Its not all that badin halls (Student Accommodation in general)

Name: tellyaddict

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Product:	Student Accommodation in general
Date:	20/06/03 (128 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, New friends

Disadvantages: Arguments possible

Having just finished my first year at Cardiff University I know a bit about the ups and downs of student accommodation. I stayed in self-catered halls sharing a flat and bathroom with four other girls.

1. Choosing accommodation:
This is perhaps one of the confusing things you need to do before starting university on top of the mountains of UCAS forms you need to get through. There are so many options available such as staying at home, private accommodation or the most popular in the first year halls. Staying at home is the cheapest option probably, however there are some extra costs you need to think about such as transport to the campus / building. I don’t really know much about private accommodation myself but a couple of my friends were in student houses and they had a few problems with bonds rent and landlords. These probably aren’t things that students need to deal with on their first year away from home.
Halls to me seemed the easiest option, but it was still hard to decide on which one since there are around 10 or more choices at most major universities.
With all accommodation the best way to go about it is making a list of the most important aspects to you personally i.e. the location of the shops, the union and your actual course building. Also perhaps most importantly your budget, here halls is better than private letting as all bills are included.

2. Before leaving:
Packing!!!!!!!!! Oh my god this was an absolute nightmare. If possible before buying anything to take with you speak to a few people who have been through there first year already to know exactly what to take with you. The most important thing to remember is not to take your whole bedroom wherever you are going. Also don’t worry if you forget anything you can always share or get it when you get there.

3. When you get there:
This was the most nerve-racking bit of the whole experience meeting your flatmates. It is not
hing to worry about in most cases there are some horror stories as seen from the other experiences. Usually it all works out fine and if it doesn’t what does it matter if you decide to move flats the option is always open to you if you feel you don’t fit in where you are. Most universities have fantastic support networks as well for freshers, to help you settle in and work out your problems such as student wardens or nightlines. They are there to help as are your friends are family, freshers week is a load of fun but it can be lonely so use the help provided.

4. Living with ‘strangers’:
Luckily for me I had a great first year and am moving in with the same people next year. First impressions are important so do all you can to get to know your new friends, go out, cook meals together etc. and you will soon fit in great. A lot of things can go wrong though the courses everyone is taking can cause friction some have much more hours and a greater workload than others and it can be quite frustrating when your flatmates are coming home at all hours of the night and you have a ton of coursework. Also food in the kitchen can be a problem of whose is whose so establish this quickly.

Well to finish with the accommodation process is nothing to worry about in most cases. If you don’t get on with the people or feel out of place, speak to your flatmates (if possible) the university your friends or your family. Everybody is there to help you so don’t worry about it in most cases it is the best few years of your life.

Summary: