Everything You Need To Know About Off-Campus Living

What is Off-Campus Living?

Off-campus living simply means that your accommodation isn’t owned by the university. This could be a student house or flat, a private rental, or purpose-built student accommodation like EVO Students.

Types of Student Accommodation:

• Private Student Accommodation: These purpose-built accommodations are designed exclusively for students, and managed by private companies. They typically offer all-inclusive bills, on-site amenities (like gyms and study areas), and social events, creating a community feel similar to university halls, though not owned by the university.
• Private Rental: A house or flat rented independently by you, where you’re responsible for bills.
• Halls of Residence: Also known as “uni halls,” these are large student buildings with private bedrooms and shared communal areas like kitchens. They can be owned by the university or private companies and often offer different room types, such as en-suite or studio apartments.
• Student House/Flat: These are typically owned by landlords, and you’ll rent a room within a house of multiple occupancy (HMO). You’ll be responsible for paying bills and will share the space with housemates, whether they’re friends or new people, making it a typical house-share setup.

Should You Live On or Off Campus?

It really comes down to your vibe and what you’re looking for in your uni accommodation. The best move is to check out all your options before deciding. Living off-campus might be your perfect fit depending on your priorities. Let’s break down some pros and cons to help you figure out what’s best for you!

Perks of Living On Campus:

• First-Year Squad: Most people living on campus are first-year students, so if it’s your first year too, you’ll be surrounded by others who are in the same boat as you.
• Instant Social Life: On-campus living is great for meeting new people and making friends fast, creating that tight-knit community vibe. But don’t worry, you’ll get this in private student accommodation too
• Close to Everything: Living on campus can mean a super short walk to the library, lecture halls, and gym. But always check the location—sometimes off-campus spots are just as close!
• Extra Perks: Some campus accommodations throw in meal plans, study lounges, events, and academic support, which can be a nice bonus.
  Security: Universities usually have top-notch security with CCTV, staff, and controlled access to keep things safe.

In the end, it’s all about what suits your needs and lifestyle!

Why Living Off Campus Might Be Your Best Move

Not feeling the on-campus vibe? That’s totally fine, and it’s smart to check out all your options before locking down your university accommodation.

A lot of students pick on-campus living because it seems easy and convenient, especially if you’re new and don’t know anyone yet. But living off campus has a ton of advantages that might make it the better choice for you. Let’s break it down:

1. Next-Level Amenities: Off-campus spots often come with way more than just a room. Take EVO Student for example—we offer an on-site gym, fitness studio, games rooms, and even TV’s in some rooms, with it all varying based on the property. So whether you’re into fitness, gaming, or just kicking back with Netflix, off-campus living has you covered.
2. Tons of Options: Off-campus accommodation often gives you a lot more variety when it comes to room types. Whether you’re looking for a cosy studio, a shared student house, a deluxe room, or an en-suite, there’s something to suit your style and needs. No cookie-cutter options here—you can find a place that really feels like you.
3. Private Bathrooms = Life-Changing: Let’s be honest—having your own en-suite bathroom is a major win. No more waiting in line for the shower or sharing a sink with everyone on your floor. It’s your space, your rules.
4. Ultimate Independence: Off-campus living is all about freedom. You get way more independence, privacy, and control over your day-to-day life compared to living on campus. You can cook your own meals, have friends over whenever you want, and really make the space your own.
5. Chill, Quiet Vibes: If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more peaceful, off-campus accommodation is often quieter and less hectic than campus dorms. Perfect for when you need to buckle down and study, or just need a break from all the noise.
6. Broaden Your Social Circle: Living off campus opens you up to a more diverse group of people. You won’t just be paired up with students from your year. This gives you the chance to socialise and broaden your circle

Overall, off-campus living gives you the freedom to live the way you want. With all the perks and variety it offers, it’s definitely worth considering for your university experience!

Is Living On or Off Campus Cheaper?

It really depends on a few key factors. Sometimes off-campus accommodations can be more affordable than what the university offers, and sometimes it’s the other way around.

For example, shared houses or flats tend to be cheaper than uni halls, but remember that you’ll need to cover extra costs like bills, which are usually included in the price of halls. Let’s break it down:

Key Factors to Consider:

