[FleurR]

Hello everyone,

I am just wondering whether there is anyone here starting their doctoral program at Surrey the coming autumn. What are your thoughts on accommodation? Everyone going for the uni. rooms (which band?) or trying to find housemates?

I've accepted my offer for a PhD program (Electronic Engineering). It would be lovely to chat with any other new or current PhD students of Surrey.

[Dan1909]

I'll be heading into my final undergrad year, so not much use in the PhD side of things, but I'll be happy to answer any accommodation questions you've got if it's any use .

[FleurR]

Hey,

Thanks for responding. Yeah, any insights you could give me about the accommodation would be useful.

For instance, what's the uni accommodation like? I know there are different room bands and all that. Can you tell me more about the inhabitants and the atmosphere. Is it mostly inhabited by the undergrads or are there also PhD students (25 and older)? Is it noisy, with loads of wild parties ?

I've noticed that the uni rooms are relatively pricey. How does the private-sector housing compare in terms of the comfort-to-price ratio? Do people move out of the uni rooms in favour of the private-sector or shared houses after a year or so?

Anything else you care to share would be great!

[Dan1909]

(Original post by FleurR)
Hey,

Thanks for responding. Yeah, any insights you could give me about the accommodation would be useful.

For instance, what's the uni accommodation like? I know there are different room bands and all that. Can you tell me more about the inhabitants and the atmosphere. Is it mostly inhabited by the undergrads or are there also PhD students (25 and older)? Is it noisy, with loads of wild parties ?

I've noticed that the uni rooms are relatively pricey. How does the private-sector housing compare in terms of the comfort-to-price ratio? Do people move out of the uni rooms in favour of the private-sector or shared houses after a year or so?

Anything else you care to share would be great!

There are postgraduates in halls, but the majority of the people there are first year undergraduates, with some final years as well. The good news though is that postgraduates are only put in with other postgraduates, so you're not sharing with first years. For example Cathedral court has something like 14 buildings, most of which will be first years, but 1 or 2 will be final years, and 1 or 2 will be postgraduates only.

As for the atmosphere is generally a great place to be, as it's a campus with a decent amount of people on there's a good community feel to it. There's usually always something going on, but due to the size of the place, you can always find somewhere quiet if you need it, even if your flat is the one hosting the party. Generally though the nosiest halls are the ones with most people to a floor, as they've got the biggest kitchens to host in. So it's a fairly good balance of activity, and being able to escape from it when needed.

The rooms are fairly expensive, but everything is around Guildford really. Generally halls are fairly competitive price wise. The non en-suite rooms are pretty well price, and you'll usually end up paying more for a room externally. The en-suite rooms are around £20 a week extra though, which can make it cheaper to find a room elsewhere if you need to save the money. But there's not that much in it. My room in first year (non en-suite) was £83 a week, including everything, whereas my house last year was £90 not including any bills. As for preference pricing isn't usually the key factor, as there's not much difference in it, some people prefer to be in houses with just their close friends, and some prefer the communal aspect of halls. Varies person to person really.

Hope that helps

[FleurR]

The atmosphere you describe does sound appealing (big is good in my book). I think you are right about other personal preferences being the major factor in choosing accommodation. I would probably want to live in a house with friends but being new and all it is not an option, at least not in my first year.

Btw, you are supposed to sign an accommodation contract with the University for one year, right? So one can't move places half way through the academic year?

Anyway, I am thinking to start with the uni accommodation for the first year and then see how I like it.

Thanks for your insights again!

[Dan1909]

I think (although don't quote me on this, as I'm not 100% sure) that the university will let you move out of your room during the year should you want to. I think you may be able to move around January time if you wanted to, but again you'd need to check with the accommodation office. They're definitely more relaxed about room arrangements than private landlords are, which is always nice.

But yeah contracts are generally for one year. Halls is a good place to start, as you're guaranteed a room for the first year of your degree/PhD, then you can make friends and move into a house in the later years.

[snorkeele]

Hi, I'll be starting my PhD in Oct (Engineering)

Going to apply to halls first, but really want my own place at some point.

[FleurR]

Awesome! Good luck to us both in the doctorate school!

With regards to accommodation, that is what I am thinking to do too. Unless I fall in love with the halls so much that I want to stay there for the entire 3 years. That can happen too !

Maybe see you around.