The truth is, you can’t assume student accommodation always comes with food included. Some places throw in three meals a day, others hand you the keys to a kitchen and wish you luck. That’s a big difference for your daily life—and your wallet. Ever hear someone grumbling about instant noodles for dinner every night? They probably landed in a self-catered spot.
Here’s the thing: the only way to be sure about food is to check what your specific housing offer says. If you see the word “catered,” food’s usually sorted. If it’s “self-catered,” you’re the chef. But there are also hybrids, like meal plans where you get vouchers or credit for on-campus cafes.
Don’t forget about extras either. Even in catered accommodation, some meals might not be covered (think: weekend brunch, snacks, late-night cravings). So, before you dream of skipping grocery shopping for a year, scroll through the fine print—and ask current students what they actually get. One quick message in a student group could save you a fridge full of surprises.
- How Student Accommodation Usually Works
- Catered vs. Self-Catered: The Real Difference
- How to Know If Food’s Included (or Not)
- Budgeting for Food in Student Housing
- Tips for Eating Well Away from Home
How Student Accommodation Usually Works
Student accommodation isn’t just one-size-fits-all. There's a lot of variety depending on where you go and what you pay for. The two big types? University halls (also called dorms) and private housing. Both come with their own set of rules, prices, and expectations.
In university halls, students can choose between a couple of main setups: catered and self-catered. Catered halls usually mean your rent includes a set number of meals per week, served in a cafeteria or dining hall. In self-catered halls, you get shared kitchens and you’re on your own for shopping, cooking, and cleaning up. Some unis mix things up and offer both types in the same building, so it pays to know what you’re signing up for.
Private housing, like flats or houses rented from a landlord or letting agent, almost never includes food. You pay for just the use of the room or property, and food is 100% your responsibility. Some student apartment blocks might offer paid food services or nearby cafés, but that’s the exception, not the rule.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you might get, depending on what you choose:
| Type | Food Included? | Kitchen Access |
|---|---|---|
| Catered University Hall | Yes (usually 1-3 meals/day) | Maybe (limited or none) |
| Self-Catered University Hall | No | Yes (shared kitchen) |
| Private Student Flat/House | No | Yes (private or shared) |
One thing people don’t realize is that some universities require all first-year students to stay in campus housing, so you might not have a choice at first. If you love the idea of meals being taken care of, look for catered housing early—those spots fill up fast.
- Always double-check the contract to see what’s included.
- Ask current students what they actually get—it’s sometimes different from what’s advertised.
- Don’t expect fancy food by default—meals in catered halls are usually basic, but convenient.
The student accommodation scene is full of options. Knowing what’s standard at your uni makes it easier to budget and avoid surprises later on.
Catered vs. Self-Catered: The Real Difference
If you’re picking between catered and self-catered student accommodation, you’re really choosing between having your food made for you or cooking everything yourself. Both options shape your daily routine, your social life, and—guess what—your monthly budget.
Student accommodation with catering means your rent usually covers a set number of meals, like breakfast and dinner on weekdays. You get a cafeteria or dining hall on-site or close by. This means predictable food, fewer supermarket trips, and way less time thinking about what’s for dinner. Some UK universities report over 40% of first-year students still go for catered halls because they want that simple routine and regular meals to keep them going through lectures and late-night study sessions.
Self-catered places hand you the kitchen keys. Cooking is your job. You’ll handle all your own groceries and learn—fast—how to make dinner stretch until payday. For a lot of students, this means getting creative with quick recipes, group dinners, or bulk meal prepping. The freedom to eat what you want, whenever you want, is a top reason students pick self-catered, according to a 2023 survey from Save the Student. Plus, kitchens become hangout spots, especially in international flats where food turns into late-night bonding.
There are big differences when it comes to what you get for your money. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Catered | Self-Catered | |
|---|---|---|
| Meals included | 2–3 daily (set times) | None, you cook yourself |
| Kitchen access | Usually limited or just for snacks | Full kitchen in flat or corridor |
| Weekly cost (UK 2024 avg.) | £190–£250 (meals included) | £120–£180 (+£30–£50 groceries) |
| Best for | Busy schedules, first-year students | Independent eaters, confident cooks |
Catered is great if you want your food sorted and your schedule set. Self-catered gives you control, but you have to stay on top of grocery shopping and, honestly, cleaning up after yourself. Before picking one, think about how much you actually like to cook, if having regular meals matters, and how social you want your kitchen to be. That’ll matter more than you expect when deadlines pile up.
