Key Summary
FAQs
Can I live in halls for second year?
Yes, in most cases. Many universities let returning students apply for a place in halls, especially if you didn't move into a house share with people from first year or your halls are conveniently close to campus. It's not guaranteed everywhere though, so check your specific university's policy early.
What are the pros and cons of staying in halls for second or third year?
The main upside is convenience: bills are usually included and a cleaner often covers communal areas, which takes pressure off if you're on an intense course. The downside is that new first-years moving in will still be in full freshers mode, so halls might not suit you if you're past wanting that level of socialising.
What is a senior resident in student halls?
A senior resident is an older or returning student who provides peer support, helps run halls events and community campaigns, and works reception shifts in the Student Support Centre. It typically pays for around 10 hours a week, comes with discounted rent, and guarantees you a room, making it a solid way to cut costs and build CV experience at once.
When should I apply for student halls as a second or third year?
As early as possible, generally between December and February for the following academic year. If you've missed that window, contact your university's accommodation team directly to ask about remaining spaces or your other options.
What if my university doesn't offer halls to second or third years?
Some universities only guarantee halls places to first years, which is standard practice to make sure every new student has somewhere to live. If that applies to you, your university's accommodation team can talk you through alternatives, and private student halls or letting agencies offering ensuite rooms are usually available in most cities too.
Do I need to move out with the same people from my first year halls?
No, a house share isn't your only option. If you don't have a group to move in with, staying in halls is a legitimate choice, and it's worth checking with your university whether returning students can reapply for a room.
Are bills included if I stay in halls after first year?
Usually, yes. This is one of the main appeals of staying in halls rather than private renting, since you don't have to budget separately for gas, electricity, water and often WiFi, or manage a shared cleaning rota, unlike most house shares.
Is it worth staying in halls over renting privately for second year?
It depends on your priorities. Halls suit students who want convenience, built-in bills and less admin, especially those on demanding courses, while private renting usually gives more independence, choice of location and often works out cheaper if split well between a group of friends.
Congratulations! You have successfully navigated your first year at university. You’ve managed to scrape by on that student loan, you’ve cohabited in student halls and you’ve got to know a whole new city (including the best spots in town for cheesy chips!) But now, second-year is looming and that brings a whole new set of challenges such as, where to live? Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered. In fact, we’re here to answer all of your second and third-year accommodation queries! And if you are asking- can I live in halls for second year: you most definitely can. Read on to find out how.
Can I live in halls for second year?
When it comes to second or third year at university, many students opt to move into private rented accommodation. This is usually with friends made in student halls or from their course. However, a house share isn’t your only option- and if you feel like you don’t have that group to move into a house with or if you’re student halls are conveniently close to campus, don’t stress- you can probably stay!
What is it like to live in student halls for second or third year?
Like everything in life, living in student halls after first year has its pros and cons. First of all, it’s important to note that age isn’t a factor you need to worry about as students start university at all different times in life. However, don’t expect your next flatmates to tone down their enthusiasm for freshers down, just because you’ve done it already. Therefore, if you’re not up for socialising (and the occasional night out) then halls probably won’t be the right choice for you moving forwards.
Having said that, there are plenty of benefits of living in halls for the right person. For example, living in halls is generally easier, as you don’t have to worry about bills. Likewise, there’s usually a cleaner that comes in every week or so meaning that you don’t have to spend time or money on buying cleaning products or making a cleaning rota. In fact, if you are doing a subject that is pretty intense, staying on in halls may help to take some of the pressure off of your uni experience.
Becoming a senior resident in student halls
Another upside of staying on in student halls is that you have the opportunity to become a senior resident. These are students who help provide peer support to other students, support events and community-wide campaigns in their halls and work on the reception in the Student Support Centre. Senior residents are paid for the time (usually around 10 hours a week) and are guaranteed a place in student accommodation. They often get discounted rent too. In fact, being a senior resident in student halls is a fantastic way to save money while living in halls, as well as getting some good leadership experience for your CV.
When should you apply for student halls as a second or third year?
Each university has its own deadlines when it comes to applying for accommodation but in general, the earlier you start looking, the better. This is generally between December and February. However, if you are a little late to get the ball rolling then it’s always worth asking if there are any spaces left or failing that, to discuss what your options are.
What happens if my university doesn’t offer student halls to first or second years?
The bad news is that some universities only allocate student halls to first years. This is generally so that all new students are guaranteed a place in student halls. If this is the case for you, then be sure to discuss the alternatives with your university. If houseshares aren’t your thing, then there are plenty of private student halls in most cities, that you may want to consider instead. Some student letting agencies also provide affordable ensuite rooms.
So, we hope that this has answered some of your questions about staying in student halls for second or third year. If you’re still feeling a little bit lost, don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments section so that we or fellow students can help you out!