• Location Matters: The cost of living in your city plays a huge role. Some cities are just more expensive, so whether on-campus or off-campus is cheaper will depend on where you’re studying.
• Commute Costs: If you live farther away, you might save on rent but end up paying more in transport costs, so be sure to factor in your daily commute expenses.
• Rent & Bills: Compare the rent prices between off-campus and on-campus options. Private accommodations can sometimes be more expensive than house shares, but they often include amenities that balance out the cost.Remember, with off-campus, you’ll likely have to pay bills (like electricity and water) separately. While you can split these with roommates, fluctuating prices (especially with energy costs) can be tricky. On the bright side, places like EVO Student include bills in the rent, so no surprise costs, and you get to control the temperature to your liking!
• Onsite Amenities: If you’re someone who hits the gym regularly, private accommodations with an on-site gym could save you both time and money. Not only is it included in your rent, but you can work out whenever you want, safely, even late at night.
• Facilities on Offer: Consider the perks both options offer. Do they have laundry services, study rooms, or hangout spaces? These can really make a difference when your study load piles up.
• Additional Costs: On-campus meal plans can sometimes be more affordable than buying groceries and cooking for yourself, but that depends on your eating habits. Also, university housing often comes fully furnished, while renting a house might mean buying your own furniture and handling maintenance.

Overall, it’s all about balancing your priorities—budget, convenience, and what kind of experience you’re looking for!

Is It Necessary To Live On Campus in Your First Year?

Nope! You’re totally free to choose off-campus living if that’s more your vibe.

A lot of students in the UK go for on-campus halls in their first year because it’s super convenient and a great way to meet new people. Plus, some city-based universities only offer halls to first-year and exchange students. But don’t worry, living on campus isn’t the only option out there!

Private halls of residence are available in most uni cities, and the cool part is, that these aren’t just for first-years—you can stay there throughout your whole uni journey. Missed out on on-campus housing? No stress!

Private student accommodations give you the same student community feel but with a more sophisticated edge. You’ll still get to socialise, make friends, and enjoy all the perks, with just a bit more style and flexibility. So, whether it’s your first year or third, you’ve got plenty of choices!

Everything You Need to Know About Living Off Campus

Living off-campus isn’t just about moving into a house—there are way more options to suit your vibe! Private halls of residence are a great stepping stone for your off-campus adventure. As a resident, you’ll enjoy a ton of perks and access to awesome facilities. Here’s why private halls are great:

• All-Inclusive Renting: No extra hassle—everything’s covered in your rent.
• On-Site Amenities: Gyms, game rooms, TV lounges, study spaces, private kitchens, laundry, and even security services—everything you need, right where you live.
• Vibes: Regularly planned events make it easy to meet new people and make friends!

Are You Considering A Private Housing?

If you’re ready to level up and completely move out of halls, student houses or apartments are a solid option. Here’s the lowdown:

Steps to Renting:

• Budgeting: Agree on a rent budget with your housemates.
• House Hunt: Use sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom. Filter by budget and room count. Top Tip: 1-year tenancies are more likely to accept students!
• Estate Agents: They might have more options for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
• Apply: Found your dream house? Time to apply!
• Sign the Lease: Make sure you understand the rent schedule. Top Tip: You’ll need a guarantor to help secure your rent.
• Deposit: Pay your deposit upfront. Take photos when you move in to avoid being charged for any pre-existing damages.
• Council Tax: No worries—students don’t pay council tax, as long as they’re full-time. If living with non-students, they might get a 25% discount.
• Bills: You’re in charge of utilities like gas, electricity, wifi, and water. Top Tip: Budget for higher bills due to the cost-of-living crisis.
• Maintenance Issues: Got a leaky tap? Contact your landlord or agent to fix it.
• Deposit Return: Take photos when you move out to ensure everything’s as it was. Your landlord will inspect the place before returning your deposit.

There you have it—everything you need to crush off-campus living!

If you run into issues while renting, on’t panic! Your uni’s support team is there to help you out with any rental problems and guide you through the process. They’ve got your back!

Student houses are a solid option for kicking off your rental journey, but they’re not for everyone. Not feeling it? No worries—there are tons of other options to suit your vibe!

International Students & Renting in the UK

You can totally rent in the UK with a valid visa, but applying for bills without a UK credit rating can be tricky. Some landlords might ask for upfront rent since international guarantors make things a bit more complicated.

Private House Vs. Private Student Accommodation – Which Is Your Choice?

Private Student Accommodation:

Pros:

All bills included (yes, please!).
On-site perks like gyms, laundry rooms, and TV lounges.
Security and maintenance on hand.
Fun social events to meet people.
Cons:
Generally pricier.
Less privacy.
Less say in who you live with.
More rules to follow.
Who’s it for?
First-year students.
Newbies to the area.
Students craving convenience.
Anyone who loves organised social events!

Student House/Flat:

Pros:

More independence and privacy.
Cheaper rent.
More space to live and chill.
You get to choose your housemates.
Cons:
You’re responsible for bills.
Fixing maintenance issues can get expensive and stressful.
Longer commute to campus.
Who’s it for?
Independent vibes.
Budget-conscious students.
Groups of friends looking to live together.
Students who already know people moving into houses.

Whatever your style, there’s something out there for everyone!