Misconceptions of purpose-built student accommodation

Purpose-built accommodation for students has unfairly been subject to a few myths. We’re here to debunk this.

The sooner you realise that purpose-built student accommodation is actually a great option for students, the sooner you’ll be able to reap the benefits.

So, let’s get started.

1. It’s more expensive than other student accommodation

It’s really not much more expensive than university halls, and what you might pay extra on, you’re gaining in comfort.

Not to mention, you’ll be gaining a gym, coffee, breakfast and printing. These are all things which you’ll end up spending hundreds of pounds on every single month, without even realising.

For instance, Fusion Students, in Zenith Cardiff, a brand new purpose-built accommodation, has access to a big gym, a grab and go breakfast service (great for 9am lectures), access to Sky Bar, and free printing.

With purpose-built accommodation and the all-inclusive amounts, you’ll be able to budget more efficiently, courtesy of the predictable outgoings every single month. With zero letting agency fees, all bills being managed individually, and no need to set up bills. You actually have a great opportunity to save a lot of money and save funds much better.

If you give your house a thorough deep clean when you move out, you’ll get all your deposit back, and you won’t have to pay any kind of cleaning fee.

2. It isn’t the typical student experience

We don’t know when living in a mouldy flat became synonymous with the student experience, but it just isn’t true.

Things that do make up the student experience are; making new friends, going on nights out, light night library sessions, and working towards a degree. Mismatch furniture and mouldy walls are not something which you’ll remember fondly.

A big part of modern student culture is actually social media, specifically Instagram. It sounds super frivolous, but purpose-built accommodation is much more aesthetically pleasing. Not only making your living standards better but your Instagram feeds too. A win-win.

If anybody ever says that they loved living in a damp flat, with dirt, and constant illnesses, they really are lying. Nobody enjoys that. It certainly doesn’t make the student experience better.

We do have to say, sometimes it isn’t your typical student experience, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For example, Collegiate offers you wellness boxes on arrival and a housekeeping service. Now, we know that every student wishes that they could have that.

3. You can’t choose your second and third-year housemates

Basically, this just isn’t true. You can totally pick your housemates for your second and third year of University. They’re called cluster flats.

You get all the benefits of living with your friends, without the drawbacks of shared housing. For example, you won’t need to set up any bills or pick a lead tenant. Something that causes a lot of arguments and stress.

You also won’t need to apply for 9-month contracts or pay half-rent over summer. Unless, of course, you wanted to.

4. It’s not as fun as living in a house or normal student halls.

Your accommodation is as fun as you make it. You’ll find people in halls who are bored every single night, and you’ll find students in purpose-built living their best life.

Not to mention, purpose-built student accommodation has lots of social spaces, event spaces, pool tables and chef classes. You’ll always be subject to lots of fun and games. How much fun you have, is really up to you.

5. You have no autonomy because of the cameras and concierge

For the most part, student life is quite heavily revolving around the drinking culture. You might think that you can’t come home drunk from a night out when you live in purpose-built student accommodation. The truth is, they really don’t care; they’ve seen it all before. They might have even been in your shoes once or twice. Especially when you consider that the on-site teams are usually students, just like you.

For the most part, they’re much more understanding and nicer than letting agents. They’ll be there to help you if you’re ever in trouble or have locked yourself out. It happens to everyone, don’t worry.

6. They’re not in the prime location

Again, a total myth. Purpose-built accommodation is usually in the city centre or close to the University. This saves you money on taxis and gives you extra time in bed in the morning for those 9am lectures.

7. It’s international student-heavy

Not so true, although it’s true that a lot of international students decide to move into this kind of accommodation. A lot of domestic students move into purpose-built accommodation, for the benefits and comforts that it has to offer.

For example, many students in Manchester, who aren’t guaranteed accommodation after their first year, choose to go into purpose-built accommodation. This gives them free from mould, lovely housing.

We talked to James, who stated that the majority of his neighbours in his accommodation were domestic students, including couples, and friends flat sharing.

8. The tenancies aren’t flexible

This isn’t true, especially with programs like Student Roost. This allows you to select the dates that suit you, and you can swap fix term with a “flexible” contract.

Student Roost also allows you to change your tenancy week by week, this is perfect for students that don’t exactly know when they’ll be leaving for summer.

We hope this clarified just how great purpose-built student accommodation is. There’s no reason why you should be losing money, missing out on the student experience or having less fun.

In fact, it’s a great alternative to the dark and dingy days of student accommodation. Past graduates probably wish that they could have had the choice.