Halls or private — which is cheaper for you?

The answer depends on your university, your income, and the summer contract trap.

Search for your university above to see the comparison.

Things halls costs include that private doesn't

University halls are quoted by the week, but the weekly figure covers more than rent. When you compare halls to private, add these costs back in to make the comparison fair.

Bills (gas, electric, water)£80–120/month estimate
Broadband / Wi-Fi£15–30/month equivalent
Contents insurance£5–10/month equivalent
No deposit requiredPrivate typically requires 4–6 weeks deposit
No letting agent feesBanned in England since 2019, but not everywhere

Things private gives you that halls doesn't

Private renting is not always a worse deal. In many northern cities it is cheaper per square foot than halls, and it offers advantages that halls cannot match.

→More space — private houses typically offer larger rooms and more communal space.
→More independence — you choose your housemates and set your own rules.
→Usually cheaper per sq ft in northern and midlands cities.
→Continuity — you can stay in the same house for Year 2 and 3, avoiding annual moves.
→More choice of location within the city.

The summer contract trap

Private landlords in student cities typically require 12-month contracts — even if your course runs for 9 months. If you sign a private tenancy, you pay rent in June, July, and August whether you are living there or not.

Your maintenance loan is not paid over summer. It covers three termly periods during the academic year. Summer rent in a private property comes out of savings, parental contribution, or summer work — not your loan.

For most UK cities: private rent of £500–£650/month means paying £1,500–£1,950 over summer. That is money you will need to find without a maintenance loan. Many students do not factor this into their year-1 budget.

Halls contracts end when term ends. You do not pay for accommodation over summer unless you specifically book summer accommodation. This is the single biggest financial difference between halls and private renting that most students discover too late.