The Student Room Group

Student halls and accommodation

University-goers, please can you tell me everything you experienced living in first year accommodation. I want to know everything, including

What the rooms were like,

How many rooms were in your flat,

What it was like meeting your flatmates,

What life was like sharing a space with other people,

Arguments that might have happened,

What you did in your free time,

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),

Embarrassing moments,

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly and

Any other information you have that I might find interesting.



If any of you attend or have graduated from Warwick university, I'd especially love to hear about there. I just find it all so interesting! Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone! :smile:

Edit
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I'm talking about answering the questions with your personal experiences, not what it's believed to be like, I like to hear your opinions and views specific to you guys, haha :smile: It's enlightening reading your existing responses. Keep them coming! :P
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by tomjay31
University-goers, please can you tell me everything you know about living in first year accommodation. I want to know everything, including

What the rooms were like Will vary for each, though I picked the cheapest accommodation and still had no problems with it, pretty basic the vast majority will come with a wardrobe, draws, desk, sink and mirror and bed though you can for a larger cost get en-suite and double bed.

How many rooms were in your flat,There were in mine

What it was like meeting your flatmates,I have social anxiety so it was super scary at first but since you live with each-other it gets easier fast

What life was like sharing a space with other people, My experiences probably differ from a lot of peoples but I personally didn't much get along with my flatmates overall and it became a pain for me as they were loud and I rarely managed to sleep, I however live with friends this year and it's fantastic

Arguments that might have happened,Arguments about noise but they were mainly passive aggressive

What you did in your free time, pub, hang out with friends, movie nights, watch tv shows

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),Not in ours no

Embarrassing moments, not off the top of my head

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly and

Any other information you have that I might find interesting.



If any of you attend or have graduated from Warwick university, I'd especially love to hear about there. I just find it all so interesting! Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone! :smile:


my 2 pence.
Original post by SophieSmall
my 2 pence.
Hehehe thanks :smile: I'm glad that you managed to adjust and later move in with people you felt comfortable with.
Original post by tomjay31
Hehehe thanks :smile: I'm glad that you managed to adjust and later move in with people you felt comfortable with.


Thanks man :smile: I was just unlucky
Original post by tomjay31
University-goers, please can you tell me everything you know about living in first year accommodation. I want to know everything, including

What the rooms were like,

How many rooms were in your flat,

What it was like meeting your flatmates,

What life was like sharing a space with other people,

Arguments that might have happened,

What you did in your free time,

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),

Embarrassing moments,

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly and

Any other information you have that I might find interesting.



If any of you attend or have graduated from Warwick university, I'd especially love to hear about there. I just find it all so interesting! Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone! :smile:


Ok, I'm not going to answer your questions individually because there is one answer which covers all of them.

There is no accurate answer.

Student halls vary from single person studios up to a dozen people per flat. From bog standard rooms with four people sharing each bathroom and a crappy little kitchen up to fancy en-suites with a huge kitchen & lounge.

All of the questions about what peoples flatmates were like are completely pointless too. Your first year you are thrown in with a group of completely random people. You could get on brilliantly with them all, could want to kill them all, there is no way whatsoever to tell how you will get on until after you have moved in. The experiences that other people have had are completely and utterly irrelevant.

Arguments, what people do for their free time, embarrassing moments? Think of damn near anything it is possible to argue about and students will have argued about it, think of damn near every hobby and students will have done it, think of damn near any embarrassing thing you can and students will have done it.

At the end of the day other peoples experiences within halls are completely and utterly irrelevant. Who you live with is random, how you will get on with them is random, nobody on here knows how social you are, what your personality is like, whether you've got any annoying habits, they don't know anything about you or how you will react to the people you end up living with, and so there is no way in hell that anybody on here can tell you anything that will even vaguely give you an idea of what your experience living in halls will be like.

What you need to do is not worry a damn about what it will be like and simply find out what accommodation suits you best at your chosen University. All you can do is pick somewhere that you think you will like living and pray that you get thrown in with a good group of housemates.
Reply 5

What the rooms were like - en suite (bath with shower attachment), decent floor space, big window, desk and enough storage

How many rooms were in your flat - 8, self-catered (all Warwick is) so 8 to a kitchen, 1 oven, 1 fridge, 1 freezer

What it was like meeting your flatmates - most I met in the corridor, not too bad, first evening was awkward for a few minutes, then fine

What life was like sharing a space with other people - largely fine, not great because I'm a quiet, private person, but not awful, one guy was an ass but the rest were OK, not really enough space and some Warwick halls really don't have enough space (Westwood kitchens!)

Arguments that might have happened - kitchen being messy, noise after 11 (when the Uni dictated silence), rarely any real arguments though

What you did in your free time - studied, played games, did movie marathons with housemates!

