Self -Contained Studio vs Shared Accommodation: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right student accommodation is about more than just location or price. One of the biggest decisions students’ faces is whether to live in a studio or shared accommodation. Both options offer different benefits, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, study habits, budget and personal preferences.

This guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide what type of accommodation will suit you best during your time at university.

What Is Shared Student Accommodation?

Shared accommodation usually means living in a house or flat with other students, where you have your own bedroom and share communal spaces such as the kitchen, living room and sometimes bathrooms.
Shared accommodation may suit you if:

• You enjoy a social living environment
• You’re moving in with friends or want to meet new people
• You prefer a livelier household
• You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option

Shared living can make the university experience feel more communal and social, especially in the first years of study. It’s also a good option for students who enjoy collaboration and don’t mind shared routines. However, shared accommodation does require compromise. Noise levels, cleanliness and schedules can vary depending on housemates, so communication and flexibility are important.

You can explore available shared student accommodation options here: Unihousing Accommodation

What Is a Student Studio?

A student studio is a self-contained living space where everything — bedroom, kitchen and bathroom — is your own. Studios are designed for independence, privacy and routine.
Studio accommodation may suit you if:

• You prefer a quieter, more private environment
• You value personal space and independence
• You want full control over your routine
• You need a focused space for studying

Studios are particularly popular with students in later years, postgraduates, couples or those who work alongside their studies. Having your own space can help create structure, reduce distractions and support wellbeing during busy academic periods.

You can view examples of studio and premium accommodation here: Unihousing Accommodation

Cost vs Lifestyle: What Should You Prioritise?

Shared accommodation is often more affordable upfront, as costs are split between housemates. Studios typically cost more, but they include the benefit of privacy, independence and a predictable routine.

When deciding, it’s important to look beyond rent alone and consider how your accommodation will support your daily life. A space that helps you focus, rest and stay organised can have a big impact on your academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Study Habits and Daily Routine

Your study style plays a big role in choosing the right accommodation.
If you’re someone who studies best in quiet, structured environments, a studio may offer fewer distractions. If you thrive in collaborative settings or enjoy studying with others, shared accommodation may feel more motivating and supportive.
Think about how you work best during deadlines, exam periods and busy weeks — your accommodation should support those habits, not work against them.

Social Life and Independence

Shared accommodation naturally encourages social interaction. It’s a great option if you enjoy living with others and want a built-in social environment.
Studios, on the other hand, offer independence while still allowing you to socialise on your own terms. Many students choose studios to balance academic focus with a social life outside the home.
Neither option is better — it’s about choosing what fits your personality and priorities.

Making the Right Choice for You

There’s no single “best” option when it comes to student accommodation. The right choice depends on what stage you’re at in your university journey and what you need to feel comfortable, focused and settled.
Some students start in shared accommodation and later move into studios, while others prefer private living from the beginning. Understanding your needs now can help you choose accommodation that supports you throughout the academic year.
If you want flexibility and choice, exploring providers that offer both shared and studio options makes it easier to find something that genuinely suits your lifestyle.

You can browse available accommodation options and explore different accommodation types here: Unihousing Accommodation

Choosing Accommodation That Supports Student Life

Your accommodation plays a big role in shaping your university experience. Whether you choose shared living or a studio, the most important thing is finding a space that helps you feel comfortable, supported and able to focus on your goals.
Taking time to understand your preferences now can make student life more manageable, enjoyable and balanced in the long run.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

How Students Can Save Money on Food Without Sacrificing Convenience

Food is one of the biggest day-to-day expenses for students, and it’s often where money disappears without you realising. Buying lunch every day, relying on takeaways, or shopping without a plan can quickly push spending higher than expected.

The good news is that saving money on food doesn’t mean eating badly or spending hours cooking. With a few practical changes, students can cut costs while still eating well and keeping things convenient.

Use YouTube to Learn Simple, Affordable Meals

You don’t need to be a confident cook to make affordable meals. YouTube is packed with quick, beginner-friendly videos that show how to prepare simple dishes using low-cost ingredients.

Many student-focused creators share recipes that require minimal equipment, limited ingredients, and little time. Learning just a handful of go-to meals can make a big difference to your weekly food budget and reduce reliance on takeaways.

