Student's first in one form of accommodation or another (6)
I believe the answer is:
hostel
'student's first' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hostel that I've seen before include "Cheap accommodation for traveller or backpacker" , "Residence, eg for students" , "(Student) lodging place" , "Cheap lodging-house for young travellers" , "Cheap accommodation for travellers" .)