It can be difficult deciding the best place to live. If University Halls aren’t for you, you may be considering a student flat or private accommodation. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in both:

Student Accommodation

Advantages

• Booked months in advance if so wished
• With some student providers you only pay a one off utility bill and you don’t have to worry about paying bills for the rest of the contract
• You often arrange for your friends to be in the same flat with you if you ask for it and there is space available
• The majority of student accommodation is situated on campus or within walking distance

Disadvantages

• Many student accommodation contracts last until the summer months, often until August. If you plan on leaving Aberdeen in June after exams, you will be paying for a room that you won’t be using.
• Most contracts are for the entire year, and students can only be released from the contracts in exceptional circumstances.
• Some student accommodation can often be party central- not ideal if you’re planning on some serious studying! Check with your provider for specific halls for mature or post-graduate students.
• Not all student accommodation has internet access in rooms, or you may need to pay extra to get it installed. You will need to check with the company first if internet access is important to you.
• Student accommodation is often just as, if not more so, expensive as private accommodation.
• Some student accommodations charge a small fee to change the rent payments to monthly instalments rather than paying lump sums. Not all providers do this- students should check with the company they are with.

Private Accommodation

Advantages

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->You have your own personal private flat to yourself- a new sense of freedom

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->You can look for a property that suits your needs and requirements exactly

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Private accommodation can sometimes work out cheaper than student accommodation

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->You may be able to negotiate the length of contract with your landlord

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Properties are usually of a higher standard and quality than student accommodation

Disadvantages

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->It can often take up to a month to find suitable private property

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->It will be your responsibility to pay your monthly bills. If living with friends, make sure everyone is aware of their share- if someone doesn’t pay their way, the gas/ electric company will look to whoever else is in the property to pay the bills

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Students looking to live with their friends in a 3/4/5/6 bedroom property will find it tough- few landlords have such large properties, therefore competition from other students is intense. You may have to consider splitting your group up.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->It is harder to secure private accommodation months in advance, especially if you are looking for September entry. The majority of landlords will not advertise any earlier than March/ April. The best time to look for private accommodation is 6-10 weeks prior to entry.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->It can be difficult searching for a flat/ room if you are not in the city (i.e. over summer vacation), as the majority of landlords will not let you take out a property without you viewing it first.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Regardless of what type of accommodation you go into, be aware that your lease will not cover insurance of your belongings, nor have a TV licence if you have a TV in the property. You will have to get both of these yourself.

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