In a 2021 study, it was found that the distance to amenities was the 4th most important factor for students when finding suitable accommodation. Preceding other considerations, such as the distance to the university and what bills are included in the price, 14% of respondents prioritised the student accommodation location and proximity to amenities, the city centre, transport and the university campus. Whether this is private accommodation, like student housing, or university halls, students should consider the different amenities included to find the right accommodation.
This guide will explore what amenities are included and not included in student accommodation, and the importance of choosing suitably located accommodation.
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What are the common amenities in student accommodation?
Amenities will vary depending on the type of student accommodation (university halls or private student halls, for example), and the room size. Typically, in all kinds of student accommodation, students can expect the following amenities:
Desk
Bed
Kitchen – This generally includes an oven, microwave, kettle, fridge and freezer.
Bathroom – This will include a toilet, sink, and shower.
Communal spaces – Examples include cinema rooms, gyms, living areas, games rooms, and any outdoor spaces.
Wi-Fi – Most student accommodation will include free Wi-Fi; however, you may need to ask about its speed, which may vary depending on the accommodation type.
Laundry – Likewise, most student accommodations should provide laundry facilities that tenants must pay for with a dedicated app.
If you pay for a standard room, you will probably share certain amenities with your flatmates, such as the bathroom and kitchen facilities. However, there are different types of rooms in private student halls that are self-contained and have their own amenities, such as an ensuite room. Larger room sizes include classic studios and one-bedroom apartments.
What amenities should be near student accommodation?
It is important to consider not only the student accommodation amenities but also, where the building is located and close to. A major part of university life and the student experience may depend on living in a new city and trying different things. Students may want to consider looking at the surrounding area of their potential student accommodation and its proximity to certain amenities.
Consider the following:
Shops and supermarkets – One of the most important aspects of student living; learning to budget and organising their weekly shop. Consider budget supermarkets, such as Aldi and Lidl, to save money.
University resources – This may include the university campus, library, and student unions.
Gym and other leisure activities
Nightlife – Popular with students, particularly first-years, you may want to consider accommodation that is conveniently located to the city’s nightlife and centre.
Transport links – For example, how far the accommodation is from the train station, and the closest bus stops and tram stops.
Mansion Student provides a range of modern student accommodation across the UK, in cities such as Leeds, Newcastle, Dundee, and Coventry. Our properties are located appropriately near some of the best amenities, universities, and places of interest for students.
Browse through our expert guides to find the amenities in each student accommodation location here.
What added extras should you consider when finding student accommodation?
Different types of student accommodation may vary in what they supply to their tenants. For example, though typically the cheapest, university halls are also very simple and provide the necessities, such as a shared bathroom and kitchen, bed and desk.
In private student accommodation, students may find more extensive amenities and larger relaxing areas. This may include enhanced communal spaces, such as cinema rooms, gyms, games rooms and outdoor spaces to unwind during the warmer months.
Students may want to consider that rooms of different sizes may offer extra amenities to enhance their stay. Larger rooms may include an ensuite, with added space for your own toiletries and personal shower. Consider as well whether all bills, or which bills, are included within the rent.
What is not included in student accommodation?
When settling into student accommodation, it’s essential to be aware of the items that are typically not included. These items and necessary amenities are required for students to maintain a comfortable stay and to ensure they have everything they need throughout the tenancy period.
Bedroom
In most types of student accommodation, such as private halls, bedrooms will include a standard bed, study area, and sink. However, they will not feature basic amenities such as a duvet, duvet cover, pillows and pillowcases. Students are advised to bring these personal items to ensure a comfortable and cosy sleeping environment.
Kitchen
Though the main amenities that are needed to store and cook food will be required, both individual kitchenettes (in self-contained apartments), and shared kitchens will not include kitchenware. Students will need to bring their own cutlery, pots, pans, plates, and dishes.
For more information on what is not included in student accommodation, and guidance on what you should bring, browse through our essential checklist here.
Mansion Student has been operating in the UK since 2007, providing and managing purpose-built student accommodation throughout some of the most popular cities. Our modern properties contain stylish amenities in both shared spaces, such as cinema and games rooms, and self-contained rooms like our one-bedroom apartments (available at Coventry and Newcastle).
At each student accommodation location, we also provide secure facilities, including CCTV, fob entry to the properties, and a dedicated hospitality team to deal with student enquiries throughout the year.
Arrange a viewing at one of our student accommodations, or contact us today for more information.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for during student accommodation viewings?
When applying for student accommodation, viewing the property beforehand is beneficial to gauge its condition and available facilities. During student accommodation viewings, ensure you are asking all outstanding questions you may have, such as if any bills are included in the rent, what the Wi-Fi signal is like, and what security measures are in place.
You should also use this time to assess the quality of the student accommodation, its amenities, and what the surrounding area is like.
Find out more about what questions students should ask at accommodation viewings here.