University halls
What are university halls?
Accommodation managed by your university, usually reserved for first-year students. You get a room in a flat or block with other students, with shared or private facilities depending on the type you choose.
How much do halls cost?
Typically £120–£200 per week, depending on location and room type. Most halls include bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance in the price. London is significantly more expensive — expect £200–£350 per week.
How do I apply?
Through your university's accommodation portal after you've accepted your offer. Most applications open between March and June for a September start. First-years are usually guaranteed a place if they apply by the deadline.
Who are halls for?
Mainly first-year undergraduates, though some universities offer halls for postgrads and returning students too. Halls are designed to help you meet people and settle into university life — especially if you're moving to a new city.
What are university halls?
University halls of residence are accommodation blocks managed by your university (or sometimes by a private provider on behalf of the university). They're the most common choice for first-year students across the UK, and for good reason — they're designed to make the transition to university life as easy as possible.
In halls, you'll typically get your own bedroom within a flat of 4–12 students. You'll share a kitchen and living space, and depending on the room type, you may have your own bathroom (en-suite) or share one with your flatmates.
Halls aren't just about having a roof over your head. They're where most students make their first friends at university. Your flatmates become your default social circle from day one — you'll cook together, go out together, and figure out how to adult together. That shared experience is genuinely one of the best parts of first year.
Types of halls
Not all halls are created equal. The type you choose affects your daily life, your budget, and how much independence you have. Here's what's available at most UK universities.
En-suite vs shared bathrooms
En-suite rooms give you your own private bathroom attached to your bedroom. They're more expensive (typically £20–£50 per week more than standard rooms) but mean you never have to queue for the shower or deal with someone else's hair in the drain. If you value privacy and are willing to pay for it, en-suite is the way to go.
Shared bathroom rooms (sometimes called standard or classic rooms) mean you share a bathroom with 3–6 other students in your flat. They're cheaper and, honestly, most students say the bathroom situation is fine once you get used to it. You'll work out a routine within the first week.
Catered vs self-catered
Catered halls include meals — usually breakfast and an evening meal in a dining hall. They cost more but save you the daily hassle of cooking and shopping. They're particularly popular at traditional universities like Durham, Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews. If you can't cook, don't want to learn just yet, or want the social experience of communal dining, catered halls are worth considering.
Self-catered halls give you a shared kitchen where you cook for yourself. This is the more common option at most universities. You'll need to budget for food (around £30–£50 per week is realistic) and actually learn to cook a few basic meals. The upside is more independence and usually a lower overall cost.
Studios
Some halls offer self-contained studio rooms with your own kitchen and bathroom — no shared spaces at all. These are the most expensive option and suit students who want complete independence. They're more common in private halls (PBSA) than in university-managed accommodation. Worth knowing: studios can be isolating if you're the type who needs social interaction to feel settled.
Honest pros and cons
We asked students who've actually lived in halls. Here's what they said — the good and the not-so-good.
The good stuff
- Built-in social life — your flatmates are right there from day one
- Bills, Wi-Fi and insurance usually included so budgeting is simple
- Close to campus — most halls are a short walk or bus ride from lectures
- On-site support teams if anything goes wrong (maintenance, welfare, security)
- No dealing with landlords, letting agents, or deposit disputes
- Furnished rooms — you just turn up with your stuff and you're in
- Often the cheapest option when you factor in all bills being included
- A genuine rite of passage — most students look back on halls fondly
The honest downsides
- Noise — you're living with students, and some of them are loud at 2am
- Shared kitchens can get messy if your flatmates don't clean up
- Rooms are often small — don't expect much more than a bed, desk and wardrobe
- You don't choose your flatmates, and sometimes the mix doesn't work
- Catered meal options can be repetitive and the timing doesn't always suit you
- Contracts are usually fixed length — you pay even during holidays when you're not there
- Limited personalisation — most halls have rules about what you can put on walls
- Can feel institutional — corridors, fire doors, and communal laundry rooms aren't homely
How much do halls cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on location, room type, and whether your halls are catered. Here's what to expect in 2026/27.
