HMO vs PBSA: Which Student Accommodation Is Right for You?
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When it comes to choosing where to live at university, the decision between shared student accommodation and a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) can feel overwhelming. On the surface, HMOs might seem like the cheaper option, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find they’re often full of hidden costs, unexpected bills, and a lot more hassle than you might think.
What if we told you there’s a smarter way to live as a student—one that offers all-inclusive bills, better security, more convenience, and could save you nearly £3,900 a year?
Living in an HMO means dealing with fluctuating energy bills, buying furniture, paying for gym memberships, and managing everything from council tax to maintenance. And let’s face it—when you’re juggling assignments, exams, and your social life, the last thing you need is more stress. That’s where we come in.
Let’s break it down. Here’s why staying in all-inclusive accommodation isn’t just easier—it’s financially smarter too.
The True Cost of Living in an HMO vs. Staying with Us
To really understand the difference, let’s break down the costs between an HMO and staying with us. The table below shows how much you could save by choosing us over an HMO:
| Amenity | Average HMO Cost | Included with Us | Annual Saving |
| Rent | £136/week | £142/week (including all bills) | £N/A |
| Gym Membership | £13.99/month = £167.88/year | Free on-site gym | £167.88 |
| Cinema Room Access | £9.99/ticket (1 per week = £519.48/year) | Free on-site cinema room | £519.48 |
| Arcade/Games Room | £5 per visit (1 per week = £260/year) | Free access to on-site games room | £260.00 |
| Coffee | £3 per coffee (5 per week = £780/year) | Free coffee stations | £780.00 |
| Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water) | £50/month = £600/year | All utilities included in rent | £600.00 |
| Internet | £30/month = £360/year | High-speed internet included | £360.00 |
| Council Tax | Up to £1,200/year (if exemption not applied) | Included (student exemption handled by us) | £1,200.00 |
Total Potential Savings by Staying with Us: £3,887.36/year
All Bills Included—No Hidden Surprises
One of the biggest advantages of staying with us is that all your bills are included in your rent. In an HMO, you’ll likely be responsible for paying separate bills for electricity, gas, water, and high-speed internet. These costs can vary each month, especially with energy prices on the rise, leaving you to deal with unpredictable expenses.
By contrast, our accommodation offers one straightforward monthly payment that includes everything—from your utilities and Wi-Fi to 24/7 security and maintenance. This way, you won’t have to worry about surprise costs, and you can budget with confidence, knowing exactly what your monthly outgoings will be.
Priceless Convenience: Gym, Security, and Entertainment Right at Your Door
Staying with us isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about enhancing your student life with incredible conveniences. Imagine having a gym just a few floors away, 24/7 security on hand for peace of mind, and a cinema room where you and your friends can relax and unwind—all without leaving the building!
You also won’t need to worry about paying for a gym membership or travelling across town for entertainment. Everything you need is right here, saving you time and additional costs. Not to mention the added luxury of having your own en-suite bathroom, making your living experience more comfortable and private—something that’s not guaranteed in an HMO.
Security and Support You Can Rely On
Safety is a top priority for most students, but in HMOs, security measures can be lacking. Often, the responsibility of ensuring the property is secure falls on the tenants themselves, which can be stressful. Living in an HMO means you’re relying on your housemates to lock doors and keep the place secure, and your landlord might not always be available if something goes wrong.
When you stay with us, 24-hour security is included as part of your package. From secure entry systems to CCTV monitoring, we take care of your safety around the clock. Additionally, our friendly on-site staff are always available to help with any concerns, whether it’s a maintenance issue or a general question about your stay. You’re never on your own with us—you have a support system in place whenever you need it.
No Hidden Costs—Budgeting Made Simple
While HMOs may seem cheaper at first glance, the hidden costs can quickly add up. In addition to paying for utilities, you’ll likely face extra expenses like:
- Furniture: Many HMOs come unfurnished or partly furnished, meaning you may need to buy your own bed, desk, or kitchen appliances.
- Insurance: You’ll probably need to arrange contents insurance to protect your belongings.
- Council tax: While most students are exempt, there are often complications in some HMOs, leading to unnecessary stress and paperwork.
- Repairs and Maintenance: If something breaks, you could be left waiting for your landlord to fix it, or worse, be forced to pay for repairs yourself.
By choosing to stay with us, you won’t need to worry about any of these extra costs. Our accommodation comes fully furnished, and our on-site maintenance team handles all repairs quickly and efficiently—at no extra cost to you. Everything is designed to make your life simpler and easier.
Community and Comfort—More Than Just a Room
Living in an HMO can sometimes feel a bit lonely or isolating, especially if you don’t click with your housemates. You might not get the sense of community you’re looking for, and social opportunities can be limited.
When you stay with us, you’re not just renting a room—you’re becoming part of a vibrant student community. Our shared spaces, including common rooms, study areas, and social events, are designed to help you meet new people, make friends, and enjoy your university experience to the fullest.
Additionally, our properties are located close to universities and city centres, making it convenient to commute and stay connected with everything you need. An HMO might not offer the same easy access to university or the amenities you need on a daily basis, leaving you with longer travel times or unreliable transport links.
Click here to get in touch with our friendly team and find out more about all of the benefits our properties have to offer!
References
Save the Student – Student Bills Guide
Insight on average utility costs for students living in shared housing or HMOs.
https://www.savethestudent.org/money/student-bills/student-bills-costs.html
Ofcom – Pricing Trends for Communications Services
Provides insights on average broadband costs in the UK.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/229688/pricing-report-2022.pdf
National Student Accommodation Survey 2023 – Save the Student
Comprehensive data on average student rents and preferences in the UK.
https://www.savethestudent.org/accommodation/national-student-accommodation-survey.html
PureGym – Flexible Membership Options
PureGym’s student membership options and pricing, representative of budget gym memberships for students in the UK.
https://www.puregym.com/memberships/student-discount/
UK Cinema Association – Facts and Figures
Overview of average cinema ticket prices in the UK.
https://www.cinemauk.org.uk/facts-and-figures/
GOV.UK – Council Tax Exemptions for Full-Time Students
Government resource on council tax exemptions, particularly for students.
https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-full-time-students
Statista – Cinema Ticket Prices in the UK
Provides data on average cinema ticket prices in the UK over recent years.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/297393/average-cinema-ticket-price-in-the-united-kingdom/
Costa Coffee – Pricing at UK Coffee Shops
General pricing at Costa, representative of coffee costs for UK students.
https://www.costa.co.uk/menu
The Gym Group – Student Discount Membership
Example of flexible gym memberships available for students in the UK.
https://www.thegymgroup.com/memberships/student-discount/