Studio vs Shared Flat: Which Accommodation Is Right For You?

Choosing the right type of student accommodation is one of the first big decisions you’ll make when heading off to university. Whether you’re after the privacy and independence of a studio flat or the social experience of shared accommodation, both options come with their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between studio and shared flats at urbanest, so you can find the perfect living space to suit your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

What is a studio apartment?

A student studio apartment is a private living space containing all the necessary amenities, including a small kitchen, en-suite bathroom, bedroom, desk space and storage. These self-contained apartments provide more space and privacy than a traditional student room in a shared flat, making them ideal for those who want a little more independence. At urbanest, our studio flats for students come equipped with high-quality features like underfloor heating and superfast broadband and are available across all of our 8 London locations.

Explore the urbanest studio collection to find your perfect living space.

What is shared accommodation?

Shared student accommodation offers the perfect balance of privacy and socialising, with flats shared by up to 12 residents. Each student flat includes private bedrooms, some shared between two people, and spacious communal kitchens and living areas. This setup fosters a vibrant, social atmosphere while still providing your own space to unwind.

Available across our eight centrally located London nests, urbanest shared accommodation includes private bedrooms with en-suite options, featuring a bed, desk space, and plenty of storage. Each flat also boasts a modern kitchen, fully equipped with all the essentials, and ample room for both studying and relaxing with friends.

Discover all of our centrally located nests on the urbanest locations page.

What is the difference between a studio and a shared apartment?

The main difference between a studio apartment and a shared flat lies in the communal spaces. In shared accommodation, you’ll share the kitchen, social areas, and sometimes even bathrooms with your flatmates. In contrast, a studio apartment offers a more private experience, with your own small kitchen, en-suite bathroom, and living area, all exclusively for your use.

What are the benefits of a studio apartment?

Living alone as a student can give you more of a taste of life after university and comes with several benefits, including:

1. Independence

Choosing to live in a studio flat at university gives you that extra bit of independence, offering a taste of adult life. It’s the perfect way to get used to living on your own before stepping into the wider world, all while enjoying the security and convenience of university accommodation. With 24/7 security and access to communal spaces within the building, you can still be part of the vibrant student social scene.

2. Privacy

A studio flat is your own private space, making it ideal for those who enjoy their own company or simply need some room to unwind after a busy day of lectures. With your own kitchen, study area, and relaxation space, you can enjoy peace and quiet without any disruptions—perfect for focusing on that essay or just kicking back and recharging.

3. Peace and quiet

With privacy comes peace. Having a studio flat all to yourself means that there is no unwanted music or conversation going on around you while you’re trying to focus. This can be massively helpful for students who need to study for important exams, with fewer distractions to make you lose your train of thought. Plus, you can always head into the shared study spaces if you do get lonely.

4. Easier to keep clean and tidy

Not having to share a kitchen with others means that the cleaning is on your terms and any mess is your own. Whether you like to keep things tidy or tend to leave the odd dish in the sink, there’s nobody to moan at or be moaned at when living by yourself.

5. Living on your own terms

Having a kitchen completely to yourself also means you can cook when you like and eat when you like, without the worry of someone else using the stove or workspace that you need. Similarly, having your own en-suite means you won’t be standing queuing for the bathroom in the morning when you’re running late to a lecture.

6. Socialising when you want

Although studio flats are self-contained, they’re typically located within the main university accommodation building alongside shared flats. This gives you full access to all the communal areas, so you can still enjoy socialising whenever you want. You can dive into the university social scene and then retreat to your own private space in your studio when you need a break. It’s the perfect balance of independence and community.

What are the drawbacks of a studio apartment?

Though studio flats offer privacy and everything you want in one place, there are a few cons that could influence your decision:

1. Smaller kitchen and bathroom

Most studio flats are designed with compact kitchen and bathroom areas, including all the essential amenities in a smaller space. While this works perfectly for many, those who prefer a bit more room might find it a little cosy. If you enjoy having space to spread out, you might feel a bit confined, especially when you’re using the same room for everything.

At urbanest, we understand that space can be essential for comfort. We offer premium, luxury and penthouse studio apartments that provide a more spacious living environment, giving you more freedom to relax and unwind without feeling cramped.

2. Can be lonely

Living alone at university, particularly as a first-year in a new city, can sometimes feel lonely and isolating. While some thrive in their own company, socialising with others is important for our well-being. For those who find it harder to make friends, a shared flat might be a better fit. While studio flats offer opportunities to socialise, they require more effort to connect compared to the natural bonds that form between flatmates. If socialising doesn’t come easily to you, a shared flat could offer a more supportive environment.

Read our 16 tips for making friends in London.

3. More expensive

As studio flats offer added features, extra privacy and convenience, they are generally priced higher than standard shared university flats. This could stretch your student budget, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and plan your finances carefully if you’re considering a studio.

