If you don't fancy the lawns, the try another hall! (Halls Of Residence At The University Of Hull)

Member Name: SadieJane

Product:	Halls Of Residence At The University Of Hull
Date:	23/04/08 (665 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great location, music rooms and JCR room and commitee.

Disadvantages: Food and possibly living in the New Wing

Hi everyone!

If you are interested in studying at the University Of Hull then I would highly recommend it as it is a great university and we have one of the best student unions in the UK.
However a major part in your university life is your accommodation so I thought I would give a few details incase anyone is interested.
I have noticed that the other reviews are by those who are living or have lived at The Lawns in Cottingham. So as I lived in Needler Hall for my first year at uni, I thought I would tell you more about this one.

Advantages of living in Needler Hall:

It is located in Cottingham, about 5 minutes away from The Lawns and about 10 minutes away from Thwaite Hall. It is in a very convenient place as you have a Costcutters shop next door and opposite you have the Cross Keys pub on the roundabout. Also you are in walking distance for Somerfields, and many other shops and pubs that Cottingham has to offer. The bus stops are also close so you don't have to walk far!

Disadvantages of living in Needler Hall:

It is the bus stop after The Lawns so the buses are always busy when you get on, due to the number of students living at The Lawns. Also the food isn't that great, or at least it wasn't when I was there back in 2005 so it may have changed now! We got an evening meal and the food wasn't that healthy and I dropped lots of weight during my first year- which is weird for a new student! Needler Hall isn't as loud as The Lawns so if you want lots of noise, then I suggest that you look at the Lawns as this is probably the place for you.

Some facts to know about Needler Hall:

This is a traditional hall which was built in the 18th century (I found out in my first year that it used to be a mental asylum :s)
It is approx 2.5 miles from the University campus so about 10-15 on the bus I would say.
All the rooms are single rooms and there is an Old Wing and a New Wing, and in total Needler has around 167 students. I stayed in the Old Wing and it is much nicer than the New Wing. In my opinion the New Wing looks like a prison cell with narrow corridors and in the Old Wing you get a sink in your room. Although in both wings, your landing share showers and toilets- it isn't actually that bad to be honest and you get used to it. The Old Wing also has a JCR (Junior Common Room) where there is a TV and comfortable chairs.
To add, we also have security at the front gates and to get into our rooms you have a card like you would in a hotel. This is different to the Lawns as you only have a key, but I prefered the swipe card.

Other points to consider:

* Telephones - pre-paid voucher operation (some internal calls are free/external calls are charged at 'phone-box' rates for calls within the UK)
* Residents can use campus computing facilities for internet and network access from their bedrooms, provided they have a suitable PC and a modem
* Personal possessions/contents insurance included
* Library providing a quiet study environment
* Pool tables and table tennis equipment
* Two music practice rooms each with piano
* Kitchenette with a variety of equipment (may include kettle, fridge, microwave ovens, mini-oven, grill, and in some cases, a freezer)
* Laundry with cash-operated washing machines and tumble dryers
* Irons and ironing boards
* Bicycle sheds
* Limited car parking
* Students are asked to bring their own bed linen, snack-preparation and eating utensils


I hope this has been of some use to use and given you an insight into another hall other than The Lawns.

I think if I were to do it again then I would still apply for Needler Hall but I would also try Thwaite Hall aswell even though it is a bit more expensive I think. I paid around £80-90 a week for my room at Needler and I believe the ones at Thwaite are £100 + as you can get a large room there.

Anyway hope that helped and let me know if you are thinking of going to the University of Hull! :) x

Summary: Overall, a good place to live in your 1st year of uni!