Student Accommodation: Why Do Students Need Accommodations?
May, 4 2025
Ever notice how your environment can totally change your mood? The same thing goes for where you live as a student. Having the right place to call home affects everything—your grades, your sleep, even whether you make friends or feel totally lost. University isn’t just about lectures and assignments; it’s also about daily life, comfort, and having somewhere you can actually relax.
For a lot of students, accommodation is more than just costs and location. It's about finding a setup where you can focus, stay healthy, and avoid burning out. Crowded dorms might work for some, but others need more privacy or fewer distractions. And if you’ve got early classes, a long commute from a cheap place might sound fine—until you’ve done it for a month and realize you’re exhausted.
- Why the Right Accommodation Matters
- Types of Student Housing
- How Housing Impacts Study and Social Life
- Tips for Finding the Best Fit
Why the Right Accommodation Matters
Picking the right student accommodation can honestly be a game changer. It’s not something you want to leave to luck or last-minute choices. Research shows that where students live has a direct effect on their academic results and mental health. For example, a 2023 study by Student.com found students living in specialized student housing reported 18% higher satisfaction with their studies compared to those renting general apartments. That’s not just a small difference—it’s huge when you’re dealing with tough classes or packed schedules.
Let’s be real: you spend more time in your room than in any lecture hall. A good setup means better sleep, more privacy when you need it, and fewer distractions when big deadlines hit. If you’re sharing a place with folks who party every night and you’re up early for labs, it’s going to get old fast. Your living space shapes your habits, from how often you cook to whether you feel safe coming home late.
Besides comfort, there are money factors to think about. Choosing a place that’s close to campus can actually save you cash, even if the rent looks higher at first. You cut down on public transport and late-night Uber trips. Here’s a quick comparison to break down possible monthly costs for different types of student accommodation:
| Type | Average Rent | Commute | Extra Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Dorm | $600-$900 | 5-10 min walk | Utilities usually included |
| Private Apartment | $800-$1,300 | 20-40 min bus | Utilities, internet, transport |
| Shared Housing | $500-$1,000 | Varies | May share bills, less privacy |
Another thing a lot of people miss: a good place helps you build connections. You might find your best friends through a group house or dorm events. If you feel at home, you’re less likely to drop out or get hit with serious homesickness. College is way more than just classes—your living situation has a bigger impact than you’d expect.
Types of Student Housing
Picking the right student accommodation can be just as important as choosing your major. There’s no one-size-fits-all—each type comes with its own perks and headaches. Here’s a look at the main options out there and what you can really expect.
- On-campus dorms: These are the classic choice, especially for first-year students. They're close to classes, super social, and usually have things like laundry, security, and meals sorted. The cool part? You’re surrounded by people in the same boat, which makes making friends easier. But it can get noisy, and not everyone likes having an RA or sharing a bathroom with 20 people.
- University-owned apartments: Slightly more adult—think less chaos, more space. Usually, these offer private bedrooms and sometimes kitchens. You still get university support, but with more independence. They’re pretty popular with students who want a little freedom but aren’t ready for full-on responsibility.
- Private rentals: Renting off-campus can be cheaper or pricier, depending on the city. You get way more choice over who you live with, how you decorate, and which meals you burn in the oven. But you’re also in charge of everything, from bills to dealing with landlords.
- Homestays: Sometimes, students stay with a family near campus. These are great for international students still figuring things out, because you get a built-in support network. Meals and utilities are usually included, but there can be rules about curfews and guests.
- Purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA): These are apartment buildings made just for students. Loads of perks, like gyms, game rooms, and study spaces, but watch your budget—these can cost a lot more than regular apartments.
Want some numbers? According to Statista, in 2024, about 27% of United States undergraduates lived on campus, while 39% rented privately, and the rest stayed with family or chose other setups. The demand for better student housing keeps growing, pushing universities and developers to create new options every year.
| Type | Avg. Monthly Cost (USD) | Main Perk | Main Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus dorm | 900-1,500 | Convenience, social life | Noise, shared spaces |
| University-owned apt | 1,200-1,900 | Independence, support | Limited availability |
| Private rental | 800-2,000 | Choice, privacy | Responsibility, bills |
| Homestay | 700-1,300 | Support, meals included | House rules |
| PBSA | 1,400-2,400 | Facilities, all-inclusive | Higher price |
So, don’t just pick the first thing you find. Weigh your options, think about what matters most (social life, cost, peace and quiet), and check what fits your lifestyle—and budget. The right student accommodation can seriously boost your college experience.
