also learning important lessons about life… hold on… isn’t that the job of universities anyway?

And the winner is… Private Student Accommodation? Who saw that coming?

While uni halls will always be a first port of call for new and prospective students, private student accommodation shouldn’t be ignored. For many, they will represent a great financial opportunity and a change to learn more about yourself that you previously thought possible.

University man… it’s a journey.