Finding student accommodation for your second-year at university can be a bit
scary. In your first year, you probably lived in university accommodation
with allocated flatmates. Finding accommodation for your second year of
university requires a bit more independence.
On-campus accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus accommodation for second-year students.
This can be a convenient option, as it allows you to stay close to
university resources. On-campus accommodation typically comes in the form
of shared flats or apartments, and some universities may offer options for
en-suite rooms or studio apartments.
One potential downside of on-campus accommodation is that it can be more
expensive than renting privately. Availability may also be limited, so it's
important to apply early if you're interested.
Private accommodation
One of the more popular options for second-year students is to rent private
accommodation. This includes shared flats, shared houses, or studio flats.
Private accommodation can offer more flexibility and often comes with a
lower price tag than university allocated options.
Shared houses are a good opportunity to live with a group of friends and
students often enjoy the independence that experience can bring. If you’d
like to rent privately, you can read more about when you should start
booking house viewings on the blog ‘when should I start looking for my
accommodation’?
However, renting private accommodation can come with its own set of
challenges. You'll need to do your research to find a safe and suitable
property, and you will likely be responsible for paying for utilities
and other expenses that are included in university allocated accommodation.
Private Halls
More students are choosing to live in private halls of residence into their
second year and beyond. Private halls are similar to university owned
properties, but are managed by private companies and are generally of
higher specification.
Many of these halls now offer cluster flats which enable groups of friends
to live in a self contained area of the hall. While they can be more
expensive than renting a house, they will normally include all bills and
are generally maintained to a high standard.
Homestay
Finally, homestay is an option where you live with a local family in their
home. This can be a good option for an international student looking to
immerse yourself in local culture and practice your language skills.
Homestay can also be a more affordable option than other types of
accommodation.
However, a homestay may not be suitable for everyone. You'll need to be
comfortable living with a family and sharing their space. Additionally,
homestay is a unique form of accommodation and it might not be available in
your area.
There are several options available for second-year student accommodation
in the UK. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's
important to do your research and consider your individual needs and
preferences when making your decision. If you’d like to know what
accommodation is currently available in your city, search our website here.
