Halls vs private renting
Lesson 1 of 13 in our free Housing & Renting guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.
Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.
This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.
The story so far
Mo: Halls are dead expensive. A private house is cheaper. Easy choice, signing tomorrow.
Nana: Cheaper rent, love. Then add gas, electric, water, broadband… Compare the TOTAL.
Chip: Halls often include bills. Private houses usually don't. Compare like with like — per week, all-in.
Questions you'll answer
Halls: £165/week, bills included. House: £120/week rent plus about £30/week bills and £10/week bus fares. Cheapest all-in?
The house, but only by about £5 a week once bills and travel are added. £120 + £30 + £10 = £160 vs £165. Closer than it looked — so things like location and contract length matter too.
Quick facts
- Bills included in the rent → Usually halls. Most halls bundle energy, water and Wi-Fi.
- You split bills with housemates → Usually private house. Hello, flat group chat drama.
- Contract covers term-time-ish (often 40–51 weeks) → Usually halls. Halls contracts vary — check if you're paying over summer.
- You might need a guarantor → Usually private house. Private landlords and agents often ask for one.
- Repairs go through a reception or uni team → Usually halls. Private houses: you report to the landlord or agent.
- Fact: “Private rent quoted per month can be turned into a weekly figure by multiplying by 12 and dividing by 52.” — Monthly × 12 ÷ 52 = weekly. Dividing by 4 makes it look bigger than it is.
- Myth: “All halls include bills.” — Most do, but not all. Read what's included.
- Fact: “Full-time student households are usually exempt from council tax.” — If everyone's a full-time student, the household is usually exempt. Your uni gives you a certificate.