[Jessybells1993]

Hiya, i was just wondering if i could get any advice of which is the best type of accommodation to go for.
I start Harper Adams in September and need to apply for my accommodation very soon on-line. But im finding it really hard to decide if i want to go catered or self catered.
Im hoping to go for the cheapest option but want a good chance of meeting as many new friends as possible.
I have placement for 16weeks on year one which means im not going to be at the university for the whole year so will i lose out on food money if i went catered?
I have a feeling im steering more towards self catered and really keen to know people views when they went self catered, especially at Harper Adams.
Im 18 and still live at home, but am a decent cook and do a lot of my meals anyway...how much cheaper is it to go self catered if i have food and pans to buy?

Just a few reviews on your own experiences in year one and what you went with would be great..just to help me make my mind up

[Mr Dangermouse]

Go self-catered. You only get 2 meals a day in catered and they really bump the price up.

[Jessybells1993]

(Original post by Mr Dangermouse)
Go self-catered. You only get 2 meals a day in catered and they really bump the price up.

I no that at Harper Adams its 3 meals a day but not at weekends but there is a canteen on site for anyone to use catered or self catered.

[canŵio]

i've gone for catered simply because i felt that at least it's all paid for. even if something happens, you've got a bed and meals! i feel more safe that way.

[DeterminedDreamer]

Self-Catered, eat what you want when you want. Also at the catered accomodation at my firm University (Edge Hill) you get given a card with £40 per week put on it. That £40 has to last three meals a day from saturday-saturday. Also if you don't really like what's on offer than you're kind of stuck.

[Origami Bullets]

I've gone self-catered and I couldn't be happier with my decision - it works out cheaper, the food's better, you aren't tied into eating at certain times, and you can eat what you fancy.

[Kelz_26]

In my first year I chose catered and I kind of regret it. The food wasn't very good and it was very repetitive - after the first week or two you had tried everything. Sometimes I was so fed up of it I bought my own food instead so I wasted quite a lot of money. Especially if you are on placement you will definitely waste a lot of money. However, it does mean that you don't have to spend time shopping for food and then preparing it which could be easier if you have a busy schedule, or if you are not very good at cooking! But with self-catered you can choose what you eat, when you eat and also it's cheaper.

[Jessybells1993]

Thankyou for all the replies its really helped, i have to do my application form on Monday and i think i will deffo go with the self catered option. Parents are willing to help out and spend me back with food and what not and ill be living at home hopefully during placement.