Studio or Ensuite Room: Which Student Accommodation in Leicester Is Right for You?

Both can give you your own bedroom and bathroom, but the experience of living in them can be quite different.

If you’re searching for student accommodation in Leicester, understanding what suits your lifestyle and budget will make finding the right place much easier.

So, what do you fancy? A studio or an ensuite? Let’s work it out together!

What’s the Difference Between a Studio and an Ensuite Student Room?

The biggest difference is what you share.

With an ensuite student room, you’ll normally have your own bedroom and private bathroom, while sharing a kitchen and living space with other students.

A student studio is self contained. You’ll have your own bedroom and living space, bathroom and kitchen facilities, so you don’t need to work your routine around anyone else.

Neither is necessarily better. It really comes down to how you want university life to look.

Is an Ensuite Student Room Better for Meeting People?

If the social side of university is important to you, an ensuite room in a shared flat can be a great choice.

Having a communal kitchen and living area means you naturally see the people you live with, which is ideal if you book as a group of friends. Whether you’re cooking dinner, making a coffee or getting ready for a night out, there are plenty of opportunities to chat and hang out.

At the same time, your ensuite gives you somewhere private to retreat to when you need it. You don’t have to share a bathroom and your bedroom is still your own space, when you want private time to study or binge netflix.

This can make ensuite accommodation a good middle ground for students who want an option of their own space without living completely on their own.

Is a Student Studio Better for Privacy?

If having your own space is high on your wish list, a studio might suit you better.

You can cook when you want, study without distractions and relax without worrying about what your flatmates are doing.

Studios can be particularly appealing if you already have a group of great friends at Uni and don’t need to see them when you get home as well! If you love a quieter home environment or know that you will study a lot at home, this could be the perfect place for you.

Lots of second and third year students who have already experienced shared living move into studios to have a bit more space of their own.

Is a Studio More Expensive Than an Ensuite Room in Leicester?

Often, yes, but don’t assume that will always be the case.

A studio generally costs more because you’re getting your own kitchen facilities and you have a completely self contained space. An ensuite room means that your kitchen and lounge area are shared, which can help keep the weekly rent lower.

When comparing student accommodation in Leicester, look at the whole cost rather than just the advertised weekly rent.

Are your energy bills included? What about WiFi? Are there additional costs for things you’ll need?

A slightly cheaper room doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper student living once everything else has been added.

Should I Choose a Studio or Ensuite Room in My First Year?

There’s no rule saying first year students have to live in halls or in a shared flat.

If meeting new people is one of your biggest priorities, sharing with other students can make those first few weeks feel a little easier. You’ve immediately got a small group of people around you who are going through the same experience.

But if you know you need your own space, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a studio from the beginning.

You can still meet people through your course, societies, sports and university events. Your accommodation is only one small part of your university social life.

Choose the type of accommodation that you’ll actually feel comfortable coming home to.

What About Second and Third Year Students?

Your priorities can change as you move through university.

By second or third year, you might have a busier timetable and will potentially will be juggling placements. Plus having a dissertation to write or more coursework might sway your decision.

Some students love sharing throughout university. Others decide they’ve done their time arguing over washing up and are very ready for their own kitchen!

This is where private student accommodation in Leicester can give you more choice. You don’t necessarily have to move into a traditional student house just because you’ve finished your first year.

Does Location Matter More Than Room Type?

We think both matter.

A beautiful room isn’t much use if getting to university every morning becomes a headache.

When you’re comparing Leicester student accommodation, look at how you’ll actually get to campus. Don’t automatically dismiss somewhere because it isn’t directly next door to your university either.

A simple, direct bus, bike or car journey can work brilliantly, particularly if it means getting the room type, space or facilities you really want.

If you’re studying at DMU, we’ve also looked at where to find student accommodation near DMU and why you don’t necessarily need to live right beside campus.

Think about the rest of your routine too. Where will you buy food? Can you get into Leicester city centre easily? Is there somewhere to store a bike? If you need a car for placements or travelling home, is parking available?

These aren’t necessarily the exciting things you think about when you first start looking, but they’re often the things you’ll appreciate most once you’ve moved in.

What Should I Look for When Comparing Student Accommodation in Leicester?

Once you’ve decided whether a studio or ensuite sounds right for you, there are a few other things worth checking before you book.

Look at what’s included in your rent, how you’ll get to university, security, WiFi, laundry facilities and the amount of storage and study space you’ll have.

If you’re bringing a bike or car, making you have space for them should be on your priority list too. Bike storage and student parking aren’t automatically available at every property.

Most importantly, think about how you want to live rather than choosing somewhere simply because your friends are doing it.

Where Can I Find Studios and Ensuite Student Rooms in Leicester?

If you’re not quite sure which option is right for you yet, Hops House gives you the choice of both.

There are ensuite rooms in shared flats, including two, three and four-bedroom options. You’ll have your own bedroom and ensuite bathroom while sharing a kitchen and living space with your flatmates.

If you’d rather have your own space, there are also large student studios with separate kitchen space.

All bills are included, and Hops House also has WiFi, laundry facilities, bike storage, secure fob entry and CCTV. Parking is available for an additional charge.

For students travelling to De Montfort University, there’s also a direct bus to the DMU campus in around 18 minutes.

It means you can choose your accommodation based on how you actually want to live, rather than having to choose between completely different locations just to get the right type of room.

Should I Choose a Studio or an Ensuite?

Ask yourself one simple question: how much do I want to share?

If you’d like to come home and have other students around, while still having your own bedroom and bathroom, an ensuite room in a shared flat could give you the balance you’re looking for.

If you want complete independence and your own kitchen, bathroom and living space, a studio is probably going to suit you better.

There’s no right answer, the best student accommodation in Leicester is the one that works for you.