[Byrks]

Hey all.

I'll begin my first year at York this year. Thus, I'm yet another new student confused about accommodation. Please don't hate me.

My accommodation preferences are:
- 39 week let
- Either catered or MAD (too lazy to cook)
- Ensuite (definitely want a bathroom for my own)

I found economy ensuite catered rooms in Derwent's P Block which are incredibly cheap compared to other rooms. The rent price is £4758 per year, compared to £5922 for ensuite self-catered rooms+MAD (my other option, either James or Alcuin). I still can't believe that's true, but that's what the site says...

... Which makes me very suspicious about this. How much emphasis should I place on the "economy" part of the room type? Is P block so bad that they have prices that low so anyone moves in?

Do any of you know ANYTHING about Derwent's P Block? I heard Langwith was going to move to Heslington East and the previous buildings were now going to be Derwent. Is this an ex-Langwith block?

Or should I just stop worrying and go for it?

I'd really appreciate any replies, the sooner the better, since I'm going to apply for accommodation this Monday.

Edit: I think Derwent P Block is what previously was Langwith D Block...

[Gallabay]

Okay - Derwent is in major need of, well, being rebuilt. But in fairness to it, it has the best college spirit out of everyone, and pretty much everyone I know who lived in Derwent loved it. No one parties harder - its not for me, I lived in Goodricke (en suite self catered) on Hes East, and it was bliss.

If I had the choice, I would choose another college, and go self-catered. Most people I know who went catered spent a fortune on it and hardly used the service. Besides, Uni food can get a bit boring, and you'll miss out on cooking with your flat (we did fairly regular roast dinners etc etc). Plus if you've got the money to be spending on self catering you can more than afford en suite on one of the new campuses. Incidentally, if you're doing Law/ABFM/Management/TFTV/Computer Science the academic buildings are located on the Hes East Campus. Nothing like waking up 10 minutes before a lecture and strolling in early. Also, the new Gym is on Hes East - i took a peak around it the other day (not that Ive actually been to any other gyms mind you) and its pretty sweet.

Thats only personal preference though. Though another consideration might be that during assessment season one of my friends (who was in shared accommodation) got locked out of their room by her flatmate one night and had to spend the night on the floor in a friends room, 3 days before a deadline, and got kept awake by people partying the next night. So yeh, its got a lot to recommend it, but I personally wouldnt go there.

Any more questions feel free to hit me up.

[Byrks]

(Original post by Gallabay)
Okay - Derwent is in major need of, well, being rebuilt. But in fairness to it, it has the best college spirit out of everyone, and pretty much everyone I know who lived in Derwent loved it. No one parties harder - its not for me, I lived in Goodricke (en suite self catered) on Hes East, and it was bliss.

If I had the choice, I would choose another college, and go self-catered. Most people I know who went catered spent a fortune on it and hardly used the service. Besides, Uni food can get a bit boring, and you'll miss out on cooking with your flat (we did fairly regular roast dinners etc etc). Plus if you've got the money to be spending on self catering you can more than afford en suite on one of the new campuses. Incidentally, if you're doing Law/ABFM/Management/TFTV/Computer Science the academic buildings are located on the Hes East Campus. Nothing like waking up 10 minutes before a lecture and strolling in early. Also, the new Gym is on Hes East - i took a peak around it the other day (not that Ive actually been to any other gyms mind you) and its pretty sweet.

Thats only personal preference though. Though another consideration might be that during assessment season one of my friends (who was in shared accommodation) got locked out of their room by her flatmate one night and had to spend the night on the floor in a friends room, 3 days before a deadline, and got kept awake by people partying the next night. So yeh, its got a lot to recommend it, but I personally wouldnt go there.

Any more questions feel free to hit me up.

First of all, thanks for your reply, a pretty thorough one.

Yeah, I've read about Derwent's reputation for partying... To be honest, though, I don't really care much about partying, I'd rather go to a pub with a small group, talk and have some drinks. Parties are a bit too overwhelming for me, so I could do without them.

