Private halls
What is PBSA?
Purpose-built student accommodation — modern buildings designed specifically for students, run by private companies rather than universities. Think all-inclusive bills, on-site gyms, communal lounges, and 24/7 support teams.
How much does PBSA cost?
Typically £130–£250 per week outside London, £200–£400+ in London. Rent almost always includes all bills, Wi-Fi, and contents insurance. More expensive than university halls but usually newer with better facilities.
How do I book?
Directly through the provider's website — no need to go through your university. Pick a building, choose your room type, pay a deposit or advance rent, and sign the tenancy agreement online. Most providers let you book year-round.
Who is PBSA for?
Everyone — freshers, returning students, postgrads, and international students. PBSA is especially popular with students who want modern facilities and an all-inclusive price without the hassle of sorting bills themselves.
What is purpose-built student accommodation?
PBSA stands for purpose-built student accommodation. These are buildings designed from the ground up for students, managed by private companies rather than universities. They range from large national operators like Unite Students and iQ to smaller, city-specific providers.
Unlike traditional university halls, PBSA buildings are typically newer, with modern interiors, better communal facilities, and a more hotel-like feel. Most offer en-suite rooms or self-contained studios, with shared kitchens and social spaces in the building. Some premium providers include gyms, cinemas, private dining rooms, and rooftop terraces.
The trade-off is price — PBSA is generally more expensive than university-managed halls, though the gap narrows once you factor in that nearly all PBSA rent is fully inclusive (bills, Wi-Fi, insurance, maintenance). You know exactly what you're paying from day one, with no surprise bills landing in February.
PBSA vs university halls
This is the question most first-years ask. Both are valid options, and the right choice depends on your priorities and budget.
| Factor | University Halls | Private Halls (PBSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Managed by | Your university | Private company (Unite, iQ, etc.) |
| Cost | £100–£200/week | £130–£350/week |
| Bills included | Usually yes | Almost always yes |
| Building age | Varies — some are 1960s, some are new | Usually modern (built in last 10–15 years) |
| Room types | Standard, en-suite, some studios | En-suite, studios, twodios, premium options |
| Facilities | Basic — common room, laundry | Gyms, cinemas, study lounges, social spaces |
| Social atmosphere | Often stronger — smaller flats, everyone's new | Can be more transient — larger buildings, less cohesive |
| Location | On or near campus | City centre or near campus — varies |
| Booking | Through university after accepting offer | Directly with provider — can book anytime |
| Guarantor | Sometimes required | Often required — alternatives usually available |
| Catered option | Available at some universities | Rare — most PBSA is self-catered |
The honest summary: university halls are usually cheaper and more social. PBSA is usually newer, better-equipped, and more convenient. Neither is objectively better — it depends on whether you prioritise budget and community or facilities and independence.
Honest pros and cons of PBSA
Based on what students who've actually lived in private halls say — not what the marketing brochure tells you.
The good stuff
- Modern buildings — properly insulated, good showers, decent kitchens
- All bills included in one price — no splitting gas and electric with flatmates
- Better facilities — gyms, study rooms, lounges, sometimes cinemas
- 24/7 on-site teams — maintenance issues get fixed quickly
- More room options — studios if you want privacy, shared if you want social
- Book independently of your university — useful for Clearing or late deciders
- Flexible for international students — many accept overseas guarantors
- Contents insurance usually included
The honest downsides
- More expensive than uni halls — sometimes significantly so
- Social atmosphere can feel weaker — larger buildings, more anonymous
- You might not know anyone — uni halls group people by course or interests
- City centre locations can mean a longer walk or bus ride to campus
- Some providers lock you into 51-week contracts — you pay over summer too
- Marketing photos can be misleading — always view in person or do a virtual tour
- Quality varies hugely between providers and individual buildings
- Less connection to your university's pastoral support network
How much does PBSA cost?
PBSA prices vary by city, provider, and room type. Here's a realistic picture for 2026/27.
| Room type | Outside London | London | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| En-suite (shared kitchen) | £130–£190/week | £220–£320/week | All bills, Wi-Fi, insurance, communal facilities |
| Studio | £170–£260/week | £280–£450/week | All bills, Wi-Fi, insurance, private kitchen & bathroom |
| Premium / luxury studio | £220–£350/week | £350–£500+/week | All above plus gym, concierge, premium finishes |
| Twodio (shared studio) | £110–£160/week pp | £180–£280/week pp | All bills, shared with one other person |
Prices are estimates based on 2025/26 published rates across major providers. Always check the specific building page for exact pricing.
Compare UK PBSA providers
These are the major providers operating across UK university cities. Each has a detailed Unifresher page with building-level information, student reviews, and city coverage.
