University Accommodation vs Private Renting: Pros and Cons
There are really three options, not two: university halls, private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and a private shared house or flat. Here's an honest, London-specific comparison of all three - including where the real costs actually land once you factor in everything.
By Marilyn Magnusen
Published 19/08/2026, 3 min read
The Three Options, at a Glance
| University Halls | Private PBSA | Private Shared House | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical London cost | £220–£350/week, all-inclusive | £200–£550+/week depending on room type, all-inclusive | Often the cheapest overall, but bills usually separate |
| Contract length | 38–42 weeks, term-time | 42–51 weeks | Now periodic (rolling), post-Renters' Rights Act |
| Guarantor needed | Rarely | Sometimes - some providers guarantor-free | Almost always |
| Deposit at signing | Rarely | Usually | Usually, capped at 5 weeks' rent |
| Who picks your flatmates | The university | Not applicable - individual studios/rooms | You do |
| Support & maintenance | University-run, often fast | Provider-run, on-site staff | You handle it directly with your landlord |
Cost: The Headline Number Isn't the Whole Picture
At major London universities - UCL, King's, Queen Mary, City - a single room in halls typically runs £220–£350 a week, all-inclusive. Private PBSA (Scape, Chapter, iQ, Vita Student, and similar) ranges from £200–£270 a week for shared-bathroom rooms up to £380–£550+ a week for studios in central London.
Especially from second year onward - but the comparison isn't quite fair on headline rent alone. Halls and PBSA rent is genuinely all-inclusive (utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance), while a shared house usually means budgeting separately for bills, and possibly letting agency fees and a deposit upfront. Once you account for that, the gap narrows - though a shared house still tends to come out ahead, particularly if you're sharing with 3 or more people.
Contracts: What You're Actually Signing Up For
- Halls: term-time only, typically 38–42 weeks - you'll need to sort your own accommodation for the summer
- Private PBSA: longer, 42–51 weeks, sometimes with shorter options available
- Private shared house: since the Renters' Rights Act came into force in May 2026, these are now periodic (rolling) tenancies rather than fixed terms - see our guide on paying rent over summer for what this actually means in practice, since it's genuinely changed the picture here
Guarantors and Upfront Costs
Halls rarely require a guarantor or upfront deposit - you typically pay once your student loan arrives, and you're not on the hook if you don't get the grades to attend. Private renting, whether PBSA or a shared house, almost always requires a guarantor and a deposit at signing. See our guarantor glossary entry for who qualifies and what they're actually liable for - it's more nuanced than most people expect, particularly in a joint tenancy.
Support and Independence
This is really a trade-off, not a clear winner. Halls come with built-in maintenance teams, 24/7 security, and university support close at hand - genuinely useful if you're living away from home for the first time. A private shared house means dealing directly with your landlord or letting agent yourself. It's more responsibility, but also more independence - and if something does go wrong, see our guide on where to get help with accommodation problems for exactly who to contact.
Location and Choice
Halls put you close to campus, but you don't choose the building or your flatmates - the university allocates both. Private PBSA is often city-centre but still not something you fully customise. A private shared house gives you the most control over exactly where you live - worth exploring our location hub pages to see real listings and rent data across different London areas before deciding what fits your budget and commute.
Which Suits You?
- Want the most structured, socially easy start, especially in first year? Halls.
- Want modern facilities and some structure, but don't have a UK guarantor? Private PBSA - some providers, like Scape, specifically don't require one.
- Want the most control over cost, location, and who you live with, especially from second year on? A private shared house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is university accommodation always more expensive than private renting?
Not always, but it's often close once you factor in bills and fees for private renting - halls and PBSA rent is all-inclusive, which private shared houses usually aren't.
Do I need a guarantor for university halls?
Rarely - most universities don't require one, unlike almost all private renting options.
Can international students rent privately without a UK guarantor?
Some private PBSA providers don't require one and let you book entirely online. For a private shared house, you'll usually need either a UK guarantor or a professional guarantor service - see our guarantor guide for the options.
Is a shared house actually cheaper than halls?
Usually, yes, especially from second year onward - though you'll need to budget separately for bills, which narrows the gap versus an all-inclusive hall.
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Social Life and Who You Live With
Halls are genuinely the fastest way to meet people - you're surrounded by other first-years in the exact same position, and the social side is often built into the building itself. Private PBSA has a different social mix: often a blend of postgrads, international students, and people from other universities entirely, which some students love and others find less immediately social than halls. A private shared house is the most intentional option - you choose who you live with, which can mean a smaller but closer social circle rather than the wide net halls casts.