UK student housing offers three main options for international and Moroccan students: university dorms (halls), private/shared flats, and homestays with local families. Each option has different costs, levels of independence, and cultural benefits, so choosing well can shape both academic success and day‑to‑day comfort.
University-managed halls are often the first choice for first-year and international students because they are close to campus and designed for student life. Rooms are usually furnished, with utilities and internet included, and you share kitchens or common areas with other students, which makes it easy to make friends quickly.
Many UK universities offer different hall types:
Standard or shared rooms with communal bathrooms
En‑suite rooms with private bathrooms
Catered halls where some meals are included, or self‑catered options where you cook for yourself
Pros:
Very convenient for classes and university services
Strong student community, ideal for newcomers
Bills and Wi‑Fi often included in the rent
Cons:
Less privacy and more noise
Rules about guests, quiet hours, and parties
Often more expensive than basic shared housing in the same city
Private student flats and shared houses offer more independence and are very popular from the second year onwards. You rent either a room in a shared house (HMO) or a studio/flat from a private landlord or a purpose-built student residence, often in city centres near shops and transport.
Common options include:
Shared houses/flats where each student has a bedroom and shares kitchen, living room, and sometimes bathroom
Private studios for one person with a small kitchen and bathroom
Purpose‑Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) with modern facilities like gyms, study rooms, and social spaces
Pros:
More freedom in how you live and organize your space
Can be cheaper when sharing with several flatmates, especially outside London
Modern PBSAs often provide excellent facilities and 24/7 security
Cons:
You manage bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) unless “bills included”
Need to read and sign tenancy contracts, often for 9–12 months
Housemate choice is critical: bad matches can create stress
Homestays mean living with a local UK family in their home, which is particularly attractive for international students wanting language and cultural immersion. Often, one or two meals per day are included, and you get a private bedroom while sharing common spaces like the kitchen and living room.
Pros:
Excellent way to improve English daily and learn British culture
A more “family” environment, good if it is your first time abroad
Meals included can make budgeting easier
Cons:
Less independence than halls or flats (house rules, meal times, visitors)
Usually further from campus than university halls
Limited space and stricter expectations about noise and lifestyle
When comparing dorms, flats, and homestays, focus on four key factors: budget, lifestyle, location, and support as an international student. University halls are best if you want a social start and easy access to campus, private/shared flats suit those who value independence, and homestays fit students who prioritize language practice and a family environment.
A simple way to decide:
Choose halls if it is your first year in the UK and you want to build a social circle quickly
Choose shared flat/PBSA if you want more freedom and can handle contracts and bills
Choose homestay if you want cultural immersion, routine, and included meals
Securing the right accommodation should be part of your overall UK study strategy, not a last‑minute decision. Education Club already guides Moroccan students on studying in the UK, including explaining housing options, typical costs, and safe neighborhoods around partner universities.
Ready to start?
Get in touch with Education Club to:
Discuss which housing type fits your budget and lifestyle
Get help understanding contracts and avoiding common rental mistakes
Align your accommodation choice with your university and city in the UK
Contact the advising team to secure your UK student housing with confidence before you arrive.