You have a very good point about missing out on cooking with others... I would still have to cook during weekends, though. The Heslington East colleges look very good, but my lectures are on the West campus and I'm not a big fan of walking long distances to get to a lecture haha. The other option I was considering was ensuite self-catered, either James or Alcuin, and those are £4581 per year, so the difference is less than £200 between these two options (and since I'll be paying Overseas fees, it's a good idea to save as much as possible).

I'm not at all picky about food (except for special occasions), so I think I'd use the service regularly... Trust me, it can't be worse than the lack of variety of food I ate at school regularly last year!

I'm fairly certain that Derwent P Block is going to be the block that was Langwith D Block before... Are these rooms good, okay, bearable, or bad?

[Gallabay]

(Original post by Byrks)
First of all, thanks for your reply, a pretty thorough one.

Yeah, I've read about Derwent's reputation for partying... To be honest, though, I don't really care much about partying, I'd rather go to a pub with a small group, talk and have some drinks. Parties are a bit too overwhelming for me, so I could do without them.

You have a very good point about missing out on cooking with others... I would still have to cook during weekends, though. The Heslington East colleges look very good, but my lectures are on the West campus and I'm not a big fan of walking long distances to get to a lecture haha. The other option I was considering was ensuite self-catered, either James or Alcuin, and those are £4581 per year, so the difference is less than £200 between these two options (and since I'll be paying Overseas fees, it's a good idea to save as much as possible).

I'm not at all picky about food (except for special occasions), so I think I'd use the service regularly... Trust me, it can't be worse than the lack of variety of food I ate at school regularly last year!

I'm fairly certain that Derwent P Block is going to be the block that was Langwith D Block before... Are these rooms good, okay, bearable, or bad?

I actually have no idea, I never went into any of the old Langwith accommodation. To be honest, if you dont really like partying hard, then Derwent is maybe not for you? its open to any derwenters who happen to be around to tell me otherwise, but if you prefer a quieter life, I wouldnt go for derwent. For a start, they have a freshers fortnight, with events almost every night to clubs etc etc. Few friends who did it were zombies by the start of third week.

As for the cooking facilities in the bits of derwent I visited, plus what my housemate last year had to endure in first year, its fairly diabolical. As are the laundry facilities. And the lack of working locks on the doors. Obviously Im biased, but Derwent is not somewhere I would choose to go...

As for the walking to Hes West - its under 5 minutes to cycle, theres two separate buses that go from Hes East to West for free every 15 minutes or so, or I can manage it in 10 minutes walking, which to be fair, is often quicker than waiting for a bus. Up to you though bro :P

[iMelisa]

(Original post by Gallabay)
Okay - Derwent is in major need of, well, being rebuilt. But in fairness to it, it has the best college spirit out of everyone, and pretty much everyone I know who lived in Derwent loved it. No one parties harder - its not for me, I lived in Goodricke (en suite self catered) on Hes East, and it was bliss.

If I had the choice, I would choose another college, and go self-catered. Most people I know who went catered spent a fortune on it and hardly used the service. Besides, Uni food can get a bit boring, and you'll miss out on cooking with your flat (we did fairly regular roast dinners etc etc). Plus if you've got the money to be spending on self catering you can more than afford en suite on one of the new campuses. Incidentally, if you're doing Law/ABFM/Management/TFTV/Computer Science the academic buildings are located on the Hes East Campus. Nothing like waking up 10 minutes before a lecture and strolling in early. Also, the new Gym is on Hes East - i took a peak around it the other day (not that Ive actually been to any other gyms mind you) and its pretty sweet.

Thats only personal preference though. Though another consideration might be that during assessment season one of my friends (who was in shared accommodation) got locked out of their room by her flatmate one night and had to spend the night on the floor in a friends room, 3 days before a deadline, and got kept awake by people partying the next night. So yeh, its got a lot to recommend it, but I personally wouldnt go there.

Any more questions feel free to hit me up.

I'm not into partying at all, but I still wish to socialise. What do you reckon, would Goodricke suit me better?

[iMelisa]

(Original post by Byrks)
First of all, thanks for your reply, a pretty thorough one.