Unite Students
The biggest name in UK student accommodation, with modern buildings in 25+ cities. Known for reliable all-inclusive pricing, solid on-site teams, and consistent quality across their portfolio.
iQ Student Accommodation
High-spec city-centre buildings with a focus on design and social spaces. Known for gyms, cinema rooms, and creative lounges in prime locations across 23 cities.
CRM Students
One of the UK's largest ranges — from boutique studios to big modern developments across 30+ cities. Known for value, variety, and flexible contract options including some short stays.
Student Roost
50+ properties across 21 cities with a reputation for creating genuine student communities. Friendly staff, reliable Wi-Fi, and a home-like atmosphere that students consistently rate highly.
Fresh Student Living
Puts student wellbeing at the centre of everything — community events, on-site support, and stylish buildings across 20+ cities. Popular with students who want more than just a room.
Vita Student
The premium end of PBSA — designer studios, private dining rooms, concierge service, and top-tier gyms in prime city locations. Five-star living at a five-star price.
Yugo
An international operator with a focus on sustainability, wellbeing, and student growth. Modern spaces built around their three pillars — planet, people, and experience.
Providers at a glance
A side-by-side comparison of the major UK PBSA providers. Features vary by building and city — always check the specific property page.
| Feature | Unite | iQ | CRM | Roost | Fresh | Vita | Yugo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| City coverage | 25+ | 23 | 30+ | 21 | 20+ | 16 | 15+ |
| On-site teams | 24/7 | On-site | Local | Friendly | Wellbeing | Concierge | Global |
| Gym / wellness | Some | Common | Select | Some | Common | Always | Common |
| Short-term option | Rare | Some | Yes | No | No | No | Some |
| Postgrad friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Sustainability focus | Net zero plan | Recycling | Efficiency | Local | Planet goals | Limited | Strong |
Based on publicly available information (2025/26). Features may vary by building and city.
How to book PBSA
Booking private halls is simpler than applying for university accommodation. Here's how it works.
1. Browse and shortlist
Visit the provider's website, search by city or university, and browse available buildings. Filter by room type, price, and move-in date. Shortlist 2–3 options you like. Check the commute to your campus, not just the building photos — a beautiful studio 45 minutes from lectures gets old fast.
2. View the property
Book an in-person viewing or take a virtual tour. In-person is always better if you can manage it — photos and videos don't show you the noise level, the state of communal areas, or the vibe of the building. If you can't visit, ask for a live video walkthrough with a member of staff.
3. Book your room
Complete the online application on the provider's website. You'll choose your room type, tenancy length, and payment schedule. You'll need to pay an advance rent payment or deposit — typically £100–£350 depending on the provider.
4. Arrange your guarantor
Most providers require a UK-based guarantor — someone over 18, not a student, in full-time employment. If you don't have a UK guarantor, most providers offer alternatives: guarantor services, paying extra rent upfront, or using a third-party scheme. Ask about this before you book, not after.
5. Sign and move in
Sign your tenancy agreement online, set up your payment plan, and wait for your move-in details. Most PBSA buildings have staggered move-in days in September with staff on hand to help you settle in.
What to look for when choosing PBSA
Not all PBSA is equal. Here's what actually matters when you're comparing buildings and providers — beyond the marketing photos.
Commute to campus
Check the actual walking or bus time to your lectures, not just the distance on a map. A city-centre building might look great but add 30 minutes to your commute compared to a less flashy option closer to campus. Google Maps walking time at 8:30am is your friend here.
Contract length
PBSA contracts range from 40 to 51 weeks. A 51-week contract means you're paying over summer even if you go home. If you only need September to June, look for shorter contracts or ask whether the provider offers summer release clauses.
What's actually included
Most PBSA advertises "all-inclusive" but check the detail. Is laundry included or pay-per-use? Is the gym free or membership extra? Is the Wi-Fi genuinely fast or is everyone sharing a sluggish connection? These details add up.
Reviews from actual students
Google reviews and Trustpilot tell you more than any brochure. Look for comments about maintenance response times, noise levels, cleanliness of communal areas, and how staff handle problems. A building with a 4.5-star rating from 200+ reviews is a much better signal than a glossy website.
Cancellation policy
Life changes — you might not get the grades, switch universities through Clearing, or defer your place. Read the cancellation terms before you sign. Some providers offer full refunds up to a certain date; others charge cancellation fees. Know what you're agreeing to.
Looking to feature your accommodation?
We're expanding our PBSA section to help students compare trusted providers. If you'd like your property or portfolio featured, we'd love to hear from you.