Student Accommodation Vs A House in 2nd Year?

Introduction

When it comes to choosing student living options it gets tricker as time goes on! A question you might be asking, for example, is ‘is student accommodation better than a house for 2nd year students, or is it the other way around?’.

While many assume that purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is exclusively for first-year students, the truth is it offers a host of advantages that extend beyond your initial year of study.

So, let’s explore why student accommodation is often the preferred choice for second-year students and beyond, and why we at Collegiate UK have so many returning residents to us each year!

6 Reasons Student Accommodation Is Better Than A House For 2nd Year Students

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Convenience And All-Inclusive Living

One of the standout advantages of PBSA is the convenience of ‘all-inclusive living’. With rent, bills, Wi-Fi, and amenities bundled into one payment per term, you can say goodbye to the hassle of managing multiple bills or unexpected expenses. This streamlined approach allows you to focus on your studies and enjoy university life without the stress of financial management.

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Better Facilities

Student accommodation, such as ours at Collegiate UK, often offers an array of state-of-the-art facilities which you won’t find in the average student house. From fully equipped private gyms and study spaces, to cosy cinema rooms and vibrant communal areas, student accommodation provides everything you need, (not to mention the savings on expensive memberships) for both work and play! You only need to take a peek at some student houses on TikTok to realise, you’ll probably find a lot more comfort in student accommodation!

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Choose Your Living Style

Unlike basic rooms offered in traditional student housing, PBSA provides a diverse range of living styles tailored to your preferences. From sleek studio apartments where you have the luxury of a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen all to yourself, to shared flat setups, where you’ll still enjoy the comfort of your own room complete with an en suite, but all the perks of making friends along the way. Student houses are almost always communal set ups, and most of the time involve sharing a bathroom too – which isn’t for everyone!

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Support Services

Living in student accommodation comes with the added benefit of support services that can make all the difference to your university experience. Unlike private housing, where you may have to navigate maintenance issues and household hassle on your own, PBSA offers dedicated support teams to ensure your needs are met promptly and efficiently. At Collegiate UK, our accommodation teams are available 24/7 to provide assistance and guidance, from resolving maintenance issues to offering personal support and advice. With Mental Health First Aid-trained staff and access to 24/7 support helplines too, your parents or guardians can rest assured that you’ll receive the care and attention you deserve during your time at university.

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Community And Social Opportunities

One of the most significant advantages of living in student accommodation is the sense of community and the social opportunities it offers. Contrary to what many university students think, PBSA is not just for first-year students; it provides a vibrant and inclusive environment for students of all years to connect. Whether you’re a second-year student looking to make new friends, or a returning student seeking to maintain existing relationships, student accommodation provides ample opportunities for students to partake in social events.

Ideal Locations

Finally, PSBA is usually right in the heart of things, close to both your university campus and the buzzing city centre (just like all of our 21 locations across the UK!). This means you’ve got all the good stuff, just a stone’s throw away – think cafes, shops, and hangouts. Being so centrally located saves you time and hassle when it comes to commuting, so you can spend more time doing what you love. Whether it’s getting to your lectures, exploring the city scene, or just hanging out with friends, student accommodation makes it super convenient to dive into university life and soak up all the excitement around you.

For more student advice as you get ready for university, check out our student and parent blog.