What Does Student Accommodation Include? Everything You Need to Know
Apr, 21 2025
Most people think student accommodation is just a bare room in a building, but there’s a lot more packed in than you might expect. Before you sign that rental contract, you’ll want to know what your money actually gets you—nobody likes surprise costs or living without basics.
Usually, the deal includes furniture, utility bills, and sometimes even superfast internet. Some places throw in perks like gyms, study rooms, or common areas to hang out with friends. But the real details? That’s where you’ve got to pay attention. Does your rent cover water, heating, and electricity, or are there hidden charges? Will you be sharing a bathroom, or do you get your own?
- What’s Usually Included in Student Accommodation?
- Bills and Internet: What Do You Really Get?
- Furniture and Room Essentials
- Shared Spaces and Facilities
- Security and Safety Features
- Tips for Choosing the Right Place
What’s Usually Included in Student Accommodation?
If you find yourself clueless about what’s actually part of the student accommodation package, you’re not alone. Most students expect the basics, but the reality can vary between private halls and university-managed places.
Here’s what you’ll commonly get in a typical student housing contract:
- Furniture: Expect a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and sometimes shelves or a noticeboard. Most places skip bedding and kitchenware, so you’ll want to bring your own.
- Bills included: Water, heating, electricity, and sometimes even contents insurance are usually rolled into the rent. This means no stressful bill-splitting arguments with flatmates.
- High-speed internet: Pretty much a given nowadays, with many buildings offering ultra-fast Wi-Fi as standard. A 2023 UK survey found nearly 90% of student properties list Wi-Fi as included.
- Maintenance: Maintenance teams are on call for things like broken heaters or dripping taps. You normally report an issue online or via an app.
- Security: Secure entry systems, CCTV, and even on-site staff are typical in larger student halls. Some properties have 24/7 support at the reception desk.
Sometimes, you’ll also get access to extras like common rooms, study areas, bike storage, or laundry facilities. Here’s a quick look at what’s usually included versus what’s not:
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Bed, desk, chair, wardrobe | Bedding, towels |
| Bills & Wi-Fi | TV license |
| Basic maintenance | Dishes, cutlery |
| Security | Personal toiletries |
If you’re comparing places, always read the contract or the info sheet—that’s where the real details hide. Don’t just assume what’s included because it looks “standard” online.
Bills and Internet: What Do You Really Get?
Here’s where most students either breathe a sigh of relief or get blindsided by hidden costs. In most student accommodation, bills are “all-inclusive.” That covers electricity, water, and sometimes even heating—but don’t just assume, always check the fine print of your contract. Some halls shout about being all-in, then sneak in usage caps or set limits on heating in winter. If you go over, you pay more.
Now, the internet is a game changer for most students. In over 80% of student halls in the UK and Australia, Wi-Fi is included in the rent—usually unlimited, but double check for speed or device limits if you’re a gamer or into streaming. Private landlords often leave bills and Wi-Fi to the tenants, so it pays to ask up front. Setting up your own broadband can take weeks and cost you extra, especially when split between housemates who can't agree on a provider.
Some places bundle contents insurance, TV licenses, or council tax (if it’s managed apartments), but that’s rare. Here’s a quick overview commonly found in student accommodation:
- Utility bills: Most commonly included (water, electricity, gas/heating)
- Wi-Fi/internet: Usually included, but watch for speed restrictions or shared bandwidth
- TV license: Almost never included
- Contents insurance: Sometimes thrown in, especially in university-owned housing
- Council tax: Students are exempt, but check if paperwork is handled for you
If you value fast internet and a hassle-free move, go for all-inclusive rent. It’s one less thing to mess around with during deadlines or group projects. Get everything in writing before moving in, and don’t be embarrassed to ask about hidden extras—it’s your money on the line.
Furniture and Room Essentials
One of the first things you’ll notice when checking out student accommodation is the standard set of furniture in every room. Most places, especially university-managed halls, stick to the basics, but it’s usually enough so you can walk in and unpack without buying much else.
Here's what’s almost always there:
- Single bed (sometimes a small double in newer or premium rooms)
- Desk and desk chair (great for those late-night cramming sessions)
- Wardrobe or closet
- Shelving or bookcase
- Waste bin
What you probably won’t find included: bedding, desk lamps, and kitchen equipment like kettles or cutlery. Some private housing may give you a mattress protector, but sheets and pillows are nearly always your job to bring. Double check what’s included before you move in, so you don’t end up sleeping in your hoodie the first night.
Ever wonder how much space you actually get? UK university rooms usually range from 9 to 14 square meters. Some premium 'studio' options shoot up to about 20 square meters, with your own mini-kitchen and bathroom. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Room Type | Average Size (sq m) | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ensuite | 12-15 | Bed, desk, wardrobe, private bathroom |
| Standard Single | 9-12 | Bed, desk, wardrobe, shared bathroom |
| Studio | 18-22 | Bed, desk, wardrobe, kitchenette, private bathroom |
Want tips for moving in? Ask the accommodation office if they do starter packs—some offer these for a fee, saving you a shopping trip. Bring a handful of plug adapters if you’re coming from abroad, and don’t forget extension cords since outlets can be in awkward places. If you’re picky about your mattress, invest in a topper for extra comfort. And label your stuff—things disappear fast in shared spaces.
