Also, as I have lived in Archways, and I'd noticed there was nothing about it, thought i'd contribute incase it helps
1. Location
2. Individual rooms
3. Overall building/flat
4. Depressing factor
Archways:
1. Location
In terms of location for city campus, Archways could not be better! It's practically on the campus, which means you're able to wake up very last minute for lectures/seminars, and still get in on time! It's also incredibly near the train station, maybe like a 2/3 minute walk, which is useful for getting about places! If you're on collegiate campus, it's not as easy although it's very near the bus stop which goes to collegiate, but if you are on collegiate, you're better off applying for accommodation nearer collegiate! It's very near Sainsburys local, which is useful if you've run out of necessities as you can just pop to the shop! It's also possible to do your weekly shop there if you want to live on ready meals, soup and pasta, which you're likely to do anyway! It's also directly opposite Leadmill, which is brilliant if you're going to Leadmill, but if you're not the noise can be quite annoying if you're trying to sleep! Earplugs are definitely recommended for all halls, but they're probably a necessity for Archways!
8/10
2. Individual Rooms
The rooms are quite nice really
they're simple, average size, but can't complain too much! The curtains aren't blackout or anything, so the second the sun comes up, you're woken up! But just hide under your duvet or get a sleep mask, and you should be okay
each room has a heater which is useful, and mine was quite crappy! But I know people who had good heaters, so I suppose you just have to be lucky! Pretty sure there aren't any double bed rooms, but if you want a single bed, then it's fine really! Also depending on the layout of your room, it's possible to sit on your bed and still use your laptop on the internet, even with the internet cable plugged in, which is always useful
6 or 7/10 (depending on your room layout!)
3. Overall Building
The building is quite nice
it's a bit of a muddle to get in though! You have to go in through the A block (main doors) up to the first floor, and if you're on the A block, then just up to your flat! The A block has a lift, which is useful for moving in/out, carrying suitcases and just being lazy and everything! If you're in one of the other blocks, then you go out from the first floor into the courtyard, and then over to your own block, which unfortunately don't have a lift, but it's not the end of the world! The courtyard is also quite nice, and has a social area in the middle! Can't really see anyone using it, but it's always a nice idea!
4. Depressing factor
The noise can sometimes be a problem, and being woken up at 7am by the sun coming up, but that's just one of those things that you'll learn to live with wherever you are! My shower and heater were pretty crappy
but then my friend said that hers weren't too bad, so it's just about luck really!
Extra things to note:
Archways seems very popular with international students, mature students and post graduate students! They also offer short term contracts, although people on short term contracts tend to live in the same flat, but it's always possible to have people coming and going!
It's also in the same area as Leadmill Point, which is another accommodation halls, and you use the same entrance so it's quite sociable if you're friends with people living there!
Hope that helps anyone xx