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.) - none needed, our rooms were private anyway, and social areas were only "out of bounds" if there was a particular event that we knew about (happened maybe 4 times)

Embarrassing moments - everyone had a few drunken comments (except the teetotaller)

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly - great to have a support network for work, relationships, being away from home etc. but tiring to always be around them, one small bedroom isn't much space for yourself

Any other information you have that I might find interesting. - check out the Warwick accommodation guide here - I'd advise avoiding Westwood unless you're maths or very social but not a clubber, and avoiding new builds because they're so expensive!

Reply 6
Original post by mackemforever

All of the questions about what peoples flatmates were like are completely pointless too. Your first year you are thrown in with a group of completely random people. You could get on brilliantly with them all, could want to kill them all, there is no way whatsoever to tell how you will get on until after you have moved in. The experiences that other people have had are completely and utterly irrelevant.


Just wanted to point out Warwick ask for a brief bio and group students by sleeping, partying, and tidiness habits, so it's not a group of completely random people as much as other unis. It might not always work out that well, and some of the tutors don't seem to bother grouping like this at all, but generally it seems to work out better than at some unis.
Original post by Katie_p
Just wanted to point out Warwick ask for a brief bio and group students by sleeping, partying, and tidiness habits, so it's not a group of completely random people as much as other unis. It might not always work out that well, and some of the tutors don't seem to bother grouping like this at all, but generally it seems to work out better than at some unis.


More often than not it won't work out like that.

Both my previous and my current University promise to do that and the closest either came was making sure that most of us in my flat had one or two other people who did the same course. That was it, and I personally know a hell of a lot more people in first year who were with a group that was nothing like they were than people who ended up with a group that was a good fit.
Original post by tomjay31
University-goers, please can you tell me everything you know about living in first year accommodation. I want to know everything, including

What the rooms were like,


Pretty small, but manageable. We shared a bathroom but had a sink in our room. We also had cleaners



How many rooms were in your flat,


Flat of 10, with 2 kitchens and 2 bathrooms

What it was like meeting your flatmates,


I'd got chatting to 3 of them through facebook before hand, one of which lived in my home city so we ended up meeting for coffee a few weeks beforehand. That made it very simple

What life was like sharing a space with other people,


Took some adjusting to, but we coped

Arguments that might have happened,


Me not doing my dishes in freshers. I'm not a dirty person or anything, I was literally just to drunk/hungover the whole time. They had a quiet word with me and I cleaned the kitchen, problem solved

What you did in your free time,


If we weren't going out at night we normally chilled together as a group.


Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),


It was down as bad form to do uni work at night, we generally hung out together. Most people in the flat got their work done between classes

Embarrassing moments,


The one girl in the flat was heard having sex several times

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly and


All ups for me, I miss it greatly. The only real downside was that I rushed through my studying so I could socialise

Any other information you have that I might find interesting.



If any of you attend or have graduated from Warwick university, I'd especially love to hear about there. I just find it all so interesting! Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone! :smile:

Filler.
Original post by mackemforever
Ok, I'm not going to answer your questions individually because there is one answer which covers all of them.

There is no accurate answer.

All of the questions about what peoples flatmates were like are completely pointless too... The experiences that other people have had are completely and utterly irrelevant... At the end of the day other peoples experiences within halls are completely and utterly irrelevant.


That's all well, good, and spiffing but I really wanted to know what your experience was like. Not so I can predict what mine will be like, just because I'm curious and want to know. There was no real need to call my questions irrelevant just because I have a curiosity to know and hear from people who are willing to share their years were like in student accommodation.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by orange crush

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),


It was down as bad form to do uni work at night, we generally hung out together. Most people in the flat got their work done between classes


Hmm that answer was one of the most interesting. So what happened if you did study in the evening and in what way / why was it frowned upon?
Original post by tomjay31
Hmm that answer was one of the most interesting. So what happened if you did study in the evening and in what way / why was it frowned upon?



Nothing "happened" as such it just led to you becoming a bit of an outcast. Usually from 8pm onwards was lounge time either for predrinking or if staying in then just hanging around.

What the rooms were like,

I have the cheapest on this campus, its ok. Came with large single bed, desk, sink and wardrobe. Only thing I'll moan about is that it didn't come with drawers.

How many rooms were in your flat,

There are 12 people in my flat (to 3 toilets, 1 bath, 1 shower, 1 fridge and 1 freezer)

What it was like meeting your flatmates,

They're all nice. It was awkward at first but we've all got used to one another now.

What life was like sharing a space with other people,

If I'm honest I'm a hermit. I stay in my room most of the time because its just a habit which I really need to break out of. But the times we are all together its very busy and chatty.

Arguments that might have happened,

No arguments between me and others, but there have been times where they've come in from a night out and being really noisy until 5am and banging on my door and shouting. Also have had some of my stuff nicked and food.

What you did in your free time,

I binge watch TV and sort out my washing etc. Also like to go and see my boyfriend.

