Moving out of halls and into private accommodation is a big step for many students. It offers independence and freedom, but rising rental costs are making solo living increasingly difficult to afford. As a result, shared living is becoming a popular and practical alternative.
The cost difference students can’t ignore
Rental analysis across Local Authority areas surrounding the UK’s top 100 universities highlights a clear affordability gap. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom property in these areas is around £1,321, compared with roughly £641 for a room in a shared home.
In some locations, the difference is even greater. In Runnymede, where Royal Holloway is based, average rents reach £2,508 per month, while shared living costs around £679, creating potential savings of £1,829. Similar trends can be seen in areas such as Richmond-upon-Thames and Camden, where shared housing offers substantial reductions in living costs.
Savings are also evident across many leading universities. Students in cities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and London can often reduce housing costs by more than 70%, with some institutions seeing potential savings exceeding 90%.
More than a financial decision
While affordability plays a major role, shared living also supports the wider university experience. Living with housemates can help students build friendships, adjust to independent living, and navigate the challenges of student life with built-in social support.
A changing student housing choice
As rental pressures continue, shared living is becoming less of a fallback and more of a conscious housing decision. For many students, it offers a balance between affordability, flexibility, and community, shaping how students choose to live during their studies.
Moving out of halls and into private accommodation is a big step for many students. It offers independence and freedom, but rising rental costs are making solo living increasingly difficult to afford. As a result, shared living is becoming a popular and practical alternative.
The cost difference students can’t ignore
Rental analysis across Local Authority areas surrounding the UK’s top 100 universities highlights a clear affordability gap. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom property in these areas is around £1,321, compared with roughly £641 for a room in a shared home.
In some locations, the difference is even greater. In Runnymede, where Royal Holloway is based, average rents reach £2,508 per month, while shared living costs around £679, creating potential savings of £1,829. Similar trends can be seen in areas such as Richmond-upon-Thames and Camden, where shared housing offers substantial reductions in living costs.
Savings are also evident across many leading universities. Students in cities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and London can often reduce housing costs by more than 70%, with some institutions seeing potential savings exceeding 90%.
More than a financial decision
While affordability plays a major role, shared living also supports the wider university experience. Living with housemates can help students build friendships, adjust to independent living, and navigate the challenges of student life with built-in social support.
A changing student housing choice
As rental pressures continue, shared living is becoming less of a fallback and more of a conscious housing decision. For many students, it offers a balance between affordability, flexibility, and community, shaping how students choose to live during their studies.
