UniHomes guide to

Hertfordshire

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Uni Life in Hertfordshire

Student life in Hertfordshire offers plenty of opportunities. Famous for its gorgeous countryside, historical sites, and Harry Potter film connection, this place is a top pick, and it’s no surprise that over 30,000 students take to its streets each year.
Home to the University of Hertfordshire, this county is also just a stone’s throw from London, making it ideal for international students travelling in or anyone seeking a fantastic social scene. With the capital just around the corner, the campuses are primarily located in Hatfield, a popular student living area.

Key reasons to study in Hertfordshire

  • 1
    Historical sites

    Student life in Hertfordshire provides access to some pretty cool historical sites, with Hatfield House and St Albans Cathedral attracting people from all walks of life with their stunning architecture. Additionally, history lovers will like Hertford Castle, a childhood home of Elizabeth I and a great spot for a picnic in the warmer months.

  • 2
    Free entertainment

    Hertfordshire University student life is full of free attractions, with Hatfield boasting a variety of parks and the Art + Design Gallery. Further afield, you’ll find St Albans Museum + Gallery, as well as the stunning Verulamium Park and cathedral. Ashridge Estate allows you to wander through woodland trails, while you can also explore wildlife at Tring’s National History Museum free of charge. 

  • 3
    Excellent transport links

    Don’t forget that London is less than half an hour away from Hatfield by train - you can’t get much better than that! Here, you’ll never be bored, with countless cocktail bars, pubs, places to study, and even Instagrammable hotspots to impress your friends. The infrastructure here is designed to support commuting to the capital, although its connections to nearby airports are also incredibly useful.

  • 4
    Familiar foods

    Student life in Hertfordshire wouldn’t be the same without its tasty takeaways, hangover cures, and cheap date nights, so be sure to dig into the local eats here. There’s Turkish Kitchen, where you can fix yourself breakfast, and Element Bar & Kitchen, which serves up hearty meals and even afternoon tea. If you’re looking for something familiar, have no fear - you can also grab food at Nando’s, Wagamama, and Wetherspoon.

  • 5
    Convenient shops

    Shopping near the University of Hertfordshire is relatively convenient, with most retail hubs sitting between the two main campuses. Hatfield town centre is ideal for budget-friendly essentials, while The Galleria is a popular indoor outlet, featuring more than 80 well-known brands. Don’t forget to ask for that student discount!

  • 6
    Sports facilities

    Beyond the university’s stand-out sporting facilities, there are many sporting opportunities that can enhance your student life in Hertfordshire. Hatfield Leisure Centre contains a state-of-the-art gym and squash courts, while Hatfield Swim Centre could be your go-to if you prefer taking a dip.

[Having lived in Hertfordshire,] Hatfield is only a 25-minute journey to London, meaning I have access to all the best clubs and shops!

Gabriella Farrugia UniHomes Content Ambassador - Bournemouth

Universities in Hertfordshire

University of Hertfordshire

Picture of University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire was first founded in 1952 as a technical college and has since built up its reputation across the UK. Its facilities include 24/7 libraries, a Sports Village, and its very own campus pub.

University of Hertfordshire (de Havilland Campus)

Picture of University of Hertfordshire (de Havilland Campus)

The University of Hertfordshire’s de Havilland Campus is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Just half an hour away from London, this campus attracts students from all walks of life and is renowned for its high-tech facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hatfield is the most popular place to live in Hertfordshire as the student, as you’ll have the university campuses on your doorstep, as well as an array of shops and cheap eats. Other areas to consider include Ellenbrook and Roe Green.
While Hertfordshire student life is often considered more expensive than that up north in places like Newcastle, Sheffield, and Liverpool, the place itself provides a great quality of life with fantastic nature and historical spots. Plus, if you budget correctly, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your student experience here.
October is the best time to start looking for student accommodation in Hertfordshire. Properties will be available until February, but we would recommend starting a search for a property during the autumn. The most popular student areas in Hertfordshire is Hatfield.
UniHomes has a property search tool which displays hundreds of student properties in Hertfordshire, all with bills included. Sign up to our mailing list so that you can be notified of new properties going live.
Tenancy periods in Hertfordshire usually last for 12 months. Most contracts will start on the 1st July and end on the 30th June the following year. Occasionally, letting agents may offer tenancy periods that last for 10 or 11 months, starting in August or September. You can always enquire with the letting agent to find out how long your contract length will be.
Deposits are usually either 4 or 5 week's rent. The maximum legal amount a landlord can charge your for a deposit is 5 week's rent. You’ll get your deposit back when you move out of the property. That said, if the landlord is still owed outstanding rent or needs to pay for repairs to damage within the property, they may take deductions from the deposit to cover the costs.
UniHomes accommodation in Hertfordshire usually costs £119 – £178.88 per person, per week. This price includes the cost of all bills you'll need to pay, which you won't always see on other student accommodation websites. Check out the full range of student accommodations available in Hertfordshire.

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