Halls of residence, flats or student accommodation? A comprehensive comparison for students in Brno

6 min read

Being accepted onto a university in Brno is brilliant news. But straight away, a practical question arises: where will you live whilst you’re studying? Most students choose between three options: university halls of residence, a traditional flat share, and a student residence. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, and what excites one person might disrupt another’s ability to study.

In this article, we’ll give an honest comparison of all three options. We’ll look at privacy, facilities, administration and the community, as well as what’s (and isn’t) included in the price. We’ll also explain why a student residence in Brno might be the happy medium that combines the advantages of a hall of residence with those of a flat of your own.

University halls of residence: a simple start, but little privacy

A hall of residence is the traditional choice for first-year students. Its biggest advantage is its simplicity: you apply for accommodation through the university and don’t have to negotiate with a flat owner. What’s more, you’ll meet plenty of fellow students at the hall of residence, so there’ll be no shortage of social life.

The trade-off, however, is usually a lack of privacy. Rooms are often shared, with kitchenettes and bathrooms shared by several people at once, and you sometimes have to fight for a quiet spot to study. The facilities tend to be rather basic and the atmosphere is livelier. Halls of residence are therefore best suited to sociable types who aren’t too bothered by noise in the corridor.

Renting a flat with flatmates: freedom and extra worries

A traditional rental appeals because of the freedom it offers. You choose your flatmates yourself, set up the household as you like, and no one dictates the rules for shared spaces. For a close-knit group of friends, this can be a pleasant solution.

However, before you move in, there’s quite a lot of work and paperwork to sort out:

  • searching for a vacant flat and liaising with the landlords,
  • the tenancy agreement, which needs to be read carefully,
  • transferring utility accounts, paying deposits and setting up internet access,
  • often furnishing the flat as well, as not every rental is fully furnished.

You should also bear in mind that if a flatmate moves out during the year, it’s usually up to you to find a replacement.

Student accommodation: the comfort of a flat, the simplicity of halls of residence

A student residence strikes a balance, taking the best of both worlds. You live in a modern, well-furnished flat, surrounded by a community of students, and the operator takes care of matters for you that you would otherwise have to manage yourself in a traditional rental.

In ABC Student & Home residences, this specifically means that utility bills (electricity, water and heating) and high-speed Wi-Fi are already included in the rent. The flats are brand new and fully equipped, including kitchenware and bedding, so you can move in with just a suitcase. You’ll have access to a communal lounge with a study area and a self-service launderette. You can choose your level of privacy based on the room type: STUDIO, SINGLE or DOUBLE. We go into detail about these in the article ‘Studio, single or double’.

A clear comparison

Criterion Hall of residence Shared flat Student residence
Privacy Limited; rooms and facilities are usually shared High, depending on the agreement between flatmates Optional depending on room type (STUDIO, SINGLE, DOUBLE)
Facilities Rather basic Varies; it is often necessary to buy additional items Fully equipped, including kitchenware and bedding
Utility bills and Wi-Fi Usually included in the accommodation You sort this out and manage it yourself Included in the rent
Community Very lively, sometimes a bit too much Just your flatmates A student community with a quiet atmosphere for studying
Contract Arranged through the university according to its rules Negotiated individually with the landlord Accommodation for 10 or 12 months

Four ABC Student & Home residences in Brno

ABC Student & Home operates four residences in Brno. In the quiet district of Žabovřesky, you’ll find Plevova 7 and, right next to it, Plevova 9, both with a pleasant student atmosphere. In Královo Pole, you’ll find Tyršova 70, a corner house right next to public transport stops, from which the universities are within 10 minutes’ reach by public transport, and a newly renovated building at Střední 15. All the buildings have public transport stops nearby, and the faculties of Brno University of Technology, Mendel University and Masaryk University are within easy reach. Journey times to the individual faculties and virtual tours can be found on the ‘Residences and Location’ page.

The accommodation is intended for university students and young people in vocational training. The aim is to provide a peaceful, community-oriented environment where residents can study and relax. You’ll also find restaurants, supermarkets and cafés in the vicinity of the residences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the student residence suitable for?

It is suitable for university students and young people in vocational training who want modern, fully-equipped accommodation without having to worry about utility bills or internet access. It will appeal to those seeking a balance between community life and a peaceful environment for studying.

What is included in the rent at ABC Student & Home halls of residence?

Utility bills – including electricity, water and heating – as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. The units are fully equipped, including kitchenware and bedding. There is a communal lounge with a study area and a self-service launderette. You can find the specific amounts in the price list on the website.

How does the booking process work, and what does it commit me to?

Booking via the online form is non-binding. It is an expression of interest, not a confirmed booking, and therefore does not guarantee a specific place. You will receive a reply within 3 working days at the latest. Accommodation is arranged for 10 or 12 months, and a couple or group of friends should submit a single joint application. We describe the entire process in the article ‘How the booking works’.

Whichever route you choose, we hope you enjoy your studies in Brno. And if you’re interested in the student residence, take a look at the rooms and price list, choose your room type and submit a non-binding enquiry via the booking form. We’ll be happy to get back to you.

Looking for student housing in Brno?

Choose a residence and room type and send us a non-binding enquiry. We will get back to you within 3 working days.