London Student Accommodation vs Private Housing: Which One’s Right for You?

When you’re heading off to uni in London, finding the right place to live is a huge part of the experience. Between purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and private housing (like HMOs), there’s no one-size-fits-all – but understanding the perks of each can help you make the smartest move for your lifestyle, budget and vibe. Read on as we compare what it’s really like living in London student accommodation vs private housing – so you can choose what suits you best.

Student accommodation usually comes with one simple monthly cost that covers rent, heating, electricity, water and Wi-Fi. It’s a dream for easy budgeting and helps avoid any surprise costs mid-term.

Private housing, on the other hand, gives you more control over your setup. You might find cheaper rent on paper, especially if you share with mates, and you can sometimes choose your own energy suppliers or internet provider. It can mean more admin, but for those who like to tailor things their way, it’s a plus.

At YourTRIBE Deptford, you get the best of both, with the personal spaces of private housing and the all inclusive nature of PBSAs. All bills are included, so you can focus on your degree, not your direct debits. We were recently awarded a Gold Investor in Students Accreditation, a nationwide student experience survey. YourTRIBE’s score for value for money was 300% better than the UK average and #1 in the London scores, so you know that you’re getting the best service.

Let your blood pressure rest a little knowing that you’re covered. In most private housing, there’s little support if you run into any issues, and you’ll have the worry of any surprise bills. In student accommodation, support is always on site for you. Think on-site maintenance teams, staff around 24/7, weekly cleaning of shared spaces in your apartment, the bins taken out for you, and perks like free breakfast and coffee to keep your mornings moving.

As well as giving you peace of mind, YourTRIBE Deptford will actually look after you, from giving you free breakfast twice a week to coffee every morning. We also have mental health first trained teams, with our staff top-rated in the national benchmarking for the IIS Awards for the way they treat our guests. Plus, we work closely with local universities and we’re ANUK credited for promoting best practices.

Student accommodation often comes with built-in social life: shared spaces and events to meet your neighbours. It’s perfect if you’re new to the city or want to expand your circle. Private housing offers a different kind of social vibe. You’ll usually live with a smaller group – often friends you’ve chosen – which means more privacy and a more personal space. It’s great for those who like a quieter setup or want to create a home with their own crew.

At YourTRIBE Deptford, you’re literally with your tribe at all times – you can share an apartment with 2-4 other students, attend our brilliant regular events, and socialise in shared spaces like our Rooftop Terrace, Lounge, and Gaming Zone. After all, your space is your home to invite friends, family and course mates over, whether you’re hosting a birthday party or enjoying a night in the shared spaces. You’ll never feel alone here.

Student accommodation is purpose-built for student life, with modern rooms, smart layouts and comforting convenience.

Private housing can vary widely – from charming period properties with character to more basic flats. The condition often depends on the landlord, but many private homes offer spacious living, bigger kitchens and the freedom to decorate how you like.

In both cases, luxury is becoming the new normal. That’s why at YourTRIBE Deptford, you’ll find features like underfloor heating, spa-style bathrooms, large designer kitchens, and even balconies to enjoy the view.

A blocked sink or a broken shower in most private rentals can take weeks to fix, if not months. And problems like this happen often – in the National Union of Students survey, 84% of students said they had issues with their housing – including almost half with mould or mildew. Student accommodation on the other hand usually gets issues sorted fast.

At YourTRIBE, we have a maintenance team on-site, dedicated to solving any issues as quickly as possible. Got time to kill while we fix it? Head down to the Gym, Gaming Zone or Lounge – they’re all here for you.

One of the hardest things about moving out for university is leaving your pet behind. Most private landlords and student accommodation sites won’t let you take your furry friend with you, no matter how well behaved they are. At YourTRIBE Deptford, we’re different. We offer pet friendly rooms, so no more sneaking in your fish or FaceTiming your dog from afar – you can bring them here with your permission. Find out more: Pet Friendly Rooms

Finding the right private housing can feel like a postcode lottery – affordable places are usually miles away from uni, and even further from your university, your gym, and your favourite coffee shop. Student accommodation sites are usually much more conveniently located.

YourTRIBE Deptford’s student accommodation is in a prime city location, just 10 minutes from Deptford and New Cross stations, and only a 5-minute cycle from top universities like Goldsmiths

You don’t feel at home if you don’t feel secure in your surroundings! In most private housing, broken locks and dodgy neighbourhoods can be a part of daily life. Student accommodation usually has a team on hand to help you feel secure. 

 Our YourTRIBE Deptford on the other hand, is designed with safety in mind. Think CCTV, secure keycard entry, and security and concierge on hand, whenever you need them. In the Investor for Students Survey, we scored above the national average for our safety procedures – so you can live stressfree.

Private housing usually comes with a 12-month lease, no matter how long you stay there. This means you’re paying to live somewhere that you might not be, whether you’re travelling home for Christmas or going away on holiday in summer. Student accommodation is a lot more flexible, with contracts that match your course dates and lifestyle. So, you can choose a setup that suits you.

Both private housing and student accommodation have plenty to offer – it just depends on your priorities. At YourTRIBE Deptford, we offer the best of both – setting the bar high for private housing, with all the perks of student accommodation. We’re all about giving you more than just a room. You’ll have a lifestyle that fits you – social, secure, all-inclusive – and a spacious room to match. Find out more about our luxurious Deptford site: YourTRIBE Deptford