How to Know If Food’s Included (or Not)
Here’s the fastest way to stop guessing: look for the words “catered” or “self-catered” in the accommodation description. “Catered” means meals are provided—usually breakfast and dinner, sometimes lunch. “Self-catered” means you’ll find a kitchen and have to buy and cook your own food. Don’t let pictures of a nice dining hall fool you; always check what’s actually included in the rent.
It’s common for UK university halls to use “catered” for places where food is part of the deal, while U.S. colleges often talk about “meal plans.” These meal plans might include a certain number of meals per week in a campus cafeteria or credits you can spend at on-site restaurants.
- Read your accommodation offer or contract closely. They’ll spell out if meals are part of your rent or totally separate.
- Check the accommodation website for terms like "meals included," "meal plan," or "kitchen access." The details are usually in a breakdown of what you pay for.
- If you’re unclear, ask the accommodation office or student housing team directly. A quick email or call can clear stuff up.
- Find real-talk from students on social media or Reddit. Search for reviews with your university’s name plus “food” or “meals.” Firsthand stories will tell you what really happens day-to-day.
Some student accommodation throws in extras like snacks, themed dinners, or social nights with free food—often as occasional perks. But for regular meals, only trust what’s officially listed. The student accommodation industry is full of different options, so there’s zero shame in triple-checking before you decide.
Budgeting for Food in Student Housing
If your rent doesn’t cover meals, it’s time to get real about what you’ll actually spend on food. Don’t just guess—prices for groceries and takeout can catch anyone off guard, especially in student towns where prices can be a bit wild. The trick? Plan ahead and break down your food spending before those snacks and late-night pizzas eat up your cash.
You should figure out if you’ll mostly be cooking, eating out, or mixing both. Self-catered students usually spend less if they learn to cook simple meals. According to the National Union of Students UK, the average weekly grocery bill for a student is about £25–£35, while grabbing ready-made food or eating out can double that number.
| Food Option | Average Weekly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Cooking at Home | 25–35 |
| Meal Plan (Catered) | 45–60 |
| Eating Out | 60–80 |
Want to spend less? Try shopping at discount supermarkets, buy in bulk with housemates, and look for student deals at local cafes. Also, choosing frozen veggies or store brands can really cut down costs without making you live off instant noodles.
Here's a quick checklist to keep your student accommodation grocery shopping sane:
- Set a clear weekly budget and track every pound—apps like Monzo or Yolt make this easy.
- Plan meals for the week before you shop, and stick to a list.
- Batch-cook meals and freeze portions so you’re not tempted by takeout every time you’re tired.
- Get friendly with leftovers—they’re your best friend on a rough week.
One big tip: don’t forget to budget for those little extras, like coffee runs or late-night snacks. They add up when you’re not paying attention. If you're sharing a kitchen, a cooking rota can also help everyone save money and time, since buying some stuff in group sizes is way cheaper per person.
Tips for Eating Well Away from Home
Staying healthy in student accommodation isn’t as complicated as it seems. You don’t need a full chef’s kitchen or your grandma’s cookbook. It’s about basics, smart choices, and a bit of creativity, even when you’re pressed for time or cash.
Start by stocking up on flexible ingredients that don’t break the bank. Think rice, pasta, canned beans, eggs, frozen veggies, and oats. These stretch into all kinds of quick meals—like a big veggie stir-fry, overnight oats, or a bean chili. They're also perfect for sharing if you split shopping with flatmates.
Batch cooking is a lifesaver. Spend an hour on Sunday making a big pot of soup, stew, or curry. Portion it into containers and suddenly weekday dinners are sorted—and it beats microwave noodles every time.
If you’re in a catered hall, don’t just stop at what’s served. Grab fruit or yogurt from breakfast to snack on later, within the rules. Some universities clearly allow this, others don’t, so check first.
- Make a simple meal plan for the week. This helps you avoid last-minute panic-buying and saves money.
- Get a reusable lunchbox. Leftovers from dinner become tomorrow’s lunch.
- Follow campus food pages or group chats for deals—many spots on or near campus offer legit student discounts.
- Mix up your meals with cheap, healthy swaps. For example, swap half your meat for lentils in spaghetti Bolognese to save money and get more protein.
- If you’ve never cooked before, YouTube is your new best friend. Search for five-ingredient or “student meal” recipes—there are thousands out there.
One more thing—don’t feel weird if you miss home food. It happens to everyone. A lot of local supermarkets have small “world food” sections, and you can sometimes find the snacks or spices you miss. Or gather a few friends and try making your family’s signature dish together. It’s a fun way to bond and beat the homesick blues.