Student accommodation generally falls into five main types: university halls of residence, private student halls, shared private rentals, homestays, and studio or self-contained flats. Each type suits a different kind of student depending on budget, lifestyle, and study goals.
What are the Popular Types of Student Accommodation?
There are different types of accommodations you can choose from when enrolling in the universities in London. Some options are managed by universities. Others are run privately. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
Here is a clear breakdown of each type, what it offers, and who it suits best.
1. Homestay Accommodation in the UK
Things You Get in Homestays in the UK:
Private room plus meals and utilities
Shared/private bathroom and living area
Wifi and other utilities
Authentic cultural immersion so you feel at home instantly
Homestays are Best For:
Homestays in the UK are best for students who want a family‑like, supportive, and immersive experience. It keeps things simple and affordable, which is the primary thing you need as a student. It is specifically perfect for first‑time international students, especially teenagers or those under 18.
2. University Halls of Residence
Things You Get in University Halls:
- Furnished room
- Shared bathrooms or en-suite options
- A common kitchen
- Laundry facilities
University Halls are Best For:
Halls suit students who want to meet people quickly. Living alongside hundreds of other students creates a built-in social life. It also removes the stress of finding a landlord or signing a private lease in an unfamiliar city.
3. Private Student Halls
Things You Get in Private Student Halls:
Fully furnished rooms with a bed, study space, wardrobe, etc.
Communal spaces with shared kitchen and living area.
On‑site laundry (washers and dryers, sometimes free, sometimes pay‑per‑load).
Planned social events to help you meet other students.
Private Student Halls are Best For:
Students who want to live near the university
Postgraduate and international students
Students who need tailored accommodation in London
Students who care most about value for money
4. Shared Private Rentals
Shared private rentals are standard residential properties rented to a group of students under one or more tenancy agreements.
This is the accommodation type most second and third-year students move into. You and a group of friends or housemates rent a property from a private landlord. The communal spaces, like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas, are shared. Costs are split, which makes this one of the more affordable options.
Things You Get in Shared Private Rentals:
Private bedroom
Shared kitchen with basic appliances
Shared bathroom and living area
Bills are splitted
Shared Private Rentals are Best For:
Students and young professionals
Budget-conscious individuals
Digital nomads and short-term residents
Students who want to live near social hubs
5. Studio Flats and Self-Contained Apartments
A studio flat is a self-contained unit. It has a private kitchen, bathroom, and living or sleeping area. It does not have shared spaces, so you get complete privacy.
Things You Get in Studio Flats:
Open-plan room with multifunctional spaces
Compact kitchen area
Private bathroom
Built-in storage options
Other services include utilities and high-speed broadband internet
Studio Flats are Best For:
They suit postgraduate students, mature students, or anyone who needs a quiet space to focus and prefers not to share facilities.
How Host Family Stay Makes Homestay the Easiest Choice in the UK
We are the UK's most trusted homestay placement providers. Host Family Stay works with a carefully vetted network of host families across major UK cities. Every host is checked, every property is inspected, and every placement is actively monitored throughout the stay.
International students who book through HFS arrive knowing exactly what to expect. Meals are included. Transport links are mapped. The host family knows the student is coming and is prepared to welcome them.
If you are looking for a safe, supported, and genuinely enriching place to live while you study in the UK, contact us today and start your application process.