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),

Not really only everything can be shared, except food. And half a shelf each in the fridge and freezer. Also if you leave your door open expect people to be walking in and out :tongue:

Embarrassing moments,

None really.

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly

Its nice having constant company but it can get too much, especially as I've said before I stay in my room most the time.



Overall my short time at uni accommodation has been ok :smile: everyone is really friendly, and appreciates that everyone is different with regards to drinking etc. It will get very noisy and busy (especially living with 11 other people) and there may be times your sleeping where you are woken at 5 in the morning. But I just love the independence and the ability to not have to leave until 8:45 to get to a 9am lecture on time :wink:



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What the rooms were like,
They were small but nice, there was enough room to swing a cat at least. :P




How many rooms were in your flat,
9




What it was like meeting your flatmates,
It was boozetastic, we knew each other before due to the Applicant Day!




What life was like sharing a space with other people,
Was fine as long as people kept their end of the bargain in the kitchen - something that troubles you throughout your uni life :P




Arguments that might have happened,
People get frustrated with other people if they spend too much time together... Arguments kinda happened after Christmas - bitchyness galore between the women.




What you did in your free time,
Chilled out, played games and went out!




Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.),
Don't ask questions and create small talk if there's a stranger that stayed over in the kitchen :P




Embarrassing moments,
Not really had any, passed out in the hallway many times though.




The ups and downs of being with other people constantly and
You're not with them constantly though - you're in lectures and have the chance to just lock yourself into your halls room. :smile:




Any other information you have that I might find interesting.
You don't need to have the top tier of halls, they're just there to milk students even more. :smile:

(edited 9 years ago)
I go to Warwick.

What the rooms were like - A reasonable standard, but thin walls in my current final year halls and some first year halls.

How many rooms were in your flat - 1st year I was on a corridor of about 25 people, but that's not typical. In a final year flat of 5 now.

What it was like meeting your flatmates - Ok I guess.

What life was like sharing a space with other people - Fridge space is always an issue, cupboard space is generally fine.

Arguments that might have happened - people don't generally argue unless it's really serious, I've never seen any arguments. People normally leave notes first before confronting people, but confrontation would only happen if the offender was seriously taking the piss.

What you did in your free time - Not a lot really. Societies and stuff, hang out with people from back home

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc.) - not really, just don't make too much noise after midnight really

Embarrassing moments - not really since everybody has their own individual rooms.

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly and - it's not really like that, you don't have to be with other people if you don't want to. You're surrounded by students but not everybody talks to each other.

Any other information you have that I might find interesting. - you'll appreciate halls far more once you've lived in private accommodation with awful landlords

What the rooms were like: Reasonable size, bed with draws, sink with mirror, socket and cupboards, wardrobe, desk with draws, radiator, bookshelf, lamp, internet phone, 4 sockets, 1 internet socket, wifi, 4 shared toilets, 2 shared showers, kitchen, eating area, lounge area.

How many rooms were in your flat: 7

What it was like meeting your flatmates: All really friendly

What life was like sharing a space with other people: Enjoying it, we have a cleaning and bin rota

Arguments that might have happened: nothing yet

What you did in your free time: Music clubs, societies, cook, play games, go out

Reply 16

What the rooms were like I am in the cheapest accommodation in my University, but it has a single bed, desk, two chest of drawers, bookshelf, sink with more drawers, a wardrobe, under-bed storage, two large cupboards. My room is on the ground floor and overlooks the car park which isn't ideal but I'm not bothered. I have many posters on my wall to make it homely :smile:

How many rooms were in your flat, There are 8 other people on my corridor.

What it was like meeting your flatmates,Very nerve wracking, but they are all really nice people. I'm two years older than everyone else but we still have stuff in common.

What life was like sharing a space with other people Easier than I thought it would be, as my room is 'my space', so I always have somewhere I can sit down and relax, do work, etc without being disturbed

Arguments that might have happened, One of my flatmates got extremely drunk, got angry at pretty much everyone over a silly thing, ran off and got 'lost' for 4 hours (he went clubbing with 3 strangers). He didn't speak to anyone for days afterwards, so it all kicked off. Another argument kicked off between two lads who liked the same girl. Apart from that we've not had any arguments.

What you did in your free time, Societies, film nights, takeaway nights, nights out

Any unspoken rules you all had (like the tie on the door handle, etc. Not really but we're all courteous

Embarrassing moments I think everyone has an embarrassing story to tell, mine happened when I was drunk or been caught when I'm walking back to my room in just a towel after using the shower.

The ups and downs of being with other people constantly It's hard to stay social when the workload kicks in. At the moment I feel if I socialise, my work suffers which is frustrating as I can't go out with the others as much as I want to. Also it can be hard to get time to yourself because of the pressure to socialise.

Any other information you have that I might find interesting Halls is an amazing experience, make the most of it :smile:

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