Gannochy House: Very basic, but very cheap, too! (Halls Of Residence At The University Of St. Andrews)

Member Name: amazinglo

Product:	Halls Of Residence At The University Of St. Andrews
Date:	21/09/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Perfect location, price inclusive of internet and insurance

Disadvantages: Very basic

Gannochy House is a postgraduate only hall of residence, located next to St. Salvator's Hall on North Street. It's easy to spot: grey, concrete, 60's in style...a slight eyesore next to the beautiful, period style buildings that surround it.

The 81 rooms are all standard singles. They're relatively small and contain a bed, wardrobe, bookcase and desk, aswell as a wash basin. There's also a port for internet connection and a telephone handset.

The decor is basic (think magnolia painted breeze blocks and garishly coloured curtains) but one wall is covered with a large noticeboard and there's plenty of shelf space so it doesn't take long to make the room your own.

And if you're lucky enough to have a rear facing room you'll have a sea view.

For 8 of us we have one shower, one bathroom and 3 toilets. They're all very basic again and the shower is a bit drizzly!

The location is perfect. To the rear you'll find the English Dept. (perfect for me as an English student!) and to the right you have Younger Hall. The library is a 2 minute walk and the Student's Union is a 5 minute walk.

Gannochy House is self catering. The kitchens, again, are very basic. They come with a communal set of pans but it's a good idea to bring a couple of your own, aswell as your own utensils. There is also a basic dining area which contains food lockers for each room. My one criticism would be that, despite suggesting that the student to kitchen ration is 5:1, there are around 10 of us sharing our kitchen, which has one small cooker...not great!

There is a small communal room downstairs with chairs, a television and a drinks machine.

But be aware there is no designated car parking!

You can choose between a 37 week contract and a 50 week contract (£2, 583 and £3, 594 respectively).

Overall, I think the halls offer excellent value for money: living is basic, but the price (inclusive of bills, internet and contents insurance) is very reasonable.

Summary: Good value for money, but if you're looking for luxury head elsewhere!