Shop Smarter with Aldi, Lidl and Own-Brand Products

Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are popular with students for a reason. Their own-brand products are often significantly cheaper than branded alternatives, while still offering good quality.

Choosing own-brand staples such as pasta, rice, sauces, frozen vegetables, and snacks can reduce your food shop without changing what you eat. Over a month, these small savings add up more than most students expect.

If you’re still getting familiar with the area, knowing where students typically shop and what’s nearby can also help you stick to a budget.
Why Choose Student Housing in Selly Oak

Make the Most of Loyalty and Discount Cards

Loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, and supermarket apps are easy to overlook, but they can offer real savings if used consistently.

Many discounts apply automatically at checkout, meaning you don’t have to change your habits to benefit. Keeping one main supermarket card and checking weekly offers can help stretch your food budget further without extra effort.

Cook Once, Eat More Than Once

Cooking every day isn’t realistic for most students. A more sustainable approach is cooking in batches and storing meals for later.

Preparing meals in advance reduces the temptation to buy food when you’re tired or busy. It also saves time during the week and helps you stay in control of your spending. Even cooking just two or three meals ahead can significantly reduce daily food costs.

Plan Before You Shop

Shopping without a plan is one of the easiest ways to overspend. A quick plan keeps you focused, helps you avoid impulse buys, and makes sure your food actually lasts through the week.

Here’s a simple student-friendly approach:

• Pick 2–3 meals you can rotate (e.g., pasta, stir-fry, wraps)
• Write a short list of ingredients you’ll reuse across meals (rice, onions, frozen veg, sauces)
• Check what you already have so you don’t rebuy duplicates
• Avoid shopping hungry (it always increases impulse spending)
• Buy “stretch items” that work across multiple meals (eggs, potatoes, oats, tins)

Reduce Daily Spending Without Feeling Restricted

Saving money on food isn’t about cutting out everything you enjoy. It’s about reducing frequent, unplanned spending that adds up over time.
Buying coffee or lunch occasionally is fine, but doing it every day quickly becomes expensive. By preparing most meals at home and treating takeaways as an occasional choice, students can balance enjoyment and budgeting more easily.

Food is often one of the easiest areas to overspend without realising, which is why building better habits around everyday spending can make a big difference over time.
Smart Student Money Management Tips

Making Food Budgeting Work for Student Life

Food budgeting is one of the most practical skills students can build. Small changes like shopping smarter, cooking in batches, and using discounts can reduce spending without affecting quality of life.
Over time, these habits also make daily routines easier to manage. Spending less on food means less stress around money, fewer last-minute purchases, and more control over how you plan your week. By finding a system that works for you, food budgeting becomes less about restriction and more about making student life simpler and more sustainable.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

Checked Out Our Blog Space Yet?

 

Checked Out Our Blog Space Yet?

Find pretty much everything relevant to student life. Our topics range from accommodation advice to practical tips and signposting to all the help and support you need during your studies, wellbeing, and overall university experience.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

The Value of Extracurricular Activities in Student Life

The Value of Extracurricular Activities in Student Life

University life extends far beyond lectures, coursework and exams. While academic study is important, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded, confident and capable individuals. Getting involved outside the classroom helps students develop practical skills, gain real-world experience, and build a sense of identity that supports both personal growth and future career success.

Extracurricular activities can include societies, sports teams, volunteering, creative groups, student-led projects, part-time roles, or even independent initiatives. What matters most is engagement — choosing activities that challenge you, interest you, and help you grow.

Developing Transferable Skills That Last Beyond University

One of the strongest benefits of extracurricular involvement is the development of transferable skills. These are skills that apply across industries and careers, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, organisation, adaptability and problem-solving.

For example, taking part in a society committee might involve managing budgets, organising events, resolving conflicts, or working with diverse groups of people. Sports teams can teach discipline, resilience and collaboration. Volunteering builds empathy, responsibility and initiative. These experiences help students move beyond theory and learn how to operate effectively in real-life situations.

Over time, these skills become second nature, giving students a strong foundation for professional environments after graduation.

