One of the hardest things about university is deciding where to live. Do you live at home and commute? Do you live in halls? Do you live in a shared house? Or do you live on your own? Where I study is too far to commute from home, but I've given the other three a fair shot in my three years of studying. If you're a first or second year, you're probably thinking about where you're going to I've next year which isn't an easy feat, but I want to help you consider things you might’ve never thought of before.
Halls
Most first year students end up in halls, simply because they don't know anybody. In my first year I was thrown in with five people I'd never met before and was forced to live with them for nine months. I got on swimmingly with some of them, whereas I could not see eye to eye with others. One thing I will say is for the most part, I didn't have to worry about people taking my food (everyone's biggest nightmare when they move into halls), other than in one instance and it wasn't even that big of a deal. In general, I really enjoyed my time in halls because my friends were living in the same area, and everyone was in the same boat.
Pros: You meet so many new people, most people are new to the area, usually close to uni, always somebody to talk to.
Cons: Very little control over who you live with, tends to be party central (this could be a pro I suppose)
Halls is probably your best choice if you new to the area, or want to keep lots of friends nearby.
Shared House
This is how most people spend the rest of their university life. You often move in with people you've met in first year, whether that be flatmates or coursemates. I lived with two flatmates, one of their coursemates and a complete stranger (luckily she was lovely) in my second year. However, I was expected to be a family unit with these people and it wasn't what I wanted. Living in a house where you have equal responsibility for everything as opposed to just looking after your own things like in halls can lead to some intense arguments.
Pros: You know who you're living with, more freedom, often the cheapest option
Cons: Bathroom sharing (most halls have an en suite nowadays), dodgy landlords, probably further from campus
A shared house is a good option for anybody looking for more freedom and wants to keep their close friends close.
Living alone:
Due to most of my friends being on placement and leaving finding a house very late last year, I decided to look into living alone. I found a flat close to my university which is conveniently only a five minute walk from my boyfriend's so I know I always have someone to see. I love not having to answer to anybody and can go to bed at 8pm without feeling guilty for not socialising with people.
Pros: No answering to anybody, your mess is your own mess, never being judged for weird habits
Cons: Have to make an effort to see people, more expensive, everything is your responsibility (I guess this could be a pro too)
Living alone is only good for people who like their own company. If you crave attention, don't even think about it because it can sometimes feel quite lonely.
Your living situation is entirely down to you, and people choose different laces for a number of different reasons. My advice is to check your finances to see what you can afford, and make a judgement based on what is right for you. I know so many people who wouldn't want to live alone, but I also know people who would find living with others uncomfortable. It's a totally personal preference.
