Life in halls is amazing. You'll meet some incredible people, many of whom will probably become your closest friends, and even housemates for the years ahead. You'll learn drinking games you'd never imagined before, share plenty of weird and wonderful moments, and become closely acquainted with the cleaners, security, maintenance staff and regular fire drills... It's an unmissable way to start university, and although I'm looking forward to moving into a house where all of the hobs work, I will miss my 'house' and the 42-odd people I live with, two of whom I will still be living with next year!
I chose my halls for three reasons. Firstly, I wanted my own bathroom, which narrowed it down to 'Ensuite Premium' and 'Ensuite'; secondly, I couldn't afford Ensuite Premium; and thirdly, I'd read about accommodation choices on the student room and seen lots of positive comments. All halls have reputations attached to them, and every university has one accommodation type which has a reputation for parties! The word that came up most often in describing the Village, (the name of my halls), was community, and it was a good description. There's a kind of family connection between Village residents - and a friendly rivalry between the houses!
As a general rule, you can't go wrong with university accommodation. Most universities seem to have renovated their accommodation or built new blocks in the last ten years, and standards are high. Even if you end up in somewhere 'a bit scabby', you'll be sharing that experience with a group of bright and lively people who make the experience enjoyable!
Price is obviously the most important factor, but look at other things too. Flat size, location and facilities are important. Catered halls will save you the hassle of cooking for yourself, but will restrict you to rigid meal times, including very early dinners. Self-catered allows you more flexibility, and even if you're not a natural cook (like me!) I would definitely recommend self-catered over catered if you have the choice.
Location is the other big factor. At my uni, halls are located on three sites. Most of the accommodation is on campus. These lucky people can roll out of bed 15 minutes before their lectures, and still have time to shower. My halls, the 'Village', is down the road, about 8-10 minutes walk from the centre of campus. Although further away from the uni, we're nearer to Tesco's and the Co-op, and we have our own stream and park area hidden at the back of the village. Plus we have our own laundrette! The third location is a good half hour's bus ride away, in the city. The smallest hall group, it's generally acknowledged to be the worst accommodation offered by the uni. If the accommodation is good enough, the distance might not matter so much, but it does distance you socially from other students.
Some things you should consider:
- Where are the halls?
- Will I be able to park my car (if you have one... not likely) or store my bike?
- Are there any bus routes nearby, and is there a bus route to the university?
- Are there any shops nearby?
The best way to choose your accommodation is to visit the university and talk to existing students, but if you can't get there, go online! Many universities offer 'online tours' of accommodation or comparison charts, and the Student Room is quite good for consulting current students.
The Confusing Bits!
Private Halls: There are some companies, like UNITE, who own private halls in various cities, especially London. As a general rule these halls are more luxurious and more expensive. They may house students from a mixture of universities. If you can, go for university-owned halls rather than private halls: the university will offer you more protection and support, for a lower cost. If something goes wrong and you can't pay your accommodation fees, the university will see you as a student first, tenant second: to a private hall company, you are a tenant first.
Contract length: Residence contracts are usually 38, 40, or 52 weeks in duration. As an undergraduate, you will only need the shorter length (except students on health courses). Avoid contracts which requite you to move out at Christmas/Easter (although these are rare).
Bills: Water, gas, and electricity will all be included with your rent in university-owned properties. Normally internet will also be provided. Not all halls have wi-fi - I'm using a data cable right now - but you'll adjust to that soon enough! In private accommodation, bills are almost always paid separately.
Insurance: This is not usually covered; it may be offered with your accommodation offer as an optional extra. Endsleigh advertise as a student insurance company, but their rates are actually quite high - it's cheaper to get contents insurance with the company your parents use at home. Your current insurance plan may already partially cover you! Do insure things though, especially electrical gadgetry and musical instruments; if something is stolen from your university room, the university is not obliged to pay for replacements.
University accommodation is usually allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't delay on getting your application in and accepting your room offer!
Blog on living in halls coming soon...
J.R
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