Yeah, I've read about Derwent's reputation for partying... To be honest, though, I don't really care much about partying, I'd rather go to a pub with a small group, talk and have some drinks. Parties are a bit too overwhelming for me, so I could do without them.

You have a very good point about missing out on cooking with others... I would still have to cook during weekends, though. The Heslington East colleges look very good, but my lectures are on the West campus and I'm not a big fan of walking long distances to get to a lecture haha. The other option I was considering was ensuite self-catered, either James or Alcuin, and those are £4581 per year, so the difference is less than £200 between these two options (and since I'll be paying Overseas fees, it's a good idea to save as much as possible).

I'm not at all picky about food (except for special occasions), so I think I'd use the service regularly... Trust me, it can't be worse than the lack of variety of food I ate at school regularly last year!

I'm fairly certain that Derwent P Block is going to be the block that was Langwith D Block before... Are these rooms good, okay, bearable, or bad?

Have you considered Goodricke? I might stay there, or at Derwent. I honestly can't decide, I just keep going back and forth :P

[Gallabay]

(Original post by iMelisa)
I'm not into partying at all, but I still wish to socialise. What do you reckon, would Goodricke suit me better?

To be honest, Colleges are much of a muchness. My flat in goodricke last year was a decent mix of partying and chilling in the flat playing beer pong/cards etc. Im biased, I love Goodricke. Plain and simple. There will be a certain amount of partying whichever college you go to, though probably more in Vanbrugh and Derwent as they both do Freshers Fortnight rather than freshers week.

But, its not at all hard to find people who also arent really into partying/just prefer a casual drink etc, and there are plenty of events run for non drinkers as well

Whilst I partied pretty hard in first year (go hard or go home...) with some absolutely ridiculous nights out, ending with me and my friends staggering down the yellow brick road to goodricke singing angels by robbie williams at 7 in the morning, Im now a big big fan of the casual drinks with friends. Dinner, drinks and banter etc, less so of going to clubs, cos I feel like Ive been there and done that now. But yeh, York nightlife is pretty much what you make of it, and theres a massive variety of places to go and things to do, so you wont be stuck

[iMelisa]

(Original post by Gallabay)
To be honest, Colleges are much of a muchness. My flat in goodricke last year was a decent mix of partying and chilling in the flat playing beer pong/cards etc. Im biased, I love Goodricke. Plain and simple. There will be a certain amount of partying whichever college you go to, though probably more in Vanbrugh and Derwent as they both do Freshers Fortnight rather than freshers week.

But, its not at all hard to find people who also arent really into partying/just prefer a casual drink etc, and there are plenty of events run for non drinkers as well

Whilst I partied pretty hard in first year (go hard or go home...) with some absolutely ridiculous nights out, ending with me and my friends staggering down the yellow brick road to goodricke singing angels by robbie williams at 7 in the morning, Im now a big big fan of the casual drinks with friends. Dinner, drinks and banter etc, less so of going to clubs, cos I feel like Ive been there and done that now. But yeh, York nightlife is pretty much what you make of it, and theres a massive variety of places to go and things to do, so you wont be stuck

Haha, singing "Angels" by Robbie Williams! Okay, I'll take that into consideration!

[Ryonelle]

(Original post by Gallabay)
Okay - Derwent is in major need of, well, being rebuilt. But in fairness to it, it has the best college spirit out of everyone, and pretty much everyone I know who lived in Derwent loved it. No one parties harder - its not for me, I lived in Goodricke (en suite self catered) on Hes East, and it was bliss.

If I had the choice, I would choose another college, and go self-catered. Most people I know who went catered spent a fortune on it and hardly used the service. Besides, Uni food can get a bit boring, and you'll miss out on cooking with your flat (we did fairly regular roast dinners etc etc). Plus if you've got the money to be spending on self catering you can more than afford en suite on one of the new campuses. Incidentally, if you're doing Law/ABFM/Management/TFTV/Computer Science the academic buildings are located on the Hes East Campus. Nothing like waking up 10 minutes before a lecture and strolling in early. Also, the new Gym is on Hes East - i took a peak around it the other day (not that Ive actually been to any other gyms mind you) and its pretty sweet.