Shared Spaces and Facilities
When you move into student accommodation, the shared spaces can make or break your experience. Most student buildings aren’t just bedrooms stacked side by side—they come with common areas designed for daily living and a bit of fun. The big question is, what do these shared spaces usually include?
Nearly all student accommodation will offer a shared kitchen if you’re not in a studio room. This means you’ll cook, clean, and sometimes eat alongside your hall-mates. Some kitchens are pretty basic: think a fridge, a hob, maybe a microwave if you’re lucky. Others go all out with dishwashers, big tables, and even flat-screen TVs. It’s a good idea to check exactly what’s provided, since buying kitchen gear can get expensive fast.
Common rooms or lounges are another staple. These are spots where you can relax, watch TV, work on group projects, or just hang out. Many newer places aim to impress with pool tables, games consoles, and comfy sofas. Don’t expect every building to be this flashy, but even the basics—like a large shared space with WiFi—help you get out of your room and meet people.
Some student accommodation blocks offer extras that make life easier or more fun, such as:
- On-site gyms (often included in the rent, but sometimes involve a fee)
- Study rooms or quiet areas for revising
- Laundry facilities (usually coin-operated or card payment)
- Bicycle storage
- Outdoor spaces like gardens, courtyards, or BBQ areas
If you’re lucky, your accommodation might throw in things like cinema rooms, music practice rooms, or even free events. Across the UK, about 48% of purpose-built student accommodation sites now offer some sort of fitness facility or social space, according to recent sector reports.
It’s worth asking what gets cleaned and how often. Some places clean shared kitchens and halls weekly, while others leave that work to the students themselves. Being clear on this can help avoid roommate drama later.
One last tip: Shared spaces are great for saving money, since you’re not paying to equip a gym or buy tons of cleaning supplies. Still, always check for any extra fees in your contract—especially for things like gym membership or laundry use. These little charges can add up over the term.
Security and Safety Features
When it comes to student accommodation, security is a big deal. Most student housing in the UK and big university cities comes with plenty of built-in safety features, but you should look carefully at the details for each place.
Student buildings almost always have secure entry points. This usually means you’ll need a key, fob, or security code to get inside. Larger complexes sometimes have 24/7 reception desks, making it tough for strangers to just walk in. It’s common to see CCTV in shared spaces, corridors, and entrances, which really discourages theft or trouble. If you’re into facts, the majority of new student blocks built after 2018 are required to have fire safety systems like alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting according to UK regulations.
- Most private student housing and uni-managed halls have some kind of on-site security or caretaker.
- Doors for bedrooms and main entrances are usually lockable—double-check your contract about this.
- Lighting: Well-lit paths, stairwells, and outside areas help prevent accidents and keep things safer at night.
Fire safety matters just as much. All student housing by law has to supply fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and regular fire drills are a thing in university halls. Private landlords might skip drills, but alarms should be tested and there should be clear signs marking exits.
Here’s a quick rundown so you can compare what you’re getting:
| Security Feature | Uni Halls | Private Housing |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV | Usually | Sometimes |
| 24/7 Staff/Reception | Common | Rare |
| Secure Entry System | Yes | Usually |
| Lockable Rooms | Yes | Usually |
| Fire Alarms/Drills | Yes/Yes | Yes/No |
A smart tip: always visit the property if you can and ask about lighting, entry systems, and past incidents. If you’re into gadgets, ask if there’s an app or system for reporting issues—some places are pretty high-tech now and let you flag problems on your phone.
Tips for Choosing the Right Place
Nailing your student accommodation search means thinking beyond the rent price. One smart move is to list your non-negotiables: Do you care more about walking to campus, or having your own bathroom? Private bathrooms usually bump the price up, but if you’re someone who values privacy, it might be worth every penny.
Always ask what’s included in the rent. Some places roll everything—heating, water, electricity—into the rent so you don’t face unexpected bills. Others only cover basics and leave the internet bill (and sometimes even contents insurance) on you. Make sure you find this out upfront. Around 67% of students living in managed student accommodation get all bills included, which is pretty convenient.
Safety shouldn’t be overlooked. Double-check what kind of security the building offers, like CCTV, key fob access, or 24/7 staff on site. Some areas around big universities are known to be student hotspots, but that can bring a bigger risk of break-ins if there’s no security at the entrance. Get these details before moving in.
You’ll also want to check how close things are: supermarkets, lecture halls, the gym, or public transport. There’s no sense saving a few bucks on rent if you end up blowing it all on daily bus fares or takeout. Speaking of convenience, some student accommodation has laundry rooms right on site. Others expect you to use an off-site laundromat, adding hassle and cost.
Don’t forget the vibe. If you like meeting people, look for places with shared social spaces or organised events. If you’re more introverted, a studio or quieter hall might suit you better. Tours (in person or virtual) can help you get a real sense of the place, not just what’s shown in polished photos online.
A quick comparison can make your decision easier. Check this sample breakdown of common amenities when choosing your place:
| Feature | Usually Included? | Extra Cost? |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Frequently | Sometimes |
| Utilities | Often | Rarely |
| Private Bathroom | Uncommon | Often |
| Laundry Facilities | On-site or Nearby | Pay-per-use |
| Security | Standard in big providers | No |
Bottom line: Write down the features you need, check what’s included, and always visit or ask for a virtual tour. Ask current students about their experiences if you can. This is where you’ll live, study, and probably make some of your closest friends—you want it to be the right fit.