Choosing where to live when you go to university is a big decision: your accommodation affects your finances, your social life, and your overall wellbeing, so it’s worth taking the time to think through your options.
When you’re planning your budget, student loans will likely have an impact on where you stay. If you’re a Scottish student studying in Scotland, SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) provides a bursary and loan package for your living cost. How much you get depends on your household income.
The maximum loan isn’t always enough to cover all your expenses, especially in cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow where rent is high, so you may need to look for a part-time job to supplement your income.
Staying with family is usually the most straightforward and least expensive option, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. You may not want to miss out on the social opportunities of first-year halls (although there are other ways to meet new people as a fresher!).
Due to rising living costs, this choice makes sense for many students, and you can use it as a starting point while you consider other options.
Living in halls is a popular and convenient choice – it can be a great way to make friends and settle into student life. You’ll want to do some research, like asking older siblings or friends from school, because the reputation and quality of halls of residence can vary drastically within the same university. Some are well-maintained and well-located while others are less so.
Purpose-built private blocks have become much more common in recent years. You’ll want to decide carefully, because some private halls primarily serve international students or postgraduates, which might not be what you’re looking for. Also look out for contract lengths: some run for 51 weeks, which means you’ll be paying in summer even if you plan to head home or travel.
Wherever you decide to live, read the contract carefully before signing.
Private renting offers a lot of independence. It comes with additional responsibilities, like paying your own bills, but the Scottish rental laws mean that you can move in and out of most places with just one month’s notice.
Finding a good student-friendly flat at a reasonable price can be tough, so most young people will live with flatmates. Many students opt to rent from second year onwards with friends from home or first year.
If you’re planning to live with two or more flatmates, you’ll need to look for flats with an HMO license.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself when you’re considering your options:
Further reading