I have studied in University of Southampton for four years (now is my fifth year). I have stayed in a private house for two years and in hall of residence for the other two years. There are few hall of residence around the main campus, such as Montefiore House which is located about 20-30 minutes walking distance from the main campus; Glen Eyre Hall of Residence which is located about 10-15 minutes walking distance from the main campus; Bencraft Hall which is located about similar distance as Montefiore from the main campus and so forth.

Let me talk about the benefits of staying in hall. Undenialbly, hall of residence is the best place to expose oneself to different cultures. The best place to hang out with other friends from other world than oneself. Then from that you can know more about their cultures, backgrounds and so forth. That is cool indeed. Additionally you don't have to worry about the toilet and kitchen cleanning tasks which is very irritating because dear cleanners will do that for us. Sounds very fun and great. However the bad thing is the hall cost is increasing drastically from year to year. And sometimes the accommodation office system is very irritating, for example if you want to change a room you must go through much terrible and troublesome processes.

Now how about living in a private house. The best thing is you may stay with your best friends, sharing your life with them no matter when you are happy or sad. You own a warm house (though it is only temporary). Although the cleanning is very troublesome but I enjoyed doing that with my housemates. Honestly I have had a great time staying in house with my friends. In fact the rental fee is much cheaper comparing to hall (I was very lucky). Of course you must be very lucky to find a house which is cheap and nice, and you must be very good in looking for your housemates.

Well, it depends on what you like. I think there are of course pros and cons and you must know
how to balance for yourself.