What are the different types of student accommodation?

09/03/2025 by

Henry

Students at respected universities like Chester have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from.

While in their first year, most will live within halls of residence on the campus where they study, in years two and three students move beyond their university’s boundaries into more independent living situations. In this detailed blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the accommodation options open to students and the types of rooms at addresses they can consider.

Halls of residence

Here in the UK, halls of residence are typically purpose-built blocks of student housing located either on university campus or nearby. Often referred to simply as “halls”, this type of accommodation is commonly reserved for students in their first year. They can feature a range of room types from single and ensuite rooms to twin rooms shared between two students. The University of Chester’s halls of residence have a wide range of amenities for students who stay in them including ensuite bathrooms, kitchens and meals. Those choosing full board get the three main meals of the day Monday through to Sunday in term time, and rooms are all equipped with beds and desks.

Homestays

The term “homestay” defines a living situation when a student live in the home of a local family. This option is often selected by students from overseas and includes a room and meals. Homestays give international students a chance to get immersed in local culture and build their language skills when studying abroad. It is designed to furnish students who are new to a city with a more homely living environment while they adjust.

Private housing

Many students select private housing in their second and third year at university. This accommodation is described as properties that are not managed or owned by the university. Instead, residences are rented from letting agents who manage properties for private landlords or by the landlords themselves. Private housing is extremely diverse in nature and can cover rooms in houses, studio flats, bedsits and apartments depending on the student’s budget.

Private student housing is often selected to specifically serve the needs of those at a university and is often in easy reach of campuses and useful amenities by foot, cycling or bus. Letting agents that specialise in student tenancy often include the cost of utilities in rent like water, electricity, gas and Wi-Fi.

Cluster flats

The phrase “cluster flats” refers to a shared living situation for students where several single bedrooms are offered inside a single apartment. While students have a private room to themselves to sleep in, they share communal facilities like bathrooms, and sometimes socialising spaces like living rooms. This student accommodation type is often considered the most cost-effective option for learners at university on a tighter budget, but is also attractive to people who enjoy the company of others.

Different student room types to choose from

Just like properties, there are multiple room types in student housing options. All can vary in size and shape, and some are notably less expensive than others to rent.

Studio ensuite

A type of single-room accommodation a studio ensuite gives student a place to sleep, live and cook all in one area. The added feature it offers is a private bathroom that is directly attached to the room, so student residents don’t need to share use with others. Students who prefer privacy and need a quieter living environment to study often select this option, but it is considered among the more expensive room types available.

Shared apartment

A shared apartment situation provides students with a single bedroom inside an apartment where several students live. Students have a space of their own where they can study and sleep, however they share the common areas with their flatmates, like the living room, kitchen and bathroom. More affordable than a studio ensuite, rooms in shared apartments are better suited to people who prefer a more communal lifestyle and are tolerant of others.

Twin sharing

Considered the most economical option for student rooms, twin sharing involves two students sleeping in a single room fitted with a bed for each of them and areas where they can study. This budget-friendly room choice is balanced by a lack of privacy, making it unsuitable for students who need their own space.