Studios vs ensuites in Derby: how to choose

At Northgate House on Agard Street in Derby city centre, you can pick between two main types of room: an ensuite room in a small shared student flat, or a self-contained studio. Both come with the same all-inclusive package, but they suit different kinds of student life.

The short version

• Ensuite room. Your own bedroom and bathroom, with a kitchen and lounge shared with a few flatmates. More sociable, generally more affordable.
• Studio. Your own bedroom, kitchen and bathroom inside one self-contained room. More private, more independent, more space to focus.

What is an ensuite room?

An ensuite room at Northgate House is a private bedroom with a private shower room inside a small shared student flat. You share a kitchen and lounge with the other residents in the flat. The shower room has its own shower, basin and WC, so you never queue for a bathroom.

The bedroom comes furnished with a small double bed (4ft), desk, chair, wardrobe and storage. The shared kitchen has cooking appliances and storage. You also have access to the building-wide facilities: the on-site gym, study rooms, cinema room, games room, communal lounge and laundry.

Best for

• Undergraduates who want a social start in halls without being on top of strangers.
• Students cooking with friends and happy to share the kitchen rota.
• Anyone who wants their own private bathroom but does not need a full self-contained setup.

What is a studio?

A studio at Northgate House is fully self-contained. Your bedroom, kitchen and bathroom are all inside one room with its own front door. You never share a kitchen or a sink. You can cook, study, relax and sleep without walking through anyone else's space.

Studios come in three sizes at Northgate House: standard, deluxe and large. Deluxe and large studios have bigger floor plans and upgraded finishes. All studio types include a small double bed (4ft), desk, chair, wardrobe and storage, plus a kitchen with hob, oven, fridge-freezer and storage, and a private bathroom with shower, basin and WC.

Best for

• Postgraduates and returning students who want quiet and privacy.
• Students working from home regularly and needing a focused study setup.
• International students arriving with their own routine and wanting fewer adjustments on day one.
• Couples (where allowed by current policy). Confirm with the team.

A side-by-side comparison

The differences at a glance, with the same inclusions on both:

How to decide

Most students at Northgate House split along three honest questions:

1. Do you want to cook with other people? If yes, an ensuite makes the social side easy without forcing it.
2. How much do you study from your room? If a lot, a studio gives you a quieter, more controlled space.
3. What is your budget? Ensuite rooms are generally more affordable. Studios cost more but include a private kitchen.

If you are still on the fence, book a viewing and see both room types in person. The on-site team will walk you through an ensuite flat and a studio so you can compare in real space, not photos.

Both rooms include

• ✓ All bills included
• ✓ Wi-Fi up to 200Mbps
• ✓ Electricity, gas, water and heating
• ✓ Contents insurance
• ✓ Fully furnished, 4ft small double bed
• ✓ Fully equipped on-site gym
• ✓ Study rooms and cinema room
• ✓ Games room (pool and foosball)
• ✓ Communal lounge and kitchen
• ✓ On-site laundry
• ✓ 24/7 CCTV and secure entry
• ✓ On-site team, Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm

Pricing and availability

Studios and ensuite rooms start from approximately £100 per week, all bills included. Exact prices, contract lengths and current availability vary by room type and dates. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates and the team will share what is currently available.

Common questions