Accommodation suggestions for a PG Student coming to Nottingham

Dear TSRers,

I know this might be a bit much to ask, but I was wondering whether I could get some suggestions for the right accommodation based on my preferences/circumstances. I can see that some off you are seasoned Notts veterans and probably have some great tips.

Anyway, a few points:

-People: This is perhaps the single most significant factor for me, and I'm aware that it's only partly under my control. I'm 24, and as such my preferences have changed a little since undergrad. I've done the 24/7 party thing and I'm a little over it. Understandably, I'd like to be in a place with only other postgrads. On the other hand I really don't need (or want) a superhypermegawesome campus life with parties every other night.

-Halls vs. private: I really don't know how things work in the UK with student accommodation, but since my course is only two semesters I really don't want all the hassle associated with finding private accommodation. I've read that university accommodation is a rip-off, but if it means less hassle and more convenience, I can live with the extra cost.

-Location: I'd very much like to be in walking distance of my lecture halls, places of study and perhaps gym too. Walking distance for me = up to 30mins one way.

-Catered/Self-catered: Can anyone comment on this? It sounds awfully luxurious to someone who's spent the last 7 year cooking for himself. Does the university have something like a German Mensa, i.e. a place on campus that does super-cheap meals?

Anyway those are my preferences. Suggestions and comments are most welcome. Many thanks in advance!

Reply 1

py0alb

3

velsinez

Dear TSRers,

I know this might be a bit much to ask, but I was wondering whether I could get some suggestions for the right accommodation based on my preferences/circumstances. I can see that some off you are seasoned Notts veterans and probably have some great tips.

Anyway, a few points:

-People: This is perhaps the single most significant factor for me, and I'm aware that it's only partly under my control. I'm 24, and as such my preferences have changed a little since undergrad. I've done the 24/7 party thing and I'm a little over it. Understandably, I'd like to be in a place with only other postgrads. On the other hand I really don't need (or want) a superhypermegawesome campus life with parties every other night.

-Halls vs. private: I really don't know how things work in the UK with student accommodation, but since my course is only two semesters I really don't want all the hassle associated with finding private accommodation. I've read that university accommodation is a rip-off, but if it means less hassle and more convenience, I can live with the extra cost.

-Location: I'd very much like to be in walking distance of my lecture halls, places of study and perhaps gym too. Walking distance for me = up to 30mins one way.

-Catered/Self-catered: Can anyone comment on this? It sounds awfully luxurious to someone who's spent the last 7 year cooking for himself. Does the university have something like a German Mensa, i.e. a place on campus that does super-cheap meals?

Anyway those are my preferences. Suggestions and comments are most welcome. Many thanks in advance!

Sounds like you want either Lower Court or Raleigh Park, and keep your fingers crossed that you get on with your flatmates. Most people I know did. You don't want catered I wouldn't imagine.

Reply 2

velsinez

OP

Thanks py0alb. I can't seem to find any information about this Lower Court you mention. Does it go by another name?

Also what's a better place to live - Beeston or Lenton? Are either of these the kind of places where you wouldn't want to walk around at night?

Cheers.

Reply 3

py0alb

3

velsinez

Thanks py0alb. I can't seem to find any information about this Lower Court you mention. Does it go by another name?

Also what's a better place to live - Beeston or Lenton? Are either of these the kind of places where you wouldn't want to walk around at night?

Cheers.

Lower Court is the postgrad section of broadgate park, which is where I spend my 1st year. You are in flats of 5 people with a shared bathroom and kitchen. It's quite old, but the social scene was pretty decent. Its on the edge of campus and a 10 minute walk from Beeston.

Raleigh Park is by Jewbilly campus on the edge of Lenton. I don't know much about it other than it was shared ensuite flats and they got their own tv with dvd player which we didn't in broadgate. bastards.

Both Lenton and Beeston are pretty safe. Lenton is extremely studently - 90% of the undergrads live there and everything is catered for the students. Its noisy, lively, fun and full of pubs. It even has its own cinema. Because its full of run down houses with students too lazy too lock their doors or shut their windows, there is a lot of opportunistic burglary. Its pretty safe at night however, provided you don't walk half an hour in the wrong direction and end up in Radford (even Radford isnt that bad IMO).

Beeston is a little more... provincial. its like a small town in itself, and although still popular with postgrads, it isn't catered directly at the students like lenton is. Its not what you would call "smart" but its busy enough and certainly very safe to walk around. Its also the only place in the country where they still play darts from 6 foot. I spent 3 happy years there.

Reply 4

velsinez

OP

Thanks py0alb! I'm liking the sound of Lower Court. One question: how did you find the sound insulation of your room? I've had some bad experiences in student accommodation where I could hear every conversation my neighbour had... :s-smilie:

Reply 5

py0alb

3

velsinez

Thanks py0alb! I'm liking the sound of Lower Court. One question: how did you find the sound insulation of your room? I've had some bad experiences in student accommodation where I could hear every conversation my neighbour had... :s-smilie:

I don't really have any strong memories either way... I seem to recall the only issue was in the summer when everyone had their windows open.

Reply 6

buderius

4

velsinez

Thanks py0alb! I'm liking the sound of Lower Court. One question: how did you find the sound insulation of your room? I've had some bad experiences in student accommodation where I could hear every conversation my neighbour had... :s-smilie:

I'm myself from Germany and will probably start a postgraduate course at Nottingham Uni this year. I've actually applied for a studio at Broadgate Park which has its own kitchen and an en suite bathroom - it's about the same price as an en suite room. I'm happy that I will be able to prepare my own meals because English food is often a matter of taste to people from the Continent; To boot, you also will have to be at home at specific times to collect your meals which is pretty unflexible. Some students complain, though, that it can be pretty lonely in a studio. But then, there is also no guarantee that you will get along well with your roommates and you also have many opportunities to socialise outside of your flat.

buderius

Reply 7

sofakoulinaki

I am from Greece, starting an LLM on September. I think Broadgate Park is full... Actually, i called them on April (looking for an en-suite room though) and they told me that they have only some studios left. Considering the fact that four months have past, I doubt it that you can find rooms left. I have a room in Melton Hall, in Jubilee campus, en-suite, sharing only the kitchen.

Reply 8

buderius

4

Actually, until very recently Broadgate Park still had ensuite rooms and studios on 51 week contracts. To my knowledge only rooms available on a 44 week basis were already booked out in April-May.

buderius

Reply 9

sofakoulinaki

I don t know... if there have been any cancellations, but I am sure, that they didn t have ensuite rooms for 51 weeks... I was devastated after this announcement, and tried to look for alternatives..

Accommodation suggestions for a PG Student coming to Nottingham

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