When searching for accommodation in the UK, you might wonder, “Can non-students live in student housing?” While student accommodation is primarily intended for full-time students, there are various scenarios where non-students may be able to live in student housing.
In this blog, we’ve explained the rules, considerations, and potential benefits of mixing students and non-students in the same housing and some alternative accommodation options for non-students. Read on to find out more!
Student accommodation in the UK generally refers to housing specifically designed for full-time students. These accommodations are often located near universities or in popular student areas and feature facilities designed with student needs in mind.
However, the rules surrounding who can live in these spaces can vary depending on the type of accommodation, the landlord, and the specific circumstances.
A student is someone currently enrolled in a full- or part-time college or university course. Students often have access to student discounts, helpful resources to support their academic journey, and access to student accommodation, and are typically exempt from paying council tax.
In contrast, a non-student refers to someone who is not enrolled in an educational program. This could be a working professional or someone pursuing other paths. Non-students typically don’t qualify for student perks and are usually required to pay council tax.
Whether non-students and students can mix in student accommodation varies depending on the type of accommodation.
Keep reading to find out if it's possible in university halls, private student accommodation, and student flats or houses.
University-managed halls of residence are typically reserved for full-time students only. These spaces are designed to create a student community and usually have strict eligibility criteria.
Therefore, non-students, including professionals working in the area or on temporary placements, are generally not allowed to live in university halls.
Private student accommodation, such as purpose-built student housing (PBSH), is often more flexible in its offerings. Some landlords may allow non-students to rent in private student accommodation properties, but it’s not a given, as these accommodations tend to prioritise students.
But, if you’re a non-student, you may be able to negotiate with the landlord or accommodation provider, and you should keep in mind that rent prices for non-students may be slightly higher in some cases.
Shared flats or houses rented by students (i.e. student houses) often have more lenient policies when it comes to non-student tenants. Some landlords are open to renting student houses to non-students, but this varies from property to property.
If you're looking for shared housing as a non-student, it’s essential to communicate with the landlord or estate agent to clarify whether it’s possible to share with other students.
You may be wondering why non-students would want to live in student housing. Simply put, student housing offers attractive benefits compared to non-student accommodation, including:
Living in student accommodation can seem like a good option for non-students. But if you're a full-time student, there are a few things to think about before agreeing to a mixed housing arrangement. Here are some factors to consider:
Living in mixed housing with both students and non-students can offer unique benefits like exposure to diverse perspectives that enrich daily life.
Non-students can also contribute to financial flexibility by paying a higher share of rent, making it more viable for landlords to accept a mix of tenants.
If student accommodation isn’t ideal, there are alternative housing options that offer more independence and fewer restrictions. It’s important to note that these alternatives may come with higher costs or more rigid lease terms.
Our accommodation at Stockton Students is designed for students only. This focus helps create a comfortable and engaging environment for all our residents that feels like a community.
At Stockton Students, we offer student-only private accommodation that helps like-minded individuals in similar situations find each other and create lasting friendships.
We have over 10 years of experience helping students, like yourself, find affordable, modern, comfortable and high-quality student housing where you can feel safe and secure.
On top of that, we also have our very own health and wellness coach, Ollie. Ollie is available to all Stockton Students residents, and is dedicated to supporting you through any well-being challenges you may face during your student life.
Be sure to book your free 30-minute check-in with him as part of your support package.
If you've enrolled on a full-time university course in Liverpool or Ormskirk for the upcoming academic year, we have an exciting range of en-suite student accommodation options to choose from.
Browse through our selection, or feel free to give us a call at 03301 359065 or complete our enquiry form, and we’ll be in contact.
If you graduate with an undergraduate degree or master’s degree and continue to study, you’ll still be considered a student and can still live in student accommodation. If you choose to start your career as a professional in your chosen industry instead of studying, you’ll be considered a ‘non-student’.
Typically, yes, but there are some exceptions. Some providers allow non-students and students to live together, but student halls of residence are typically reserved exclusively for university students.
It may differ from university to university, but usually, university-managed halls of residence are reserved for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students. Part-time enrolled students can choose from a wide range of private accommodations for students, including apartments or houses.
Professionals can sometimes live in student accommodation; it just depends on the type of accommodation and the rules set by the landlord. Unlike students, professionals will need to pay council tax for rental accommodation, which must be accounted for.
