Getting Started: The Housing Choice That Sneaks Up on You
So, you've officially secured your spot at a London university amazing. The excitement is real. But the buzz doesn't last long because almost immediately, you're hit with the huge task of sorting out where you're going to stay.
If you're juggling visa documents, flight bookings, and course registration, choosing between an ensuite and a shared flat might seem like a small detail. But don’t underestimate what this decision means. It’s not just about rent it’s about how you’ll live day to day in one of the busiest (and most expensive) cities in the world.
After weeks of filtering through student accommodation London listings, I can tell you this where you choose to live seriously affects your uni life.
So… private bathroom or shared everything? Let’s dig into what feels right for you.
I Tried Both: Here’s How That Went
During my first year, I stayed in an ensuite room in a student hall in Stratford. The place was fresh, private, and quiet. I didn’t have to wait for the shower. I didn’t have to listen to anyone’s music through a thin wall (shoutout to my second-year neighbours). It was kind of perfect... until I realised I barely knew anyone in my block.
Fast forward a year I moved into a house share near Holloway Road with three classmates. Same rent, wildly different experience. Yeah, we had to compromise on showers during 8am lecture days, and the kitchen situation was sometimes... chaotic. But we cooked together, complained about essays together, and even ended up doing laundry together.
Both had their perks. Both came with challenges. Here’s how to know which one might work better for you.
Ensuite Rooms: Maximum Privacy, Minimum Surprises
Ensuite accommodation means your bedroom comes with a private bathroom attached. Some setups include a mini-kitchen as well if you're in a full-on studio.
Why people choose it:
- Your space is yours. Full stop.
- You avoid awkward bathroom moments with strangers.
- If you’re introverted or need quiet to focus, this gives you that built-in downtime.
Where it’s commonly found:
Mostly in private student accommodations like Scape, Chapter, or university-run buildings like King’s Residences.
But heads-up:
That comfort isn’t cheap ensuite rooms tend to cost 20–40% more than shared setups. And it can get a little lonely if you’re not proactive about your social life outside your flat.
Shared Flats: Social Living on a Student Budget
In a shared flat, you’ve got your own room and usually a shared bathroom and kitchen with anywhere from two to six flatmates (sometimes more). These are common in classic student halls and rented homes, especially in areas like Camden, Bethnal Green, or Elephant & Castle.
Why students go for shared flats:
- Your budget stretches further.
- You build friend circles more naturally flatmates often become uni survival squads.
- You split bills (if they’re not already included), cooking tasks, even cleaning… sometimes.
What to be ready for:
- Bathroom schedules. (Trust me, "five minutes" is always 15.)
- Different standards of cleanliness, noise, and fridge etiquette.
Still, if you’re someone who thrives off energy and daily chatter, a shared setup can feel a lot more like home than a studio ever will.
Making the Choice: What Actually Matters
Here’s a different way to think about it…
Ask yourself these:
- Do I recharge alone or with others?
Some people need silence. Others need someone to complain about their morning class with post-shower. - What’s my actual budget?
London rent stacks up fast. Don’t blow your budget on an ensuite and then panic over grocery money halfway through term. - Can I handle sharing in tight spaces?
If you grew up with siblings, chances are you’ll survive. But if you've never shared anything before, prepare for a learning curve.
Why I Switched to Verified Listings (and You Probably Should Too)
During my first hunt, I wasted hours refreshing Facebook Marketplace and answering sketchy listings.
By second year, I’d had enough. I used Student Accommodation Guide, which let me compare verified student accommodation London options in one place. I could actually filter for:
- Ensuite options
- Properties within walking distance from campus
- “Bills included” setups (huge lifesaver)
No calls from "landlords" who couldn’t explain the rent. No disappearing listings. And no fake photos.
If you're applying from abroad or just overwhelmed by the housing maze this kind of platform makes everything easier and safer.
Cost Breakdown: What You Might Actually Spend
London rent has a range, but here's a simplified look:
| Accommodation Type | Average Weekly Rent | Includes Bills? | Privacy Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Flat | £160 to £220 | Sometimes | Moderate |
| Ensuite Room | £220 to £300+ | Usually yes | High |
| Studio Apartment | £280 to £400+ | Yes | Very High |
Tip: Always check if Wi-Fi, heating, and water are included. They can add £60-£100/month if not covered.
Watch Out For These Common Rookie Mistakes
Here’s what I (and plenty of friends) learned the hard way:
- Booking without a video tour: Always ask for visuals. And no, grainy photos don’t count.
- Overpaying just for an ensuite you barely use: If you’re hardly home, you’re paying extra for privacy you don’t use.
- Assuming bills are included in "student housing": Always ask this upfront. Surprises here are never fun.
- Thinking a shared bathroom = disaster: Most shared setups function just fine especially with set routines. Don’t write it off immediately.
So, What Works Best for You?
Forget what’s trending on TikTok or what your classmate’s cousin said. Think about your habits, priorities, and actual day-to-day needs.
Go shared if:
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You want to build friendships quickly
- You’re okay juggling shared spaces and routines
Go ensuite if:
- You need peace and quiet to focus or recharge
- You’re okay with spending more for comfort
- You’ve had enough of scrambling for a clean shower
Final Thought
Choosing between a shared flat and an ensuite room in London isn’t a throwaway decision. It affects your mental space, social life, and comfort for the next 10+ months. But whichever you choose it should support your uni goals, lifestyle, and budget.
So ask yourself: What do you really need in your student space? Privacy? People? Peace? Start there.
And if you’re still unsure? Use Student Accommodation Guide to browse verified, vetted listings without the nonsense. You'll find your place. Promise.
Need help figuring it out?
- I’ve got a budgeting spreadsheet to compare your top three rental picks
- Want a checklist of questions to ask landlords or providers? Just ask
- Or dive into listings that match your vibe location, price, studio vs shared all in one place
You’ve got this. London’s waiting. Start where you’ll feel most at home.