Halls:
There are some photos on the website of the bedrooms/kitchens in the two places - not that much to pick between them really, fairly similar. CG you get kitchen stuff provided (pans etc...though I'm not sure how many etc, you may still end up buying some, I'm not sure), MB there is nothing provided (though there is a toaster and kettle). Internet is included in both places, I *think* there may be a connection charge for CG, not sure. A plus point of CG is that you are part of the RVC, so can access some more stuff. There are some things on the intranet that are "onsite access only", which CG is part of, whereas MB isn't (but equally, its not that much more, I've never found it a problem not having it).
CG is obv much close to college, which can be good for a roll out of bed in to a lecture sort of morning. But equally, it means you never really get away from uni! You feel a bit like you're always there. Social life wise - both places are full of vet students, so both are easier to meet people! Events like pub crawls etc often start from Mary B and finish at the Haxby (student bar in the camden campus), so both halls are included. At CG you are nearer the Haxby.
Tbh, I would say the main difference is if you want to live v close to college or want to live a bit further away, be a bit more removed from it some of the time. As for social life, personally, I don't think there is that much difference between them, if you want to get involved with stuff it is easy from either hall.
(also, there are the intercollegiate halls if you want to meet non-vets and be in catered halls).
Equipment/books etc:
You’ll get an information pack quite a bit later in the year (august I think) with information on what you need to buy. Lab coats/wellies/boiler suits/stethoscope etc, you can order them through the SU and they are fairly cheap (I think prob cheaper than buying elsewhere). Don’t worrying about buying any books before you get here. There are lots and lots of books recommended for different modules, you won’t need to buy them all!! Prob just a couple or so, anatomy and physiology tends to be what people buy, then use the library for the rest. But, it is much better getting some from the library before hand and seeing which you like best – they are all a bit different and suit different learning styles. Also, college often do bulk orders, which can work out a bit cheaper. And, older years sell on textbooks over the internet. When some textbooks new can be £100+ (think the worst is about £180!), so buying cheaper can be a lot better!!!
RVC hoodies, you can buy when you are here, or if you really want one in advance, you can order online from the Animal Care Trust (ACT)
http://act.rvc.ac.uk/acatalog/RVC_hoodies.html Although I think they are changing their range a bit atm, so you may want to wait and see if they have any new ones come out.