When it comes to student accommodation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to live alone or share with others. While private studios can sound appealing, living in a shared house can often be a far more rewarding (and budget-friendly) experience.
Here are some of the top reasons why sharing a house can make your student life easier, cheaper, and more fun.
1. It’s more affordable
The most obvious advantage? Lower costs.
Sharing rent, utilities, and other bills means your monthly expenses drop significantly compared to living alone. Many shared houses also come with bills included, making budgeting easier and helping you avoid unexpected costs.
2. Built-in social life
Moving to university can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the city or the country. A shared house gives you instant company.
Flatmates often become close friends and part of your support system, making the transition to independent living much easier (and less lonely).
3. Learn life skills
Living with others teaches you a lot, not just how to manage bills and chores, but also how to communicate, compromise, and respect shared spaces.
These are skills you’ll take with you long after university, and they’re just as valuable as anything you’ll learn in lectures. Whether it’s dividing cleaning duties or organising grocery runs, shared living encourages teamwork and responsibility.
4. More space for less money
Shared houses often offer bigger communal areas than studios or halls — think kitchens, gardens, and living rooms you can actually use.
It’s great for hosting movie nights, birthday dinners, or quiet study sessions without feeling cramped.
You get the comfort of a home environment while still sharing the costs.
5. You’ll never run out of support
Living with others means there’s usually someone around to lend a hand — whether it’s helping fix a Wi-Fi problem, giving you a lift to the supermarket, or just having a chat after a long day.
For international students, especially, this kind of everyday support can make a huge difference.
Living by yourself can be quite lonely, at least sharing with others tends to lessen this feeling.
Overall thoughts
Living in a shared house isn’t just about saving money — it’s about sharing experiences. You’ll meet new people, learn independence, and create memories that last beyond your university years.
So, if you’re still searching for your next home, visit Accommodation for Students to find shared houses across the UK — with options to suit every lifestyle and budget.