| Room type | Typical cost per week | Bills included? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (shared bathroom) | £100–£145/week | Usually yes | Budget-conscious students |
| En-suite | £130–£200/week | Usually yes | Students who value privacy |
| Catered (meals included) | £160–£250/week | Yes + meals | Students who don't want to cook |
| Studio | £180–£350/week | Usually yes | Students who want full independence |
| London (any type) | £200–£400/week | Varies | Add 40–80% to non-London prices |
Prices are estimates based on 2025/26 published rates across UK universities. Actual costs vary by university and specific hall. Always check your university's accommodation website for exact pricing.
How to apply for university halls
The application process is straightforward, but timing matters. Here's the step-by-step.
Step 1: Accept your offer
You can't apply for accommodation until you've accepted your university offer through UCAS (either as your firm or insurance choice). Once you've done that, your university will send you login details for their accommodation portal.
Step 2: Research your options
Before you apply, look at what's available. Most universities list all their halls on their accommodation website with photos, floor plans, prices, and locations. Work out what matters to you — en-suite or shared? Close to campus or closer to town? Catered or self-catered? Our city guides below can help you compare halls in your university city.
Step 3: Rank your preferences
Most universities ask you to rank your top 3–5 hall choices. You're not guaranteed your first choice, but you're very likely to get one of your top preferences if you apply by the deadline. Be strategic — put your dream hall first, but make sure your lower choices are ones you'd genuinely be happy with.
Step 4: Submit and wait
Submit your application through the portal and wait for your allocation. Most universities send out accommodation offers between July and August. Some will offer you a specific hall and room type; others will confirm the hall but allocate your exact room on arrival.
Step 5: Accept and pay
Once you receive your offer, you'll need to accept it and pay a deposit or advance rent payment (typically £100–£300). Read the contract terms carefully — check the contract length, payment schedule, and cancellation policy before you commit.
When to apply: key dates
Timing varies by university, but this is the typical timeline for a September start.
January – March
UCAS deadline passes. Start researching halls at your firm and insurance choices. Read student reviews, check prices, look at locations on a map.
March – May
Accommodation portals open at most universities. Apply as soon as you can — popular halls fill up fast, especially en-suites and halls close to campus.
June – July
Application deadlines for guaranteed accommodation (varies by university — some are as early as June, others extend into July). Apply before the deadline to secure your guarantee.
July – August
Accommodation offers go out. You'll be told which hall you've been allocated and your room type. Accept promptly and pay your deposit.
August (Results Day)
If you go through Clearing or your plans change, contact the university's accommodation team immediately. Late applicants can still get halls, but choices will be limited.
September
Move-in day. Most universities stagger arrivals so you don't all turn up at once. You'll get a specific date and time slot.
What to pack for halls
Your room will come furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and basic shelving. Everything else is on you. Here's what you actually need — and what you can skip.
Bedroom
- Duvet, pillows, sheets (check bed size — usually single or small double)
- Mattress protector
- Extra blanket
- Hangers
- Desk lamp
- Extension lead (essential)
- Laundry basket
Kitchen
- 1 plate, 1 bowl, 1 mug, 1 set of cutlery
- 1 saucepan, 1 frying pan
- Chopping board and a decent knife
- Tin opener and wooden spoon
- Tupperware (label your food)
- Tea towel and washing up liquid
Bathroom
- Towels (at least two)
- Shower caddy (if shared bathrooms)
- Toiletries
- Flip-flops for shared showers
Study & Admin
- Laptop and charger
- Headphones (your flatmates will thank you)
- Stationery basics
- ID, offer letter, accommodation contract
- Insurance documents
- Bank details and student finance confirmation
Find the best halls in your city
We've reviewed and ranked the best student halls in every major UK university city. Each guide includes prices, locations, room types, and honest student opinions.