PBS-Eh? A How-To Guide for Viewing Private Halls

About the author: My name is Sophie Layton, and I’m an MA International Public & Political Communication and BSc Biology graduate from the University of Sheffield. I am currently the Managing Editor of WILD Magazine, Editor of Ed Fringe Review, and Newsletter Editor for the Essex International Jamboree, as well as former Arts & Theatre Editor of Forge Press. I am also the Digital Media Officer for the Student Publication Association. I am a keen thespian with the Sheffield University Theatre Company, with interests in culture, LGBTQ+ issues and political science.

Exciting news! UniHomes is expanding to showcase private halls – AKA build to rent (BTR) and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) – as well as houses and flats. Here's all you need to know about our new additions.

With your first year well underway, you may find yourself looking ahead to next year, wondering where you might want to live once you move out of university accommodation. But before you rush to look at student houses, don’t forget they’re not your only option. Purpose-built Student accommodation (PBSA) is an often-overlooked choice, but one that may be perfect.

House vs halls: what’s the difference?

Student houses and halls, despite serving largely the same purpose, have several key distinctions to keep in mind when considering which is the best option for you. Firstly, student houses give you full access to an entire property, whilst BTRs/PBSAs only give you access to parts of the estate, usually an apartment and common spaces.

Secondly, PBSAs tend to cost slightly more than student houses, but often come with a greater selection of extra amenities.

For more info on how private halls differ from student houses, read our blog post explaining the different kinds of student accommodation options.

What’s your (room) type?

Halls are particularly unique in that many will not only offer you a room within the complex, but multiple room types, ranging from single-bed apartments to entire studio flats, complete with private kitchen facilities. When looking around, ask to view all of the different options available and use this to inform your decision. To figure out what room type you prefer, pay attention to kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as room and bed size, as these are the factors which are most likely to differ between your options.

What should I be looking out for?

Viewing a PBSA property is largely similar to viewing student houses with regards to what you should be looking for – all of the standard rules apply when checking out your new room, bathroom and kitchen space, in that you should take note of bed size, fridge and cupboard space, ventilation, light levels, potential mould, plug socket locations, noise… the list goes on.

However, many halls have common rooms or other communal areas, which are spaces open to all residents to use at their leisure. These can range from simple living spaces, to wellness rooms and gaming setups, so be sure to have a look around these too!

For the sporty amongst you, some private halls even come with on-site gymnasiums. Every gym is different and BTR/PBSA ones are normally smaller than commercial gyms. Keep your eyes on what equipment is available, especially if you’re looking for something specific.

What will I forget to ask?

Viewing potential properties can be a whirlwind, with so many options and add-ons to keep in mind. Whilst UniHomes can help you find your next student home, whether a house or halls, it’s down to you to ask the right questions during the viewing itself. BTRs/PBSAs also present their own unique environment to consider when planning what to ask, so here’s a couple of things you might forget:

Is there security? Many PBSAs will have staff on-site, whether at reception during the day or security overnight. Ask when you arrive whether security is present, at what times of day, and where they can be found.

How do I collect parcels? As BTRs/PBSAs often have a reception desk, you may find collecting mail works much differently to how it would in a house. Find out whether you need to be on-site to collect parcels, and if staff take them in your absence, where and when can you go to pick them up? This is really important if you’re waiting on an urgent delivery!

How do I collect takeaways? Many halls won’t collect takeaway deliveries on your behalf, but some may have a specific collection point you can direct your drivers to. Don’t let your pizza get cold, and find this out early!

Can I have guests? PBSAs often allow guests, but may have a specific policy for who they can be and how regularly you can host, so be aware. Similarly, check when the building’s quiet hours are – it’ll definitely change the feel of your house party if music can’t be played 30 minutes in.

BTRs/PBSAs are a uniquely different student accommodation format to a student house, but one that might just be perfect for you. Keep these top tips in mind, and you’ll be ready to help make that decision fully informed.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.