Will living in private accommodation halls ruin my social life?

I have firmed a conditional offer at a uni and have applied for accommodation with them. However, the rooms provided by the uni are really not worth the 150 pounds per week, so I think it would be better to seek private accommodation through companies like Unite Students, Liberty Living, Student Roost etc. What worries me is the prospect of having less of a social uni experience, if I don't live in uni halls in my first year. Has anyone had any experience with that/any advice or insights to share on the matter? :smile:

Reply 1

SarcAndSpark

Original post by solark

If you live in a flat with other students, you'll have a very similar social experience to living in uni halls. You may be a bit further away from the uni, but there are usually lots of options in walking distance.

If you choose to live in a studio flat, obviously your experience could end up being a bit different and you might have to make a bit more of an effort to make friends in your accommodation, but most people don't end up being best friends with their flat mates anyway.

Do be aware that the terms and conditions of rental agreements on private halls are generally less generous if you find yourself wanting to leave at any point during the year.

Reply 2

claireestelle

Original post by solark

I lived in private halls for 1st year, as long as you make an effort to meet people outside of where you live then you ll be fine. Good decision to go for a cheaper option, the extra money will be worth it.

Reply 3

Jenx301

Are you going to Nottingham? It’s fine I lived in private halls and it’s just as sociable and tends to be nicer accommodation too

Reply 4

solark

No, Glasgow :smile:

Original post by Jenx301

Are you going to Nottingham? It’s fine I lived in private halls and it’s just as sociable and tends to be nicer accommodation too

Reply 5

PhoenixFortune

Original post by solark

The main difference I found with private halls is that, depending on the company and how late you apply, they sometimes don't put all the first years together in flats/blocks, so you may end up living with a mixture of all years. This could be either a positive or negative thing depending on your viewpoint. They may also house students from multiple universities, and be slightly further from university buildings.

Other than that, private halls are essentially the same as university-owned halls.

Reply 6

londonmyst

I've never lived on campus or in student halls over the last six years.
I rented privately and have lived with a variety of flatmates, mostly students.
Some were full time students at other unis, some were part time postgrads and others working professionals of all ages.

The uni social experience was still fabulous.
Many students living on uni campuses came round to socialize or sleep it off.
Quite a few said they preferred a private rental to student accommodation due to excessive noise or restrictions on visitors coming round and asked if they could share with me.

Reply 7

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by solark

Well done! I think if you just make sure you get involved fully at uni like joining societies etc then you should be fine!
Sophia

Reply 8

kkboyk

Original post by solark

Nope it won't provided you make the effort to socialise throughout the year. I've lived in private house since 1st year (got rejected for uni accommodations) and don't regret it, mainly because I got a much bigger room for a much cheaper price. I still managed to meet lots of people by attending random parties and pres I wasn't invited to, as well as other events held at uni. I was also living with others in the same situation as me, which pretty much turned out to be like halls experience, except with got peace and quietness during night time.

Also some of these private halls of residence will be just as expensive as uni or possibly more expensive (Liberty Living charges around £150 near my area).

Reply 9

Studefhsrthrshnr

You can have just as much of a social life when living in private halls. The trick is to get out there and introduce yourself! Everyone is in the same boat and private accommodation do a lot more for their residents to help them enjoy their stay in the building.

Reply 10

solark

Hi- could you please give me some examples of such events? Also, do your halls only host international students or are there UK students as well? What's an indicative ratio for Glasgow specifically?

Original post by Student Roost

Reply 11

CartoonSoldier

private halls and uni halls are the same. no need to worry :smile:

Reply 12

Anonymous #1

I am in same your situation if you find a social private hall in Glasgow please tell me
Thank you

Original post by solark

No, Glasgow :smile:

Reply 13

Studefhsrthrshnr

We're open to all students! With Glasgow as we have 5 properties they're all very different and are tailored for different people's needs and we have a fair balance of domestic and international students. Our properties like hosting events such as film nights and pizza nights in their common spaces to help bring new people together.

Original post by solark

Hi- could you please give me some examples of such events? Also, do your halls only host international students or are there UK students as well? What's an indicative ratio for Glasgow specifically?