It's like paying to stay at your mum's (Halls Of Residence At The University Of Plymouth)

Member Name: jamiebeck

Product:	Halls Of Residence At The University Of Plymouth
Date:	21/05/09 (71 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: its the cheapest accomodation

Disadvantages: its the worst accomodation

I stayed at Gilwell, so this is what my review is based on.

Gilwell apparently used to be an psychiatric ward before it was Uni halls and to be honest, not much has changed!

I stayed from 2005-2006 and I have a few moans about the place. Firstly the rooms are tiny, I wasn't that fussed as I dont have a lot of possessions nor I was expecting a spacious flat! The price p/week for me then was £50 a week which is probably the best feature, it is definately the cheapest halls around (the price has almost certainly gone up now though). Gilwell has a strict guest policy; for those hoping to go to university to become independant and to be treated like more of an adult beware, Gilwell won't be for you as you have to sign in all your guests with plenty of notice (a bit like asking your mum if your friend can stay over) also you get three written warnings about a messy kitchen and you get fined! A bit pedantic, i feel, as dirty plates on the surface only really affect the housemates involved!

Another thing that really annoyed me were the constant fire alarm sessions at around 3-4am in the morning, it happened in the space of 9 months around 7 times! this meant evacuating the premises and being stuck out in the cold for upto 30mins! The wardens range from rude and patronising to really helpful and fun...so good luck there! Oh and the mattresses were flea ridden!

It does have some perks though and one is that it is very easy to meet new people and socialise with them as its quite open plan! Also there are two pubs directly outside, the aptly named 'skiving scholar' and 'the fresher and professor' are two good cheap student pubs.

One final note, be careful not to break anything as we broke the letter box which is simply a plastic holder on the door and we were charged a disgusting £15 EACH!

Summary: small cold rooms, rude wardens, patronising rules..its all here!