{"id":1222,"date":"2025-03-24T09:55:04","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T09:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=1222"},"modified":"2025-03-27T15:36:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T15:36:57","slug":"is-living-in-student-accommodation-really-worth-the-price","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/is-living-in-student-accommodation-really-worth-the-price\/","title":{"rendered":"Is living in student accommodation really worth the price?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Moving to university is a huge milestone, and one of the biggest decisions students face is where to live. <\/p>\n

For many, university accommodation is the obvious choice – it\u2019s 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?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest, when you see the price of on-campus accommodation<\/a>, your eyes might water, and your brain might short-circuit. Yes, it\u2019s a big number. But before you run for the hills, let\u2019s talk about what you\u2019re actually getting for your money.<\/p>\n

All utility bills – gas, electricity, and water<\/h3>\n

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\u2019t 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\u2019ve got assignments and exams to focus on, that peace of mind is priceless.<\/p>\n

According to Save the Student<\/em><\/a>, “58% of students said they had energy bills included in their rent.<\/strong> With energy prices at an all-time high, this could save you money in the long run.”<\/p>\n

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Broadband\/WiFi<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Much like other utilities, you\u2019d also need to agree with your housemates on a provider that fits everyone\u2019s budget and internet needs. With campus accommodation, however, WiFi is already included, so you can get online from day one <\/strong>– no hassle, no extra costs, no stress.<\/p>\n

Personal possessions insurance<\/h3>\n

With campus accommodation, you don\u2019t need to worry about arranging personal possessions insurance – it’s already included through Cover4Insurance.com<\/strong><\/a>. This means your valuables, like your laptop and phone, are covered against theft and accidental damage. [Find our most recent insurance cover documents here<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Many of our accommodations feature student ID access, programmed specifically for your residence, ensuring only residents can enter. Plus, with 24\/7 on-site security<\/strong>, help is always just a call away – whether you\u2019re locked out, need maintenance support, or want to use the free night-time walking taxi service. You\u2019ll also have access to our SafeZone app<\/a>, which is free for all students on campus and provides quick assistance for first aid and safety whenever you need it.<\/p>\n

Additionally, our campus is located just outside the main city and with a vibrant student community always around, there\u2019s an extra layer of safety compared to quieter, off-campus streets.<\/p>\n

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Budgeting<\/h3>\n

Living on campus just makes things simpler. No need to set up a joint bank account with flatmates or worry about who\u2019s responsible for paying bills on time. Plus, many private utility contracts run for 12\u201318 months<\/strong>, meaning you could end up paying for utilities even when you’re not living there, like during vacation periods, or face early cancellation fees.\u00a0At Kent, our accommodation contracts align with the academic year, so you only pay for the time you need to be on campus.<\/p>\n

Contract lengths<\/h3>\n

At Kent, we structure our accommodation contracts around the academic year, offering 38-, 44-, and 52-week contracts<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n“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.”<\/em> – David Tao | Darwin College<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Accommodation with a meal plan<\/h3>\n

Some of our accommodations include the added convenience of the Flex Meal Plan<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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More Perks of Living on Campus<\/h3>\n