Hi, my names Imogen and I’m a second-year student living in on-campus accommodation for the second year running.
In this Blog, I will be reviewing why I chose to return to Campus Accommodation, and whether it’s worth paying for, outlining some of the pros and cons!
Why I chose to return to halls
I decided to return to campus accommodation, predominantly because of accessibility. The convenience of living in halls saves both time and money, but it’s also reassuringly predictable and easy to manage, helping me get to lectures and society events on time and make the most of what the University offers.
Pros and cons of living on campus
- Convenience – Staying close to lectures, library and campus facilities such as the gym (which is included in your accommodation) allows for better ease of access, and overall convenience as you won’t have to worry about bus fares and managing another membership cost.
- Community and support – Another factor is the campus community. ResLife offers tons of free events for those living on campus, making it easy to meet new people. With plenty of things to see and do at the on-site Gulbenkian Cinema/Theatre, it’s worth considering the support that living on campus offers. Adding on that, the Maintenance Services and Campus Security are constantly available, allowing you to enjoy your time at university without the added stress of safety and support.
- Bills included – The predictability of the bills is also a bonus; there’s no hassle with managing a house and making sure everyone’s contributing so the bills are paid on time. Whether you’re living in Parkwood shared houses or in Keynes en-suite, everyone has their own payments to cover for the accommodation and the Accommodation team’s handy emails and reminders makes sure everything runs smooth.
- Furnished rooms – There’s no need to worry about moving large furniture or buying appliances, all the bedrooms on campus come fully furnished with everything you would need! A bed, a cupboard, a large desk with lots of storage, shelves, hooks on doors and walls, a mirror, a desk lamp, a small bin and plenty of draws and a desk chair too. En-suite rooms come with a wet room shower, a toilet and sink. And the kitchen comes fully furnished with a table and chairs or breakfast bar, countertops with a microwave, kettle and sink plus a large fridge/freezer (or two), oven/hob (gas, electric or induction depending on your accommodation location) and recycling bins, including general waste and food waste for optimal sustainability!
Now here are some CONS of Living on Campus:
- Cost – one of the most frequently stated consideration of university housing is the cost of accommodation. On campus housing can be more costly than living off campus, however my best advice is to consider the extra add-ons such as bus fares and memberships, totalling up an estimate of how much living on campus would be for you and then how much off campus would be. Then you can compare the two. Do consider your degree contact hours and your own personal needs too!
- Independence – There may be more rules when living on campus compared to off-site, such as a visitor policy. When signing your contract, you are asked to notify the accommodation team on the Home at Halls app when you plan to have a visitor stay, and the visitor is expected to only stay for maximum 3 consecutive nights. Plus, you have to be respectful of the quiet hours, that means no loud music or disruptions late at night or else you’ll have security knocking at your door!
- Room sizes – Compared to some off-site options, the on-site bedrooms may be considered smaller, and while that might not be an issue for some, if you prefer a larger option, you should consider what is available both on and off site to find what best suits your needs.
- Less privacy – You should also think about how closely you’ll be living with others in shared flats or corridors. Depending on which accommodation you pick, you should consider your needs, and whether you require more privacy for the benefit of yourself and others. Off-site may have some larger options compared to on site.
Things to think about
When considering your options for next year’s accommodation, make sure you consider your personal priorities, and what matters most to you. My best advice is to make a list of pros and cons and think about what will help you succeed both academically and socially. After all, you want to pick what’s best for you, whether that’s in on or off-site accommodation.
By Imogen Faulkner, 2nd Year Drama Theatre and Performing Arts.