Moving to university is a huge milestone, and one of the biggest decisions students face is where to live.
For many, university accommodation is the obvious choice – it’s close to campus, packed with opportunities to meet new people, and offers a first taste of independence. But with rising costs and the challenges of shared living, is it really worth it?
Let’s be honest, when you see the price of on-campus accommodation, your eyes might water, and your brain might short-circuit. Yes, it’s a big number. But before you run for the hills, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting for your money.
All utility bills – gas, electricity, and water
Utility costs can be one of the hardest things to budget for, especially with fluctuating gas and electricity prices. But with campus accommodation, you don’t need to worry about comparing suppliers, rationing your heating, timing your showers or topping up a meter card. Everything is covered in your accommodation fee. And when you’ve got assignments and exams to focus on, that peace of mind is priceless.
According to Save the Student, “58% of students said they had energy bills included in their rent. With energy prices at an all-time high, this could save you money in the long run.”
Broadband/WiFi
Finding a WiFi provider can feel like a mission, with countless broadband speeds, tariffs, and companies to compare. Even once you’ve chosen one, installation can take weeks and often requires an engineer visit, landlord permission, and a router box fitted to the wall.
Much like other utilities, you’d also need to agree with your housemates on a provider that fits everyone’s budget and internet needs. With campus accommodation, however, WiFi is already included, so you can get online from day one – no hassle, no extra costs, no stress.
Personal possessions insurance
With campus accommodation, you don’t need to worry about arranging personal possessions insurance – it’s already included through Cover4Insurance.com. This means your valuables, like your laptop and phone, are covered against theft and accidental damage. [Find our most recent insurance cover documents here]
Not only that, but many of our accommodations require student ID access, programmed specifically for your residence. Plus, with 24/7 on-site security, help is always just a call away – whether it’s for a lockout, a maintenance issue, or something more serious.
Additionally, our campus is located just outside the main city and with a vibrant student community always around, there’s an extra layer of safety compared to quieter, off-campus streets.
Budgeting
Living on campus just makes things simpler. No need to set up a joint bank account with flatmates or worry about who’s responsible for paying bills on time. Plus, many private utility contracts run for 12–18 months, meaning you could end up paying for utilities even when you’re not living there, like during vacation periods, or face early cancellation fees. At Kent, our accommodation contracts align with the academic year, so you only pay for the time you need to be on campus.
Contract lengths
At Kent, we structure our accommodation contracts around the academic year, offering 38-, 44-, and 52-week contracts. This means you only pay for the time you need, mainly avoiding extra costs over the summer – unless you opt for a 52-week contract.
Many private student rentals, while often newly built and centrally located in Canterbury, typically require a 48- to 52-week contract, starting in early September, weeks before the academic year begins on 27 September 2025. While this may suit some students who want to settle in early, it can also feel isolating, especially if you’re new to the university and the city.
Living on campus ensures you start at the same time as your peers and are housed exclusively with other University of Kent students, making it easier to build connections and settle in together.
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“Living on campus offers convenience, a strong sense of community, and access to essential university resources. As an international student, all these benefits are even more beneficial as it helps me adjust myself to life in this new country.” – David Tao | Darwin College |
Accommodation with a meal plan
Some of our accommodations include the added convenience of the Flex Meal Plan, reducing the need for cooking, washing up, and grocery shopping. You’ll still have access to a shared kitchenette, equipped with a fridge, kettle, and microwave – perfect for preparing drinks and snacks.
More Perks of Living on Campus
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ResLife community – Take part in fun activities and social events designed for residential students, from off-site trips and nature walks to cinema nights. It’s a great way to meet new people and build friendships!
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Free Kent Sport Membership – Get a £123 membership included with your accommodation, giving you access to sports sessions, gym workouts, and fitness classes. Prefer something more relaxed? The ALL Active programme offers casual options like social rackets, netball, and futsal
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Ultimate convenience – Everything you need is just a short walk away. No stressing over commutes on cold, wet nights—you can get across campus in 20 minutes. Plus, with plenty of dining options on campus, meeting up with friends for food and drinks is easy. If you ever feel unsafe walking alone, campus security can escort you home for extra peace of mind
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Support and security – With maintenance teams, security, and university staff always nearby, help is just around the corner whenever you need it
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Move-in ready – Your accommodation comes fully furnished with ample storage space and even includes those little things you might forget to pack, like an iron and ironing board, broom, dustpan and brush, vacuum cleaner, and kettle.
Cons of Living in University Accommodation
While campus accommodation offers plenty of benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
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Cost – Budgets vary, so take the time to compare on- and off-campus rents and any perks included to find your best fit.
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More independence off-campus – In private housing, you have more control over where you spend your money, including the ability to shop around for utility and internet providers to find the best deals.
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Limited space and rules – There may be restrictions on decorating, guests, and certain appliances (though this can also apply to private rentals).
What’s the right choice?
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice – just the option that best fits your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. Whether you prefer the convenience and community of campus living or the independence of private housing, the key is to find what works for you.
For tips on managing your finances, check out our Budgeting for Accommodation blog, and to explore our accommodation options and prices, just follow the links.
I hope this blog has helped put the cost of accommodation into perspective, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our campus soon!