Didn't manage to get a room in halls? Don't Panic...

Living in campus halls doesn’t have to be essential to your student life. You might be a fresher looking for housing or a second year flying your new nest. Don’t fret! Here’s some reasons why it’s not the end of the world if you miss out or are leaving halls, halls living does come with its shortcomings…

1.            Living with friends

Living in halls can feel like a bit of a social lottery. Although you make some great friendships once you’re done frantically running around trying to recruit your new gang, relationships with your neighbours rarely last. The nature of your acquaintance is built off of being randomly allocated rooms near to each other. Hardly the basis for a lasting bond. Private housing stops all this commotion. You can choose your housemates yourself (using whatever criteria you wish) who can develop into friends for life, not just someone you share a fridge with.

2.            Peace and quiet

It goes without saying that halls have their noisier moments. Pre-drinks, noisy neighbours blasting their tunes or football chants at 5am. You might be in the thick of it mostly, but sometimes you’ll want to chill in with Netflix. While there’s no guarantee that off-campus accommodation will ensure you a full night’s rest, your sleep at least won’t be disturbed by rowdy drunkenness or fire drills in December.

3.            Privacy

The advent of apartment life also entitles you to more privacy than you would otherwise get. There are no dorm inspections, nor are there parties upstairs when you’re trying to study. The walls tend to be thicker and the whole building will be independent from the campus. No more wooden conversations with neighbours you don’t know that well in awkward hallways.

4.            Growing independence

No longer will you have to share one shower or struggle with the dodgy wifi. While freedom may come at the cost of sorting out your own bills and utilities, it’s the first step towards self-sufficiency. From this point onwards you’ll have proper facilities to cook for yourself and watch live TV. Live TV… remember that?

5.            Cheaper Cost

Generally, living independently from campus halls also makes for a slightly reduced rent. Student houses have a fixed monthly rate, which will be split between you and your housemates, making for a cheaper overall cost than most uni halls.

6.            Living Area

No apartment is complete without a sitting room of some kind. A communal space to sit people down and have real social interaction instead of squeezing 6 people on those tiny blue ‘sofas’. While most halls have a square of carpet to call your own, privately-owned property will have a living room perfect for slouching, duvet days and getting together with friends. Just make sure you move the Roosters boxes off the cushions first.