Thats only personal preference though. Though another consideration might be that during assessment season one of my friends (who was in shared accommodation) got locked out of their room by her flatmate one night and had to spend the night on the floor in a friends room, 3 days before a deadline, and got kept awake by people partying the next night. So yeh, its got a lot to recommend it, but I personally wouldnt go there.

Any more questions feel free to hit me up.

I was thinking about applying to Goodricke, looks really nice but all my lectures are more likely to be on the main campus. As far as I don't mind walking 10-15 min in the morning (in fact I really like it, it kind of wakes me up a bit, so I don't want to live too near my department, I feel like I would become pretty lazy there :P) but then I'm not so happy to walk back home late at night from the Heslington West to Goodricke (if I'm alone of course). Are the buses working 24h? If yes, then that would change a lot for me. Thanks!

[Gallabay]

(Original post by Ryonelle)
I was thinking about applying to Goodricke, looks really nice but all my lectures are more likely to be on the main campus. As far as I don't mind walking 10-15 min in the morning (in fact I really like it, it kind of wakes me up a bit, so I don't want to live too near my department, I feel like I would become pretty lazy there :P) but then I'm not so happy to walk back home late at night from the Heslington West to Goodricke (if I'm alone of course). Are the buses working 24h? If yes, then that would change a lot for me. Thanks!

The buses run pretty late - till 12:30am mon-sat I think, reduced slightly on sundays. Regards to walking back - the only thing you pass is through Uni which is obviously all lit up and people milling around during term time, the start of Heslington village, a school and then you're on the yellow brick road to goodricke, which is completely lit up, and again, usually busy. As well as that theres various points down the road that you can call security/help on, and campus security frequently patrol late at night, and will give you a lift if you're worried about something on the way home. But the truth is York is a pretty safe place, especially around the Uni - that isnt to say no crime ever takes place, but I've only heard of two incidences (both involving Gypsies sadly) involving students that I knew, and they were quite a way in the opposite direction to where you would be walking. And obviously, the gypsies arent around much.

Small mercies and all.

[Ryonelle]

(Original post by Gallabay)
The buses run pretty late - till 12:30am mon-sat I think, reduced slightly on sundays. Regards to walking back - the only thing you pass is through Uni which is obviously all lit up and people milling around during term time, the start of Heslington village, a school and then you're on the yellow brick road to goodricke, which is completely lit up, and again, usually busy. As well as that theres various points down the road that you can call security/help on, and campus security frequently patrol late at night, and will give you a lift if you're worried about something on the way home. But the truth is York is a pretty safe place, especially around the Uni - that isnt to say no crime ever takes place, but I've only heard of two incidences (both involving Gypsies sadly) involving students that I knew, and they were quite a way in the opposite direction to where you would be walking. And obviously, the gypsies arent around much.

Small mercies and all.

Thanks a lot for your reply. I was just worrying because I was attacked once (nothing severe but still) and since then I cannot get rid of this fear inside me. I'm sure York is a safe place as you mentioned and I really appreciate your comment about security. That really puts me at ease. Thanks. One more thing. did you feel maybe isolated from the main campus very much?

[Gallabay]

(Original post by Ryonelle)
Thanks a lot for your reply. I was just worrying because I was attacked once (nothing severe but still) and since then I cannot get rid of this fear inside me. I'm sure York is a safe place as you mentioned and I really appreciate your comment about security. That really puts me at ease. Thanks. One more thing. did you feel maybe isolated from the main campus very much?

Hmm, that is slightly more difficult to answer because the law building is on the same campus as goodricke, so I was able, and quite happy, to lead a fairly insular Hes East existence as I had plenty of friends on my campus, although I never felt cut off. This year with the opening of the new Langwith college adding another 650 beds to the Hes East campus, plus a bar, plus the new Gym thats opening there, its going to be a lot busier than it was when I was there.

Good god, this is making me feel old. I really dont want to be a grownup - ive tried it for a while and its terribly overrated.

