From Dorms to Studios: A Breakdown of Student Accommodation Types

Accommodation is a major demand of students when studying in a distant country. Finding accommodation has become much easier than before now due to the availability of online options. Different agencies are offering accommodations online today among which you can book as per your requirement. But, which type of accommodation — it is a major concern without a second thought. Let’s have a look at some of the major types available in different countries today.

Types of Accommodations

1. University Accommodations

As you can understand from the title, university accommodations are the types that are provided by universities in different parts of the world. The halls of residence are widely popular today among university accommodations. These are types of dormitories, which can either be on the university campuses or attached to them. In some cases, they can also be at other places but are offered by universities. These dormitories offer shared spaces with shared bathrooms and kitchens. However, some universities also offer private rooms for students where they can have their private spaces.

2. PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations)

PBSA stands for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and is an ideal private alternative to university accommodations. These types of accommodations provide distinctive kinds of accommodations such as shared rooms, ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms, studios, and apartments. PBSA complexes are found in distinct parts of the cities. A large number of PBSAs are often located near universities and colleges. Near the university or college where you are enrolled, you can find numerous PBSAs from which you can choose. If you don’t find PBSA near your institute, then you have the option to find one near the driving distance.

In PBSAs, you can find various basic and high-end amenities such as Wi-Fi, a study desk and chair, a gym, a cinema, a swimming pool, etc. But, different PBSAs may have different amenities which means you may or may not find the amenity desired by you in a specific PBSA. Therefore, you must check the availability of your desired amenity before you book your place.

3. Homestays

Students can also choose to live in a homestay, which is staying with some families in the area where they are enrolled. In some areas, homestays are known as paying guests in a simple language. You can talk to the homestay owners and know the home rules and understand whether they are in accordance with your requirements or not. Today, many homestay owners list their properties online. You can check the rules and other things on different websites.

Types of Units

Now, let’s look at some major types of accommodation units for your stay. On some accommodation websites, you can find them under the option “room types”.

1. Ensuite Rooms

Ensuite rooms are the types of rooms for students who want to live alone in the rooms. These rooms can be found in the bigger units. They can be some complexes or flats. The ensuite rooms boast ensuite bathrooms but shared kitchens. Lounge areas are also usually shared where the occupants of different ensuite rooms can sit together and talk to each other.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms

The non-ensuite rooms are very much similar to ensuite rooms. The only difference, you find there is that you don’t find an ensuite bathroom in a non-ensuite room. You find shared bathrooms in the bigger units which are used by all residents. Like ensuite rooms, kitchens, and lounges are also shared there. Each non-ensuite room is occupied by a single resident.

3. Shared Rooms

Students who want to live in the company of other students can choose to stay in shared rooms. Each shared room is occupied by multiple students who can be two or more. Everything in such rooms is shared including bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Some shared rooms may have ensuite bathrooms but still they are shared by the residents of the room.

4. Studios

Studios are self-contained units and have a long space with an ensuite bathroom, living area, study space, kitchen, and more. Many of the studios have open kitchen areas. Studios come available with single-occupancy and double-occupancy options. So, you can choose to live alone or with a companion.

5. Apartments

Apartments are houses with one or more bedrooms and each bedroom is allotted to one or two students. Kitchens are shared. You may find an ensuite bathroom in your room, but many apartments comprise shared bathrooms for all residents. So, here also, we can categorize them as ensuite or non-ensuite bedrooms.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

You can select among different types of accommodations in various parts of the world, and the major types include university accommodations, PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations), and homestays. There are different types of accommodation units available such as ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms, shared rooms, studios, and apartments. You can easily get accommodations today with the help of some online portals.