Every international student weighing their accommodation options in the UK will have to choose between living on-campus, renting a private let with a landlord, or living in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). There are many Differences Between PBSA and On-campus Accommodation that you should know before making any decisions. If you feel overwhelmed by the multiple options available and you’re struggling to make a choice, here are all the benefits you’ll have if you choose to live in a PBSA:

1. A Great Study Environment

Purpose-built student accommodation options provide a unique study atmosphere that won’t be found in regular private lets. From modern study areas equipped with study desks to reliable Wi-Fi or broadband, every PBSA offers everything a student needs and more. Student housing guarantees that you find the necessary peace and quiet to focus on studying and the motivation to excel in research and assignments. 

2. They are Completely Safe

One of the comforting advantages of living in a student residence is its security. Most buildings come with CCTV, on-site security, management teams, and key fob entry systems to make sure that all the students are safe and sound at all times. Parents tend to trust these PBSAs with a high-security level as opposed to living in a private let. In a PBSA, you can sleep soundly knowing that you and your belongings are safe.

3. You Get To Choose Your Room

In university-owned student accommodation, you don’t get to choose your own room and who shares it with you. However, renting in a PBSA means you’ll have a wide range of rooms to choose from. You can either have your own private room in a flat and share a bathroom, kitchen, and living room with other students, or you can have your own en-suite bathroom, or you can not share at all and stay in a 1-bedroom flat or a self-contained studio. If you are booking with a group of friends or colleagues, you can apply to live in the same flat together.

4. They Provide Student Essentials

Most student accommodation come with all-inclusive bills. This means you don’t have to worry about paying extra electricity, water, gas, and internet fees. There are also other essential facilities available on-site, like laundry facilities and bike storage or parking. Although they may come with an extra charge, it’s still beneficial to have them on-site. Your student room will also have all the essentials, including a study area, wardrobe, storage area, and you can have your own bathroom with a shower and your own kitchen. Some properties even offer weekly cleaning services if you are sharing a bathroom, kitchen, and living area with other students.

5. They’re Ideally Located

Almost all PBSAs are within easy walking distance from at least two major universities in the city. Furthermore, many are close to restaurants, cafes, and shops. Easy access to transport links is also taken into consideration, so students can roam the city and get to and from their universities with ease.

6. There Are Modern Social Areas

Studying abroad is not only about academics, but it’s also about socialising with other students. Purpose-built student accommodation come with various shared social areas such as communal games rooms, cinema rooms, rooftop terraces, lounges, and shared kitchens. This way, you are bound to meet students your age with similar interests and easily make new friends.

7. They’re More Affordable

When you choose to live in on-campus accommodation, there will be more expenses you’ll need to pay besides rent. You’ll probably need to purchase a meal plan and a data plan if there’s no Wi-Fi. If you’re renting a private flat or room, you’ll have to pay rent plus utilities as well as food and other necessities. That’s why living in a PBSA is the most affordable option with all-inclusive bills and a shared kitchen where you can prepare meals.

8. You Get A Sense of Community

One of the best things about living in student housing is that you will be surrounded by students coming from different cultures and backgrounds. You will share your study abroad experience, which you can use to bond over. This gives students a sense of belonging and community while they are away from family and friends.

9. Easy Booking Procedures

All a student has to do to book a room in a PBSA is to browse through our website, shortlist their top options, and then proceed to book the perfect student room. Our multilingual accommodation experts are available 24 hours to answer any of the parents' and students' questions. 

There you have it; these are all the perks that come with living in purpose-built student accommodation. As you research other student accommodation options, make sure you weigh in all these factors to do a comprehensive comparison and make an informed decision. After all, whichever option you choose will be your new home for the next few years while experiencing the joy and excitement of studying abroad. Check out Casita’s student accommodation options in the UK and Australia.