“Student accommodation” and “luxury living” have historically not been words you’d put together in a sentence. Dodgy landlords, damp, and unwelcome rodent roomies are what you’d most likely associate with private student flats, not members-only gyms, 24-hour concierge and private cinemas.
But it seems that student accommodation in the UK is having a face-lift – with more and more boutique hotel-esque private halls springing up around the country. Not only do students have modern, fresh rooms to study and relax in, but they can also take advantage of different amenities you wouldn’t normally associate with private student accommodation.
Here’s a few of the best student accommodations on the market.
True Student, Glasgow
Where it is – Located in the bustling student area of Finnieston in Glasgow, it’s within 15 minutes’ walk of the University of Glasgow. The local area's full of restaurants, pubs, and shops, making it popular with students.
What you get – You can choose from an en-suite room in a shared flat, or a True Club suite, complete with your own bathroom and kitchenette. Rent includes all bills, membership to the on-site gym and much more. The halls also offer free cookery classes, games and movie nights, and free gym classes. Plus you get unlimited free printing – bargain!
How much does it cost? – En-suite rooms cost from £229 pw and suites cost from £249 pw.
Why it’s insta-worthy – The communal areas are "festival-cool" and come with an indoor caravan and slide (below). Yes, you read that right… a slide! Free your inner child and snap an epic boomerang. Plus all the events they hold will give you loads of chances to show off to the people back home!
Nova, Nottingham
Where it is – A five-minute walk from Nottingham Trent University campus, though when you step inside you could be thousands of miles away in one of the hottest hotels in New York.
What you get – You can select from a private en-suite room in a shared flat (3, 5 or 6 bed) or a studio with your own private bathroom and kitchen area. Gorgeous rooms come with 40” smart TVs, large study area and plenty of storage. Also on offer is a private gym, games room, party room and 24 hour concierge/security.
How much does it cost? – En-suite rooms start at £189 per week. Studios range from £234 - £254 per week.
Why it’s insta-worthy – The rooms could be straight out of an interior design magazine, providing the perfect backdrop for all the studygrams you’ll be taking. The social areas are achingly cool too, with a private cinema, party room and a study space that resembles a private members club (with a grand piano, no less) – grab a cocktail and start ‘gramming.
Flora Building, London
Where it is – In the heart of East London, Flora Building is a 10-minute walk away from Old Street station making it easy to travel to some excellent universities such as King’s College London, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London and Queen Mary University.
What you get – Studios and apartments are finished to a high standard with all the necessities you need. Choose from different configurations too, whether that a twin room, a standard 2 bedroom apartment or if you prefer your own space, splash out on premium terrace studio. In addition to exceptional accommodation, students can take advantage of the free on-site gym, unleash their inner child in a fully equipped games room and get some peace and quiet either on the fifth floor rooftop or the indoor relaxing zone.
How much does it cost? – Luxury living comes at a price. A standard twin room will cost you from £270 pw, while a 2 bedroom apartment starts at £340 pw. If you prefer living alone then a classic studio costs from £410 pw, while at the higher end of the scale, a premium plus studio will set you back £530 pw.
Why it’s insta-worthy – Polished rooms, calming spaces to socialise and study and outdoor spaces that are perfect for those sunset pics, Flora Building boasts décor that gives a grown up vibe and living spaces that allows you to post your best student life.
Portland Crescent, Leeds
Where it is – If you’re considering studying in Leeds then Portland Crescent is right next to Leeds Beckett University’s Business School and a short walk to the University of Leeds. Not only are you near the heart of the city but there’s plenty of shopping and entertainment options to explore too.
What you get – With a selection of rooms to choose from, some with its own terrace, as well as floor to ceiling windows, students can enjoy sweeping views of Leeds. Portland Crescent also boasts some beautifully decorated communal areas like their rooftop terrace and karaoke room! Use the coffee lounge to grab a drink before heading to the study area that is filled with stunning natural light and décor that helps you focus and get in the zone. You can also make use of their private dining room and private study room too. Portland Crescent also offers activities like PT sessions, yoga classes and cocktail making classes, which is a great way to get to know other students in the building and make friends.
How much does it cost? – Premium rooms start from £339 pw, while the classic plus is priced at £345 pw. The premium plus comes in at £361 pw, but you'll get either a dishwasher or a balcony to sweeten the cost!
Why it’s insta-worthy – The communal spaces to study and lounge are bright and airy giving and gives us grand library vibes. The private dining area is cosy but chic and the rooftop terrace is another great spot to get those sweeping views of Leeds and make use of golden hour.
Zenith, Cardiff
Where it is – located in the heart of Cardiff, students who live here will be in close proximity to key universities like University of South Wales, Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Students are also close to local landmarks like Cardiff Castle, and National Museum Cardiff.
What you get – Equipped with modern apartments and studios, Zenith also boasts a lot of communal spaces to make your time here memorable. With a spacious rooftop, a wellness room and a sky lounge, you’ll have a lot going on if you choose to stay here. If you like living alone you can pick from their studio apartments, which includes a club studio option which offers more space than your standard apartment/studio, but if you prefer flatmates then you can choose from 2, 4 and 5 bedroom apartments where you’ll have a shared kitchen and living space.
How much does it cost? – A standard studio starts from £210 pw while a club studio has a higher starting cost of £215 pw. If you prefer shared accommodation, a 2 bed apartment will start from £185 pw per person, while a 5 bedroom apartment will cost between £159 - £185 pw per person.
Why it’s insta-worthy – Zenith feels like you’re stepping into a luxury airport lounge. The finishes are so sleek and inviting from their plush couches, high ceilings and coffee station, to their private dining area that resembles a modern apartment. The communal spaces offers plenty of instagrammable options but none more so than Zenith’s Sky Lounge which is a great spot for getting dressy pictures, boomerangs of cocktails or candid snaps with friends laughing and enjoying the moment.