At urbanest, we offer a range of studio apartments across our London nests, including standard, large, penthouse, and luxury options. Each studio comes with its own kitchen and bathroom, and we have a variety of price points, including more affordable choices.

For help budgeting at university, discover our top tips and easy saves.

4. Difficult for hosting

If you love hosting friends and socialising, a standard studio might not be the best fit for you. With their compact size, it can feel a little cosy when trying to hang out or study with others.

But don’t worry – at urbanest, we have plenty of spacious social areas across our London student accommodation, offering the perfect place to relax and connect with friends. Plus, our premium and penthouse studio flats offer a more expansive living space, ideal for hosting guests without having to leave your room.

5. Missing out on student experiences

While a studio flat offers peace and quiet, which many third-years and postgraduates enjoy, first-year students may feel a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). You might miss out on last-minute plans or those spontaneous late-night chats in the shared kitchen – moments that truly shape the university experience. Why not give shared accommodation a try for your first year to make sure you don’t miss out? You can always switch to your own student studio next year when you’re ready for a bit more privacy.

Read more in our guide to second-year accommodation.

What are the benefits of shared flats?

Shared flats are often the most popular choice for first and second-year students due to their many benefits, such as:

1. More sociable

While your flatmates might get on your nerves from time to time, living in shared student accommodation offers a much more sociable experience compared to studio living. It gives you an instant group of friends – your own uni family – to head out with on Freshers’ nights or chat to when you get back after a long day. Shared accommodation gives you that classic uni experience, offering support during unexpected waves of homesickness, exploring new spots around the city, or simply when you’re feeling a bit bored. And when you need some alone time, your private bedroom is the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.

2. Cheaper

One of the biggest advantages of shared accommodation is the cost. Generally, a shared flat is more affordable than a studio, especially if you’re living with a larger group. Plus, sharing with others can help you save a little extra – whether it’s splitting the cost of cleaning products or cooking meals together. This is a real bonus when you’re on a student budget, leaving you with more to spend on the fun things, like nights out or checking out that new brunch spot over the weekend.

To make your student loan go even further, read our 8 money saving tips for students.

3. Less cleaning

In a shared flat, cleaning duties are split, so it takes less time for everyone. While you’ll be responsible for your own room and ensuite, the kitchen and living areas can be shared out. To keep things running smoothly, create a cleaning rota so everyone knows their tasks and when to do them, ensuring the space stays tidy and everyone pulls their weight.

4. Better for hosting

If you love having friends over or want to get to know other flats in your building, a shared apartment is the perfect choice. With spacious communal areas, you can host larger gatherings, from classic kitchen drinking games to group study sessions with classmates. And the best part? You get to enjoy the social side without the worry of your bedroom getting messed up. Just make sure to be respectful and ok it with your flatmates first!

5. Flexible room options

At urbanest, we offer a variety of room types within our shared flats, giving you the best of both worlds. Enjoy the privacy of your own room with an ensuite, while still having access to a shared kitchen space. It’s the perfect balance for those who value their personal space but don’t want to miss out on the social side of university life.

What are the drawbacks of shared flats?

Though they can be more fun, shared student accommodation does come with some disadvantages, including:

1. Lack of privacy

If you’re someone who prefers to keep your pans to yourself or doesn’t enjoy waiting for a turn in the bathroom, a studio flat might be a better fit. While shared flats help you connect with others, they can sometimes feel a bit too close for comfort, with personal space and belongings being shared a little more than you’d like.

2. Noise issues

One of the biggest challenges of living with others, whether at uni or anytime, is unwanted noise. Whether it’s a TV blaring while you’re trying to sleep, music playing in the shared space when you’re studying, or someone coming home late and making a racket in the kitchen, these disruptions can quickly become frustrating. If you’re sensitive to noise, a studio flat might be a better fit, offering you peace and quiet when you need it most.

If you struggle to concentrate, check out our 7 study tips to stay sharp and improve your memory.

3. Mess

In an ideal world, cleaning duties in a shared student flat are equally divided. However, that’s not always the case, and sometimes a few people end up doing more than their fair share, or the lack of effort leads to less-than-pleasant living conditions. To keep things fair and tidy, we recommend setting up a cleaning rota so everyone knows their responsibilities and the flat stays in great shape for all.

For more tips, read our guide to sharing a kitchen at university.

4. Arguments

Whether it’s the above cleaning issues or someone coming home in the early hours and making noise on a regular basis, disagreements with flatmates are bound to happen. While they can be uncomfortable, most conflicts can be easily resolved by being open, honest, and listening to each other’s perspectives.

Navigate flatmate disagreements with our advice for the top 7 most common problems and how to solve them.

Studio vs flat at a glance

To help you decide which one is best for you, we’ve summed up the pros and cons of shared flats vs studio apartments.