Uni-owned halls and private student accommodation look similar on the outside. The differences show up in the small print, and in the community.
University-owned halls
- Community: Almost entirely freshers. Built-in social life.
- Contracts: Usually 40 weeks (term time only). You leave in June.
- Rules: Enforced by wardens / residence assistants. Quiet hours, guest policies.
- Support: Pastoral care, welfare officers, easy escalation if something's wrong.
- Price: Fixed for the year. Often includes bills, wifi, gym.
Private student accommodation (Unite, iQ, Chapter, Urbanest…)
- Community: Mixed, undergrads, postgrads, international masters. Quieter, more grown-up.
- Contracts: Usually 51 weeks. You pay through summer unless you sublet.
- Rules: Corporate. Response times vary, read reviews on The Common carefully.
- Support: Concierge desk, not pastoral. If something goes wrong you're a customer, not a student.
- Price: Higher on average. Studios in central London easily £320–£450/week.
If you're a first-year unsure about London: pick a uni hall. If you know the city, want independence, or are starting a placement year, private is fine.
Private renting (a shared house / flat)
Rare in first year. Cheaper per person, but you handle bills, council tax exemption forms, deposits, agency fees, landlord disputes and boiler breakdowns yourself. Save it for second year.