 

Building Confidence Through Experience and Responsibility

Confidence doesn’t come from thinking about doing something — it comes from doing it. Extracurricular activities encourage students to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment.

Whether it’s speaking up in meetings, leading a project, performing publicly, or simply meeting new people, these experiences help students build self-belief. Each small challenge overcome contributes to greater confidence and independence.

This confidence often carries into other areas of student life, including academic performance, presentations, interviews, and networking situations. Students who feel confident are more likely to take initiative and make the most of opportunities around them.

Gaining Practical Experience Alongside Academic Study

Extracurricular involvement allows students to apply what they are learning in practical ways. This could mean using communication skills in leadership roles, applying theoretical knowledge in volunteering or industry-related societies, or developing creative portfolios through independent projects.

This kind of experience helps students better understand their strengths and interests. It also gives them clearer direction when thinking about career paths, postgraduate study, or future goals.

Employers increasingly value experience alongside qualifications, and extracurricular activities provide meaningful examples students can talk about confidently.

 

Expanding Social Circles and Building Networks

University is one of the most valuable times to build connections. Extracurricular activities bring students together through shared interests, creating friendships and networks that extend beyond lecture halls.

These connections can lead to collaboration, mentorship, career opportunities, and long-term friendships. Importantly, networking through activities feels natural rather than forced. Relationships develop organically when students work toward common goals or spend time together in relaxed, social environments.

Strong social connections also contribute to wellbeing, helping students feel supported, motivated and less isolated.

 

Learning Balance, Structure and Time Management

Balancing extracurricular activities with academic responsibilities teaches students how to manage their time effectively. Learning to prioritise commitments, meet deadlines, and maintain structure is an essential life skill.

Students who engage in activities outside their studies often become more organised and disciplined, as they learn to make the most of their time. This balance helps prevent burnout and encourages healthier routines throughout university life.

 

Putting Students in a Stronger Position for the Future

By combining academic study with extracurricular involvement, students place themselves in a stronger position for life after university. They graduate with more than a degree — they leave with confidence, experience, skills, and connections.

Extracurricular activities demonstrate initiative, curiosity and commitment. They show that a student is willing to engage, grow and challenge themselves. These qualities are highly attractive to employers and beneficial in any future path, whether professional, academic or personal.

Conclusion

University is a unique opportunity to explore interests, develop skills and grow as an individual. Extracurricular activities help students make the most of this time, shaping not just their CVs, but their mindset, confidence and sense of direction.

Getting involved doesn’t mean doing everything. Even one activity can make a meaningful difference. What matters is participation, consistency and the willingness to learn from each experience.

 

 

How To Make The Most Of Your University Experience (Beyond Lectures)

Getting More from University Life Beyond the Classroom

University life is often defined by lectures, deadlines and exams, but the most valuable parts of the experience often happen outside the classroom. While academic success is important, making the most of university means developing skills, building relationships, and creating experiences that shape your confidence, independence and future direction.

Here are some key ways students can get more from university life beyond lectures.

1. Get Involved Outside the Classroom

One of the best ways to enrich your university experience is by getting involved in activities outside your course. Joining societies, sports teams, volunteering, or creative groups helps you meet people, explore interests, and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication.

These experiences not only make university more enjoyable, but also help you build confidence and gain practical experience that complements your academic studies.

2. Build Skills That Support Your Future

University offers a unique opportunity to develop skills that extend beyond your degree. Managing your time, balancing responsibilities, working with different personalities and solving real-life challenges all play a role in personal growth.

Taking part in group projects, part-time work, extracurricular activities or student-led initiatives helps you build experiences that can later be reflected in your CV and career planning.
University group work, in particular, often teaches valuable lessons about collaboration, communication and accountability.
Group Projects: A Survival Guide for the Only One Who Cares

Even if you’re not thinking about careers yet, these experiences can make a real difference when it comes to presenting yourself confidently in future applications.
How to Write a CV That Doesn’t Make Recruiters Cry

3. Create Balance Between Study and Social Life

While studying is central to university, maintaining balance is just as important. Making time to socialise, explore your local area and rest properly can help prevent burnout and keep motivation high.
Living in a well-connected student area and having access to local activities, green spaces and social venues makes it easier to enjoy life outside lectures and maintain a healthy routine.

