The University of Hertfordshire has two campuses in Hatfield, and where you choose to live shapes your whole student experience. Here's how to weigh up halls versus a house share, pick the right area, and avoid the scams that catch students out every year.
Know your two campuses
UoH is split across College Lane and de Havilland, connected by a free shuttle bus and within easy reach of each other. College Lane is the larger, older site; de Havilland is the modern campus with the business and sport schools. Whichever your faculty is based at, you'll want accommodation with a quick, reliable journey to it — most Hatfield house shares are a short bus ride, cycle or walk from both.
Halls vs private house share
University halls
Halls are convenient for first years: you're on or near campus, everything's bundled, and you meet lots of people fast. The trade-offs are cost (often the priciest option per week) and the fact that you're in a study-bedroom block rather than a proper house.
Private house shares
A private house share usually works out cheaper, gives you a bigger, more homely room, and lets you choose who you live with from second year onwards. With a good landlord and a room that suits you — single, double or en-suite — it's the option many students prefer once they know the area.
Rule of thumb: halls for the social safety-net of first year if you want it; a house share when you want more space, lower cost and independence.
Best areas to live near UoH
- Central Hatfield / AL10: closest to campus, the station and the shops — ideal if you want short journeys and an easy commute to London.
- South Hatfield: quieter residential streets, often a little cheaper, still well connected by bus.
- Welwyn Garden City (AL7): next door to Hatfield with great rail links — a good shout if you want a slightly larger town feel.
- Potters Bar (EN6): further south and closer to London, handy for some courses and for the Royal Veterinary College's nearby campus.
What does it cost?
Prices vary by room type and how central you are, but bills-included rooms in Hatfield house shares typically start from around £130 per week for a single and £155+ for a double, with everything — gas, electricity, water and superfast WiFi — in one payment. Because full-time students are exempt from council tax, your weekly rent really is close to your all-in housing cost.
How to avoid rental scams
Sadly, students are a common target for fake listings, especially on open marketplaces. Protect yourself:
- Never pay a deposit before viewing — in person or via a proper video call.
- Be wary of "landlords" who can't meet and push you to transfer money urgently.
- Check your deposit will be protected in a government-approved scheme.
- You should never pay agency or admin fees to rent in England — those were banned in 2019.
- Prefer a verified, local landlord you can actually talk to over an anonymous advert.
This is exactly why renting directly from a local landlord is so reassuring: real photos, a real person, a genuine viewing, and a properly protected deposit — with no fees on top.
Find a room near campus
We let furnished, bills-included rooms across Hatfield, minutes from both UoH campuses and with no agency fees. Browse our student accommodation, compare room types, or book a viewing and we'll reply within 24 hours.