- Shared flats are significantly cheaper than penthouse flats, making them the most budget-friendly option for international students seeking private accommodation.
- Student hostels are strategically located near campuses or city centres, reducing transportation expenses and allowing easy exploration.
- University housing offers greater convenience than private accommodation, providing immediate access to campus facilities, libraries, and academic resources.
In recent years, studying abroad has become the dream of many Indian students. Lakhs of students migrate yearly for new opportunities, better prospects, higher salaries, etc.
However, this journey can be daunting. This blog will help students understand different types of accommodations, their pros and cons, and financial tips before making a choice. This will allow students to make informed decisions and choose the most suitable option.
Student’s Accommodation
Student accommodation is the first thing that students consider before moving abroad. Several factors play a key role in choosing the accommodation. These include location, cost, comfort, privacy, and other facilities.
Advantages of Living in Student Accommodation
- Close to the University: The location of the accommodation becomes a determining factor when choosing a residence. The closeness of the residence helps students to commute effectively & avoid hassles related to commuting or travelling.
- Convenience: University accommodation is more convenient for students than private accommodation. It is also cost-effective since it reduces the cost of transportation.
- Social Life: Students’ availability on campus ensures greater participation in college activities, making more friends, enjoying the social circle, and building strong networks.
Disadvantages of Living in Student Accommodation
- Privacy: Privacy is one of the key factors among students in choosing student accommodation. Some students feel it convenient to live alone, as living together hinders their privacy, while others enjoy the company of others.
- Psychological Impacts: Some students have difficulty interacting and making new friends, which might lead to homesickness, identity crisis, etc.
Hostel Rooms
Hostels are student-friendly accommodations that offer shared or private room options. They are popular among students, backpackers, and young travellers. There are private agencies that provide hostel accommodations.
We have provided a detailed list of advantages and disadvantages of living in hostels for international students.
Advantages of Living in Hostels
- Social Environment: Staying in the hostels allows students to interact with friends, build relationships & strengthen networks.
- Affordability: Hostels are affordable options for students because they allow students to split bills and share expenses, which helps them save more and manage their living expenses.
- Location: Hostels are usually located close to the campus or in strategic locations that are beneficial for commuting. Therefore, they reduce the cost of transportation. The central location allows students to explore more easily. Hence, living in hostel has some added benefits for students.
Disadvantages of Living in Hostels
- Privacy: Privacy has become a significant concern among students. Students fail to have personal space as they adjust with other friends or roommates.
- Conflicting Schedules & Dependency: Students living in hostels have to adjust their schedules, which makes them more dependent and obstructs personal development. Sometimes, staying with friends or roommates increases dependency, as students rely more on others than themselves.
Living in Flats
Flats come in different types, such as studio flats, one-bedroom flats, and penthouses. The choice of the flat is dependent on the student’s convenience, preferences, and budget. One of the most affordable flats for students is shared flats.
Advantages of living in Shared Flats
- Affordable: Shared flats are budget-friendly & are comparatively cheaper as compared to penthouse flats.
- Social Exposure: The flats are located near the city centres, which allow students to explore, build networks, make new friends, etc.
Disadvantages of Living in Shared Flats
- Away from Campus: Living in the flats reduces the chances of participating in campus activities.
- Other Expenses: Living away from the campus increases costs, such as travelling or commuting and buying groceries and vegetables.
Financial Tips for International Students
- Students who are planning to move abroad should prioritise their preferences.
- Some students who want to enjoy campus life should look for on-campus accommodation.
- Some students who want to explore the city can opt for hostels & flats.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right accommodation directly impacts your study abroad experience, from daily convenience to social connections and budget management.
On-campus student accommodation offers unmatched proximity to university facilities, reduced transportation hassles, and maximum participation in campus activities and social circles. Hostels provide affordable options through shared expenses and bill-splitting arrangements, creating natural social environments for building friendships amongst international students.
Shared flats deliver budget-friendly alternatives compared to premium options, giving students city-centre access for exploration and networking opportunities. Each accommodation type comes with trade-offs: on-campus living sacrifices privacy for convenience, hostels create scheduling dependencies, and flats increase commuting time and grocery expenses.
Students must prioritise their preferences—campus life enthusiasts should choose university accommodation, city explorers should opt for hostels or flats—to match their personal goals and lifestyle needs.
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FAQs
Is living in hostel better than living in flat?
Accommodation is important for international students since it offers comfort, a homely space, and privacy. Shared flats are cost-competitive and offer privacy.
In contrast, hostels are also budgeted but fail to provide a private space. Students who want to build social networks and bonds can opt for hostels, whereas students who wish to enjoy their privacy can live in studio flats.
What is the difference between hostels & student accommodation?
Various agencies offer hostels through their websites. In contrast, student accommodations are provided by the universities or colleges where the student has been admitted.
Living in hostels & student accomodations has it pros and cons.
How can I manage my expenses in a Flat?
Flats are student-friendly accommodations. They have small spaces, which ensure low maintenance. To manage their expenses in the flat, students might consider cooking their meals, creating a budget, using public commutes, part-time work, etc.
Should I live in student accommodation or commute to the university?
Living in accommodations offered by the university reduces the hassle of commuting. Moreover, you will be living in the middle of everything you could need.
This helps you to make new friends, attend college events & participate in campus activities. However, students who enjoy their privacy & want flexibility can opt for private accommodations & flats.
How much does a hostel cost in the UK?
The costs of hostels vary depending on the location. However, the average cost of a hostel in the UK is 81.36 euros or INR 7,348 for two days.
What are the main types of student accommodation available for international students?
The three main types are on-campus student accommodation, hostels with shared or private rooms, and flats including studio, one-bedroom, and shared options.
What is the biggest advantage of living in on-campus student accommodation?
On-campus accommodation offers maximum convenience with proximity to university facilities, reduced transportation costs, and greater participation in campus activities and social life.
What are the main disadvantages of living in student hostels?
Hostels sacrifice privacy due to shared spaces, create conflicting schedules with roommates, and can increase dependency on others, obstructing personal development.
Can international students work part-time in the UK to support accommodation costs?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during holidays on degree-level courses as of 2026.
What are the minimum living expenses requirements for UK student visas in 2026?
Students need £1,483 monthly for London courses and £1,136 monthly for courses outside London, covering up to 9 months of living expenses.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