[Byrks]

(Original post by Gallabay)
I actually have no idea, I never went into any of the old Langwith accommodation. To be honest, if you dont really like partying hard, then Derwent is maybe not for you? its open to any derwenters who happen to be around to tell me otherwise, but if you prefer a quieter life, I wouldnt go for derwent. For a start, they have a freshers fortnight, with events almost every night to clubs etc etc. Few friends who did it were zombies by the start of third week.

As for the cooking facilities in the bits of derwent I visited, plus what my housemate last year had to endure in first year, its fairly diabolical. As are the laundry facilities. And the lack of working locks on the doors. Obviously Im biased, but Derwent is not somewhere I would choose to go...

As for the walking to Hes West - its under 5 minutes to cycle, theres two separate buses that go from Hes East to West for free every 15 minutes or so, or I can manage it in 10 minutes walking, which to be fair, is often quicker than waiting for a bus. Up to you though bro :P

You think it's not going to be pretty if I don't like parties and I choose Derwent? Hm... Maybe you're right. I do prefer a quieter life... Socialising without much partying.

They are the oldest buildings, after all... The most foresty ones (which is something I really like), but very, very old. I should probably check my budget and see if I can afford a self-catered ensuite in another college (probably with MAD), the idea of saving that money and using it to buy other things does sound tempting.

I'd really prefer a college in the West campus, however... I don't really know why, but there's something about living very close to the lectures (and next to a lake with ducks!) that sounds very good to me... I'll definitely consider it for the 2nd or 3rd years, though.

(Original post by iMelisa)
Have you considered Goodricke? I might stay there, or at Derwent. I honestly can't decide, I just keep going back and forth :P

I didn't know Goodricke was so popular... As I just said, though, I'd like to live on the main campus at least during the first year... So it's probably going to be either Derwent, Alcuin or Vanbrugh. I'll have to check my budget and see if it's a good idea to spend an extra £1100-£1400 for better accommodation. When do you apply?

[iMelisa]

(Original post by Byrks)

I didn't know Goodricke was so popular... As I just said, though, I'd like to live on the main campus at least during the first year... So it's probably going to be either Derwent, Alcuin or Vanbrugh. I'll have to check my budget and see if it's a good idea to spend an extra £1100-£1400 for better accommodation. When do you apply?

I really like the look of Derwent, but I too prefer a quieter life. I believe that Vanbrugh offers blocks that are labelled as “strictly quiet”, which could also indicate the college’s approach to socialising. As much as I appreciate serenity, I still do not want to feel “alone”, if that makes sense. I will be applying for accommodation on Monday! It’s getting close, and yet I’m nowhere near ready to make a decision! Btw, I have a proposal for you… If we both decide on Derwent, how about we go for walks, exploring the campus, its architecture and beautiful surroundings, while everyone else is out partying and getting pissed? Are you up for it?

[Byrks]

(Original post by iMelisa)
I really like the look of Derwent, but I too prefer a quieter life. I believe that Vanbrugh offers blocks that are labelled as “strictly quiet”, which could also indicate the college’s approach to socialising. As much as I appreciate serenity, I still do not want to feel “alone”, if that makes sense. I will be applying for accommodation on Monday! It’s getting close, and yet I’m nowhere near ready to make a decision! Btw, I have a proposal for you… If we both decide on Derwent, how about we go for walks, exploring the campus, its architecture and beautiful surroundings, while everyone else is out partying and getting pissed? Are you up for it?

I apply on Monday too... It's ridiculously close and I still haven't made up my mind either!

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. You're still a human being with social needs, but you prefer other approaches to socialising than parties, clubs and drinking.

I couldn't help but notice the Sweden flag... I'm guessing you're from Sweden? I read somewhere that the people organising Freshers week at Derwent were going to host two events every night, one of them without drinking and all of that... So I think we're bound to find each other there and have a good time regardless of being in the most party-loving college. But if there are no such events, then sure, I'm up for the walks.

[iMelisa]

(Original post by Byrks)
I apply on Monday too... It's ridiculously close and I still haven't made up my mind either!

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. You're still a human being with social needs, but you prefer other approaches to socialising than parties, clubs and drinking.

