At this time of year, for most a-level students, thoughts are buzzing with uni choices. Making sure you’ve decided on a course that will keep you motivated for the next three or four years. And of course, which city has the best social scene! But choosing your university accommodation is just as an important thing to consider.

When it comes to choosing somewhere to live; you need to ask yourself, where am I going to live or what do I want from my university accommodation?

Most students spend more time in their student home than they would expect, so it’s something to seriously think about. Your student home goes way beyond being a place to just sleep and eat; it’s also the place where you’ll cram for your exams the night before and make lasting friendships. It really does matter.

So, what should you be considering when making that university accommodation choice?

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Shared or private facilities?

Most university accommodation will give you the choice of shared, en-suite or studio rooms – depending on your preference and budget. With a shared (non-en-suite) room you get a private bedroom with everything you need. But you then have to share a bathroom and kitchen with other people who are living in your flat. While in an en-suite room you will have your own bathroom but will again share a kitchen with others. This can be a great opportunity to cook with others, share your mealtimes and make great friendships. And a studio room is a self contained living space complete with a private kitchen.

Choosing between the three room styles is an important choice to make, as your bedroom is where you spend a lot of your time as a student. Even if you want that extra privacy and independence and choose a studio room; you’ll never be alone as most of our student homes have communal social spaces like lounges, study rooms, games areas and garden spaces for you to enjoy and share with other students.

Private student accommodation provides you with the ability to have your own space and areas to socialise at your own leisure without being ‘stuck’ on campus, meaning you get to step away from campus life when needed.

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Where is the university accommodation located?

Location is key for most students when choosing their accommodation. However, what one student feels is an essential factor for location, another might disagree. So, really think about what’s key for you when it comes to location.

Is it that you’re located as close to university as possible so you can literally roll out of bed for class?
Perhaps you don’t mind a short a walk to uni if you’re located within touching distance of the city’s bars, restaurants and shopping outlets?
And what about public transport? If you’re regularly travelling home, how accessible is the nearest train or coach station?

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What extras does the university accommodation offer?

University accommodation has come a long way from when your parents or older brother/sister went to university. You can expect far more than simply a bedroom and kitchen area to live in. If you choose to live with Host, there’ll be a whole range of additional benefits that you won’t get with a privately rented house share or even some on campus university accommodation. Not only will you benefit from on-site staff to take delivery of those all-important online orders, but they will be on hand to answer any questions or deal with any issues you may have – including maintenance problems.

And when you need a change of scenery from the four walls of your bedroom, or if you want to meet and socialise with other students, head to the social spaces. From large communal lounges* with TVs and quiet study rooms to games rooms and gyms, you’ll never be short of something to do living at Host – a few of our locations even have private dining rooms and roof terraces.

So, although at first glance the price of that shared house might seem appealing, consider what you’re getting for your money. And don’t forget with student living such as Host, all your bills are included so you simply pay your rent, and we take care of the rest for you.

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Homes that have been designed with students in mind

Choosing to live with Host means that you are living in buildings that have been designed to offer students a modern and fresh place to live. Locations like Gosford Gate in Coventry and Trust House in Exeter have undergone transformations last summer with more to come for many of our properties this coming summer; creating a welcoming, homely environment that reflect the wants and needs of students everywhere.

*Not available in all properties.