Things to Do in Selly Oak in Your Spare Time

4. Manage Your Independence Wisely

University is often the first-time students manage their own finances, schedules and living arrangements. Learning how to budget, plan ahead and make informed decisions is a key part of the experience.
Understanding your housing, managing monthly expenses and developing everyday life skills can reduce stress and allow you to focus more on enjoying student life and reaching your goals.

5. Build Meaningful Connections

University is one of the best times to build lasting relationships. Connecting with course mates, housemates, society members and staff creates a support network that can positively impact your wellbeing and confidence.
Strong connections help students feel more settled, motivated and supported, especially during challenging academic periods. Knowing how to live and communicate well with others is also an important part of shared student life.

Unihousing Top Do’s and Don’ts When Sharing Uni Accommodation

6. Reflect and Grow Along the Way

Taking time to reflect on your progress helps you stay grounded and focused. Whether it’s journaling, setting intentions, or simply checking in with yourself, reflection allows you to recognise growth and adjust your goals when needed.
University isn’t just about reaching the end goal; it’s about who you become along the way. Taking moments to pause and reset can be especially important during busy academic periods.

Making University Life Work for You

Making the most of your university experience goes beyond attending lectures and completing assignments. By getting involved, building skills, managing independence and creating balance, students can shape a more fulfilling and meaningful journey.
University is a time of growth, exploration and learning in many forms. Embracing opportunities beyond the classroom helps ensure the experience is not only academically rewarding, but personally enriching too.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

How To Settle Into Student Life Quickly

 

Settling Into Student Life: Building Confidence, Routine and Balance

Starting university can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Whether you’re a first-year student or returning after a break, adjusting to student life takes more than just unpacking your belongings. Settling in quickly is about building routine, confidence and balance early on, so university life feels manageable rather than stressful.
This guide focuses on the mental, social and lifestyle adjustments that help students feel comfortable and confident during the first few weeks.

1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

One of the biggest mistakes students make is expecting to feel settled immediately. University is a major change, and it’s normal for things to feel unfamiliar at first. Give yourself permission to take things slowly and adjust at your own pace.
Establishing small routines, such as set study times or daily walks, can help create a sense of structure and normality during the transition.

2. Build a Routine Early On

Creating a simple routine can make student life feel far less overwhelming. This doesn’t need to be rigid, but having a rough structure for studying, social time and rest help you stay grounded.
Learning how to manage your time and daily responsibilities early can reduce stress and improve focus throughout the term.

8 Apps to Improve Your Life at University

3. Get Comfortable with Shared Living

For many students, living with others is one of the biggest adjustments. Learning how to communicate, respect shared spaces and manage different routines takes time, but it’s an important part of settling in.
Understanding shared living expectations early can help avoid tension and make your accommodation feel more comfortable and supportive.

Unihousing Top Do’s and Don’ts When Sharing Uni Accommodation Part 1 & Part 2

4. Explore Your Local Area

Feeling settled isn’t just about your accommodation, it’s also about feeling connected to where you live. Exploring your local area helps you feel more at home and gives you places to relax outside of studying.
Getting to know nearby cafés, green spaces, social venues and walking routes can make daily life feel more enjoyable and familiar.

5 Must-See Areas in Birmingham (Plus Bonus Gems Near Selly Oak!)

5. Look After Your Wellbeing from the Start

University life can become busy very quickly, which is why prioritising wellbeing early on is so important. Getting enough rest, managing your workload and recognising signs of stress can help prevent burnout later in the year.
Being mindful of your mental health from the beginning allows you to enjoy student life while staying balanced and motivated.

6. Remember That Settling In, Is a Process

Settling into student life doesn’t happen overnight. Confidence builds gradually as you become more familiar with your routine, surroundings and responsibilities. Comparing your experience to others can add unnecessary pressure, so focus on what works for you.
University is a time of growth, learning and self-discovery. Allowing yourself space to adjust makes the experience far more rewarding.

Making Student Life Feel Manageable

Settling into student life quickly isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about creating small habits, building confidence, and finding balance early on. By giving yourself time, staying organised, and taking care of your wellbeing, university life can begin to feel both manageable and enjoyable.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today