I couldn't help but notice the Sweden flag... I'm guessing you're from Sweden? I read somewhere that the people organising Freshers week at Derwent were going to host two events every night, one of them without drinking and all of that... So I think we're bound to find each other there and have a good time regardless of being in the most party-loving college. But if there are no such events, then sure, I'm up for the walks.

That's correct, I do live in Sweden, however I am not Swedish. Haha, I wasn't referring to taking walks during 'Freshers Week' what I meant was, when others decide to party (anytime during the year) we could go for a walk

[Gallabay]

(Original post by Byrks)
I apply on Monday too... It's ridiculously close and I still haven't made up my mind either!

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. You're still a human being with social needs, but you prefer other approaches to socialising than parties, clubs and drinking.

I couldn't help but notice the Sweden flag... I'm guessing you're from Sweden? I read somewhere that the people organising Freshers week at Derwent were going to host two events every night, one of them without drinking and all of that... So I think we're bound to find each other there and have a good time regardless of being in the most party-loving college. But if there are no such events, then sure, I'm up for the walks.

(Original post by iMelisa)
That's correct, I do live in Sweden, however I am not Swedish. Haha, I wasn't referring to taking walks during 'Freshers Week' what I meant was, when others decide to party (anytime during the year) we could go for a walk

Okay - I know that neither of you want to party hard or whatever, but please please please go to a few events with your flat in freshers week, you will have a much better flat life, and likewise, they'll be more likely to do stuff with you throughout the year. My experience is that a huge amount of bonding goes on in freshers week, you'll make friends really easily with lots of people - and chances are that there will be plenty of people who share your tastes in socialising - but I saw it a lot in my Freshers, and when I looked after a flat last year in Freshers, if you avoid Freshers you will probably end up feeling quite isolated, and then not be terribly happy. You dont have to go to everything, but your life will be easier if you participate earlier on, and you'll have a much better university experience.

Also, if you like the quiet life, Derwent isnt for you, pick another Hes West College - Alcuin, James, Vanbrugh or Halifax.

[Gallabay]

One thing I meant to put into the last post - both of you should feel free to PM me and Ill give you some of my contact details in case you need a hand with anything when you move here. Cant promise I'll be able to help, but yeh - offers there

[iMelisa]

(Original post by Gallabay)
Okay - I know that neither of you want to party hard or whatever, but please please please go to a few events with your flat in freshers week, you will have a much better flat life, and likewise, they'll be more likely to do stuff with you throughout the year. My experience is that a huge amount of bonding goes on in freshers week, you'll make friends really easily with lots of people - and chances are that there will be plenty of people who share your tastes in socialising - but I saw it a lot in my Freshers, and when I looked after a flat last year in Freshers, if you avoid Freshers you will probably end up feeling quite isolated, and then not be terribly happy. You dont have to go to everything, but your life will be easier if you participate earlier on, and you'll have a much better university experience.

I never said that I wasn't going to any events during 'Freshers Week' I understand what you're saying, and I couldn't agree more, which is why I will participate, even though it's not my ideal way of socialising. At the end of the day, it's all about compromise!

(Original post by Gallabay)
Also, if you like the quiet life, Derwent isnt for you, pick another Hes West College - Alcuin, James, Vanbrugh or Halifax.

Yes, you've said that already, however due to financial and architectural reasons, I'm sticking with either Derwent or Goodricke

[Gallabay]

(Original post by iMelisa)
I never said that I wasn't going to any events during 'Freshers Week' I understand what you're saying, and I couldn't agree more, which is why I will participate, even though it's not my ideal way of socialising. At the end of the day, it's all about compromise!



Yes, you've said that already, however due to financial and architectural reasons, I'm sticking with either Derwent or Goodricke

No, I know you didnt say that, but I thought it was worth saying. Ive seen a fair number of new students who feel terrible from the first two weeks in is all, so I might as well pass on what advice I can.

Well, if its a choice between the two then the reasons cant be financial as Derwent is a fair amount cheaper than Goodricke. But fair enough if you like the pebbledash 60's look :P