Student living: Hotels vs serviced apartments

For many of us searching for suitable student accommodation can be a very stressful activity - especially for those coming from overseas who may not be able to undergo multiple viewings before they begin their studies. .

Firstly, there’s such an enormous range of options, that it often seems impossible to decide what could be the most beneficial accommodation for you. Secondly, it can be difficult to know which organisations or brands to trust, especially when moving to an unknown city. How can you guarantee that you’ll be provided with the relaxing stay that you require? On top of that, you’ve got to search for the best providers for gas, electricity, water and internet and with the cost of living continuously increasing, bills can end up costing students an extortionate amount.

It’s one of the reasons why hotels and regular apartments you can find online - previously considered the go-to for private, luxury student accommodation - are becoming increasingly less preferable to that of serviced apartments. With a self-contained apartment, students (who can afford it) are provided with spacious living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and some even feature additional luxuries from air conditioning and in-house laundry facilities to gym access and rooftop terraces, with all utility expenses included in the rate so there’s no need to worry about searching for utility providers before moving in. Cheers to a stress-free life!

Here, Student Luxe delves into the world of student accommodation and explains why serviced apartments could be a perfect alternative to a hotel room or other equivalent  that you’ve been searching for.

Feel at home

Judy Garland was on the money when she announced ‘there’s no place like home’ in The Wizard of Oz, and quite rightly so. Home should be that haven you return to after a long day of studying, a space where you can cook, dine and relax for the period you’re staying in the location. It’s so important for your mental health to create a safe place which really feels like your own - no matter the duration of time you’re there, and it’s pretty hard to do that in a small hotel room. With serviced apartments, students have the opportunity to really feel at home, with separate kitchen, working, living and dining spaces to utilise and unwind in. This has become even more prevalent post-COVID19, where we’ve seen a huge uptake in demand for private living quarters without communal spaces.

Paperwork no more!

One of the most stressful parts to moving into accommodation is finding the best utility provider. From gas and electricity, to water and internet, not forgetting your tv licence, housekeeping bills, council tax - the list is endless. Serviced apartments take that responsibility off your shoulders and pay for all of those additional costs, which means there’s no need to worry about the essentials you’d need to sort for a basic flat rental. On top of this, there’s no dealing with opening or closing contracts, no disputes between landlords - you check into the apartment, and check out, leaving the space as you’ve found it and that’s it! Simple. This means students can spend their valuable time and energy focusing on more important things - hopefully achieving their true potential with their studies.

Spacious apartments

The benefit of a serviced apartment is just that - it’s an apartment. Whether it’s a classic studio, 1, 2 or 3 bed, you’re not confined to a small sleeping area like you would be in a hotel rental, but instead have ample space to move and live in. Your home away from home.

Home comforts

Hotels offer guests bedroom and bathroom facilities, as well as possibly wardrobe space and sometimes seating -  but that’s usually it, unless you spend an extortionate amount on an expensive hotel room, and even then, homely comforts aren’t guaranteed. 

Unlike serviced apartments, hotel rooms are not designed for long term stays…

The beauty of a serviced apartment is that they’re fully furnished and equipped with all the facilities you need to live comfortably in the home you’ll be retreating to after a laborious day of studying. Whilst some offer dishwashers and washing machines, others provide high-definition televisions, well-stocked kitchens including all necessary essentials needed for cooking and dining as well as a constant replenished supply of coffee pods, linen, shower gel and soap. Some apartments even offer extras like free gym access 24/7, a lounge bar and private balconies. You’ve got all your home comforts, in a deluxe environment under one roof. Now , that’s luxury living.

Cook up a storm in your own kitchen

You don’t have to be the next masterchef to reap the benefits from having your own kitchen. A huge part of student life is learning how to live by yourself and get accustomed to becoming self-reliant to an extent. Whether you’re a budding Nigella Lawson, are too busy to cook and need to whip up some quick ready-made meals, or simply want a night in with popcorn, a serviced apartment allows you to do all three, in comparison to a hotel stay, where you’re going to need to spend an outrageous amount on dining out constantly.

Meet the neighbours - but in a modern, communal space and not over the fence

Anyone who’s lived by themselves before can relate to the pleasant, sometimes awkward encounter you may have with your neighbours when you move in. You grin and wave over the fence and chat about the weather, or you exchange a glance when you both pick up your letters at the same time. 

‘You’re new here?’

‘Yes’.

‘Nice to meet you - see you around…the apartment block’.

Or words to that effect.

With serviced-apartments, you can often find individuals of a similar background hanging out in the various communal areas on offer. From working out together in the gym, to seeing a familiar face having a daily coffee on the roof terrace, you’ve got a cheerful, buzzing environment to meet your neighbours and make new acquaintances - which is great for those moving from further afield to their family and friends.

Flexible stays are the new exclusive way of living

It’s true. 

With an influx of students to the main cities in the UK and around the world, flexible stays are becoming the norm. Serviced apartments cater to the increasing demand for flexible living - a minimum stay of three months is usually required as opposed to the more stringent requisite of a year’s stay.

…Looking for a serviced apartment?

Send one of our friendly team a message:

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We are Student Luxe, a luxury student accommodation company that houses guests in hundreds of deluxe apartments in and around Central London and beyond. We believe that every student deserves a comfortable home away from home; a luxurious haven in which they can unwind and relax after a day of studying.