All-inclusive halls of residence vs shared flat: total cost 2025/2026

When you're looking for budget student accommodation the typical comparison is clear: halls of residence vs student flat? But the price of rent, utilities and transport has risen in 2025/2026 so looking at monthly rent is no longer enough.

To make a realistic decision you need to calculate the total cost of each option: rent, bills, transport, travel time, incidentals and also the "extras" you get (gym, study areas, community, etc.).

In this article you'll find out what an all-inclusive hall of residence and a shared flat really include, how to compare the two models, and key questions to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

What does an all-inclusive hall of residence usually include?

University halls of residence have changed a lot in recent years. Much more than "room and board", many now offer an all-inclusive model designed to simplify student life.

In a modern hall of residence, the monthly payment is often a lump sum:

• Furnished room (single or shared, with or without private bathroom)
• Utilities: electricity, water, heating/air-conditioning
• High-speed Internet
• Cleaning of common areas (and sometimes rooms)
• Study areas and communal spaces (lounges, terrace, coworking, cinema, etc.)
• Gym or sports area
• Maintenance and technical support
• Reception and, in many cases, security
• Activities and community life

The main advantage is predictability: you know from the start how much you're going to pay each month and what's included. You don't depend on the latest electricity bill or whether the boiler decides to break down in January.

This is the model followed by residences such as Canvas World in university cities, with services designed so that you don't have to worry about bills or breakdowns and can focus on studying.

Example of costs of living in a hall of residence

• All-inclusive hall of residence fee: €650-800/month (depending on room type and city)
• Transport: €15-30/month (less if the residence is close to the campus)
• Meals: €180-230/month (cooking or combined with set menus)
• Leisure extras: €60-100/month
• Indicative total cost: €905-1,160/month

In many cities, halls of residence are located close to campuses and are well connected by public transport, which helps to further cut travel costs.

What does living in a shared flat involve?

Shared flats are often seen as the "natural" choice when looking for affordable student accommodation. It's true that it can be cheaper, but only if you add up all the costs and spread them correctly.

IIn a shared flat you'll have at least:

• Monthly flat rent (to be divided between the flatmates)
• Deposit (1-2 months' rent, paid in advance)
• Utilities: electricity, water, gas/heating
• Internet
• Possible community or other charges
• Missing furniture and utensils (chairs, kitchenware, lamps, etc.)
• Minor repairs not covered by the owner
• Household or liability insurance (depending on the contract)

Add to this what you don't always count at the beginning: management time (contracts, changes of ownership, complaints) and the risk of unforeseen events (a flatmate who leaves in the middle of the course, an old appliance that breaks, etc.).

Example of a shared flat

• Flat rent (3 rooms): €900-1,200/month → €300-400/month per person
• Utilities (annual average): €150-250/month → €50-85/person
• Internet: €30-35/month → €8-12/person
• Community/others: €0-25/month → €0-8/person
• Maintenance and minor repairs (pro rata for the year): €10-20/person/month
• Transport: €20-35/month (depending on how far you are from the campus)
• External gym: €25-40/month
• Meals: €180-230/month
• Indicative total cost: €593-830/month

In cities with very student-oriented neighbourhoods, rents can be somewhat higher, especially in refurbished and well-located flats.

Hall of residence vs student flat: a practical comparison

If we compare a hall of residence and a student flat, beyond the mere price:

All-inclusive hall of residence

Advantages

• Pooled and predictable expenses
• Minimal formalities: you're not responsible for utilities or repairs
• Communal areas (study, leisure, gym) included
• Community life and organised activities, ideal if you're in a new city
• Student-friendly location (close to campus, frequent transport)

Disadvantages

• Higher monthly fee than an affordable shared flat
• More defined rules of coexistence and timetables in some cases.
• Less scope for "personalising" space

If you're interested in this model, at Canvas World you can see how it works in practice (room types, services included and how to book a place).

Shared flat

Advantages

• It may be the cheapest option if you can find a reasonable rent and control your costs
• Greater sense of independence and flexibility in day-to-day life
• More choice of neighbourhood and type of housing
• Possibility of living with friends if you organise it together

Disadvantages

• Variable bills: heating/air-conditioning or a cold winter can push up costs
• Time spent on paperwork and repairs
• Risk of a flatmate leaving or not paying
• Varying flat quality (insulation, furniture, heating, etc.)

Factors other than just money

When it comes to choosing budget student accommodation, there are aspects that don't always translate into euros but impact your experience (and sometimes your pocket in the medium term):

• Time: what you spend handling contracts or bills you don't spend studying, doing internships or resting.
• Climate and insulation: a poorly insulated flat may look cheap until the first hot or cold snap comes.
• Security and support: having a team in the building or at the front desk versus having to deal with issues on your own.
• Social life and support network: your environment influences how you adapt to the city, which is key if you're going to study outside your home region or country.

How to decide: checklist for 2025/2026

Before choosing a hall of residence vs a student flat, answer these questions:

1. Actual budget

• What's your monthly ceiling including rent, utilities, transport, food and leisure?
• What margin do you have for contingencies?

2. Location and travel times

• How long does it take you to get from your residence or flat to your faculty?
• Are you going to rely on the bus/metro on a daily basis?

3. Tolerance of uncertainty

• Are you overwhelmed when a bill is €60-80 higher than expected?
• Are you willing to take on repairs, formalities and changing flatmates?

4. What do you value most in your daily life?

• Do you prefer community, services included and support in the building?
• Or do you prioritise paying as little as possible, even if you have to spend more time with formalities?

5. Duration of your stay

• Are you staying for a full course or just one semester?
• Are you interested in a very stable solution or something more flexible?

Answering honestly will help you to see whether an all-inclusive hall of residence or a shared flat is worthwhile (and what type of flat you need to look for).

Conclusion

In 2025/2026, a shared flat is still the cheapest option on paper. But when you add utilities, transport, gym, incidentals and time, the difference with an all-inclusive hall of residence is smaller, especially in cities with a high demand for accommodation.

• If your priority is convenience, predictability and community, a modern hall of residence can be a good investment.
• If your top priority is to keep your budget as tight as possible and you're willing to take the risk, a well-chosen flat-share is still an excellent alternative.

The key is to compare the total cost, not just the rent, and to consider the context of your city before deciding. And if you want to see how this translates into real-life cases, you'll find detailed information on halls of residences, rooms and services at Canvas World .