How Housing Impacts Study and Social Life
Where you live during college isn’t just a background detail—it has a legit impact on how you study and how you connect with others. Students who get the right student accommodation set themselves up for better focus and less stress. For example, a survey done by the National Union of Students in the UK showed that about 73% of students felt their housing had a direct effect on their academic performance. Living too far from campus ups the chances of skipping classes, while being close means you’re more likely to actually show up and keep up.
Noisy roommates or super thin walls? Those can wreck your sleep and your concentration. Reliable Wi-Fi, enough desk space, and a quiet environment can all make or break your grades. It’s the simple stuff that creeps up on you—like trying to prep for finals in a crowded common room, or losing hours because your building’s internet is down again.
It’s not just about the books, either. The social side matters, too. Choosing student accommodation in a lively dorm or a shared flat puts you in the middle of social action, so it’s way easier to make friends or find study buddies. You’ll end up bumping into people, joining groups or just chatting over late night snacks. That sort of casual hangout time is huge, especially if you’re new or a bit shy.
- If mental health is a worry, some campuses offer accommodation with extra support—student-only counseling and wellness staff who actually live in the building with you.
- For international students, on-campus housing can make adjusting less intimidating. You’re often near all the campus resources, and people around you are in the same boat.
- Students who feel comfortable and settled at home are a lot more likely to stick with their studies, according to research from Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) in 2023.
Let’s break down a snapshot comparing housing options and some core ways they shape student life and study:
| Accommodation Type | Average Commute | Social Opportunities | Study Space Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus dorms | 5 mins | High | Moderate |
| Off-campus shared flat | 20 mins | Medium | High |
| Living at home | 30+ mins | Low | Low to High (varies) |
In the end, the type of student accommodation you pick will change what your day-to-day life looks like. Pick a spot too far from campus or with no community vibe, and it’s easy to feel isolated. Choose a place that matches your needs, and you’ll find it’s a whole lot easier to handle both your grades and your social life.
Tips for Finding the Best Fit
Picking the right student accommodation can feel like a maze, especially when everyone’s budget, habits, and expectations are different. But there’s a method to the madness—focus on what matters most to you, and you’ll dodge a ton of stress down the line.
Start with your non-negotiables: Can you handle a roommate, or do you need your own space? Some folks love the busy energy of a big dorm, while others prefer a quiet apartment a bit further from campus life. Try making a shortlist:
- Location: Being close to campus or public transport can save hours every week. Fun fact—students who live on campus or within a 15-minute walk tend to show better attendance.
- Budget: Set a hard cap. Add up not just rent, but also utilities, internet, and possibly a food plan.
- Facilities: Does the place have decent Wi-Fi, laundry, and study areas? Reliable internet is a must if you’re streaming lectures or doing group work.
- Safety: Check crime stats for the neighborhood and talk with other students about their experience. Google the area or look at local forums if you’re moving to a new city.
- Community vibe: Some university-run places have events or shared spaces that make meeting people way easier, especially if you’re new or a bit shy.
Get creative: Tour different housing options, if possible. If you can’t visit in person, use video calls or look for student-made review videos on YouTube—these often show what the official photos don’t.
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Cost | Typical Extras |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Dorm | $900 | Utilities included, shared amenities |
| Private Apartment (shared) | $650 | Split utilities & internet |
| Homestay | $850 | Meals included |
| Studio Apartment | $1200 | All paid solo, more privacy |
One more tip—not everything about student accommodation is in the brochure. Ask current residents (find them on Reddit or Facebook groups) if there’s a lot of noise, surprise fees, or tricky landlords. Their advice will be way more honest than a landlord’s sales pitch. And if you have a specific need—like wheelchair access or special quiet hours—ask about it upfront. There’s no benefit to being shy here; it’ll save you way more hassle later on.