1st year accommodation tips and London Halls

Figuring out where you're (hopefully) going to be living for the next year is often the first and possibly the most important decision you will make having picked your uni.

Personally, I was adamant straight off the bat that I wanted my own bathroom and as a picky eater thought that self-catered would suit me best.... I ended up in catered accommodation with shared bathrooms and surprisingly loved it!

Below is my general advice on how to pick your accommodation, as well as a review of UoL International Hall which is where I lived. Most things are universal to all unis but as I'm studying in London there might be some points more relevant to potential London student :)

I think the 3 main things to consider when choosing accommodation (besides price) are:

• Location

• Catered vs non-catered

• Shared bathroom or ensuite

Location

As a student in London location is quite important but perhaps not so much if you're at a campus uni. When considering location you want to be looking at:

• Is it a nice area (if you're at a campus uni the this isn't relevant but if you're in a city like London there are some areas you want to avoid)

• Travel time. While a half hour walk to uni is good exercise, you'll find yourself wishing it were time spent still in bed when you have to drag yourself to a 9am!

• Shops/facilities/social - having shops nearby for the allnighter coffee run or 2 am cravings is really handy. Having a gym, cinema, library etc is also great!

• Good travel links (especially in London) are important if you don't have a car so look for tube/bus stops nearby.

Catered vs non-catered

This ones pretty individual but I would definitely recommend going catered if you have the option. Firstly, moving to uni is such a change that not having to worry about cooking/food shopping really helps with adjusting to living away from home. Also, catered halls are much more social as everyone eats together so it's much easier to meet more people outside your course and make some great friends (which makes such a difference when you're settling in!) If you are going self catered consider how many people the kitchen will be shared between and whether there is a tables/sofas in the kitchen as a communal space.

Other things to consider:

• Bathrooms - ensuite or shared (my shared bathroom experience wasn't actually that bad so I wouldn't rule it out)

• Cleaning - are there cleaners or are you responsible for your own cleaning

• Laundry facilities - are they close by and how expensive

• Interned speed

• other facilities - social (cinema, common room etc) and study rooms

Living in UoL Inernational Halls

This is my personal "review" of International Hall which was my first year accommodations incase anyone is considering applying (with some hints a tricks to get the most out of it ;) ).

Room

The room is a decent size and is furnished with a single bed, desk, chair, draws, wardrobe, sink, mirror and a couple of bulletin boards on the walls. When you arrive you get a starter pack with a duvet, pillow, linens and a towel. They also provide a kettle and lamp too and theres loads of storage space. Walls are pretty thin and rooms can get a bit hot when everyone has their heating on but for student accommodation it's actually not bad!

** Tip: If you can request specific rooms try to get one overlooking the street (particularly in north wing as that has the best view!)**

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are shared and generally there's a big bathroom (few showers and toilets stalls) for each gender in each corridor and a couple of single toilets dotted around. I was on the ground floor of north wing and there were about 50 girls in my corridor using 2 showers and 5 toilets (it's not as bad as it sounds though!)

**Tip: Get up early to avoid morning shower rush or go in right after the cleaners have finished cleaning**

**Buy cheap flip-flops to wear in the shower to avoid gross shower floors**

Pantry

There are a couple of communal pantries on each floor with a kettle (although each room is given one too), a microwave and 2 fridges. People will steal food so make sure it is labelled or get a mini fridge for your room (they're really strict on the type of mini fridge you're allowed so check before you get one!)

Cleaning

Rooms: A cleaner will come around in the morning to empty your recycling every weekday. Each room will be "deep cleaned" every 2 weeks but hoovers can be borrowed from reception if you need to clean in between.

Bathroom and pantry: Cleaned every day and fridges checked on Fridays for out of date food.

Food

The interesting food at IH is all part of the experience but some meals are genuinely really good! They serve breakfast between 8-9:30 and dinner from 6-7:30 on week days with brunch (11-12:30) and dinner at weekends. Meals are all buffet style (5 or 7 items per meal) with a range of foods including vegetarian and meat options. Veggie sausages, sweet potatoes fries and chickpea burgers are some of the best!

Mealtimes are also the main social hub of IH and it's great to meet people from other unis doing completely different courses.

**Definitely make friends with the catering staff (they're all lovely) and you might find yourself with bigger portions and a couple of extra food items ;)**

Facilities:

• Laundry (£2.20 per wash, £1 tumble dryer)

• Cinema and tv rooms

• Common room with bar

• Music rooms

• Good internet

• Study and computer rooms (no printer though)

• Free yoga classes

• Social events (Organised parties)

• Squash courts

Location

Location couldn't be better as you have the Brunswick shopping centre opposite with Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and loads of other shops/restaurants in it. The tube station (Russel Square) is about 30 seconds away from IH (Piccadilly line) and buses come locally too.

All unis are within walking distance along with Student Central, library and museums. Its a 20 minute walk to Oxford street, only 15 minutes to Covent Garden and you have Regents Park just a few streets away! You really couldn't be in a better location!

Summary of International Halls

I really recommend staying at IH and despite initial concerns (sharing bathrooms...) I genuinely loved it there. I should mention that there is 24 hour security and wardens on duty at all times if there are any problems or need someone to talk to. All the staff (front desk, catering, cleaners and maintenance) are always friendly and helpful too! Having central London at your finger tips is incredible and IH is a great place for making friends and transitioning into uni life as easily as possible.

I hope this was useful to anyone trying to figure their accommodation out and don't stress too much, it'll all work out :) Any questions or suggestions please send my way and check back for more posts about uni/student life etc.

Hope you have a good day

x

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