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