Pollock Halls (?)

So I've started considering my accommodation for uni and I really like the appeal of catered halls. As a first year student I think it would be much easier for me if I had some help in the cooking department (and my mom will be calmer, knowing I won't starve). But I haven't heard a lot of good things about Pollock's and was wondering is it worth it?

Anyone that's stayed there? What are your experiences? Are you also considering your stay there? I'd like to hear whatever you have to say for it.

Thanks

So I've started considering my accommodation for uni and I really like the appeal of catered halls. As a first year student I think it would be much easier for me if I had some help in the cooking department (and my mom will be calmer, knowing I won't starve). But I haven't heard a lot of good things about Pollock's and was wondering is it worth it?

Anyone that's stayed there? What are your experiences? Are you also considering your stay there? I'd like to hear whatever you have to say for it.

Thanks

So I've started considering my accommodation for uni and I really like the appeal of catered halls. As a first year student I think it would be much easier for me if I had some help in the cooking department (and my mom will be calmer, knowing I won't starve). But I haven't heard a lot of good things about Pollock's and was wondering is it worth it?

Anyone that's stayed there? What are your experiences? Are you also considering your stay there? I'd like to hear whatever you have to say for it.

Thanks

So i'm trying to decide which accommodation to choose for 2017. Right now it's between chancellors, and darroch. Could anyone possibly help me decide?

They're completely different. Chancellors is catered accommodation and Darroch is self catered. As well as Chancellors being en-suite and Darroch being shared bathroom. Both have relatively decent sized rooms, with Darroch court rooms looking slightly nicer in my opinion. Chancellors however, looks nicer in terms of the building itself and there are several communal areas whereas Darroch doesn't have this. Darroch is roughly 10 minutes away from the main university buildings and next door to the sports centre if that's your thing. Chancellors is about 20-25 minutes away from the main campus but you'll find lots of pre parties tend to take place there.

It really depends on what kind of accommodation you're looking for. I personally think part of the university experience is about finding your own feet and learning to fend for yourself so catered accommodation seems a bit silly to me, but that's just my opinion. Although I have heard mixed opinions about the food at Chancellors and bear in mind that you have set periods for meal times- so if you roll out of bed at 1pm you can't go down and have a cheeky breakfast because you've missed it.

Another thing worth noting is that Darroch Court kitchens are typically shared between 5 people and you're given a cooker, microwave, kettle etc. At Chancellors the kitchen is bigger but you share it with a lot more people, and it doesn't have cooking facilities so you can't make your own meals when you feel like it- it's literally just for keeping snacks, making beverages and socialising with flatmates.

I hope this was helpful

Part of the reason Chancellor's is attractive is because i'm an international student, so I kinda of feel hesitant to jump into a new culture and worry about shopping and cooking on top of that. At the same time, i'm definitely not rich, and i can cook (I enjoy cooking actually), darroch's more down to earth, flat-style accommodation is also appealing. But I just don't know whether the meal flexibility is worth the initial stress. In any case, your response was really helpful, so thanks!

From experience a lot of people at Chancellors are in your situation so it's understandable. If it's any help, there are several supermarkets very close to Darroch and if you enjoy cooking, you may find it a pleasant procrastination tool. At the same time, Chancellors meal times are a good social experience. Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll love it. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask me.

Can I ask what course you're studying? Oh, and are you Scottish?

I'm studying Physics and I'm from England.

Ah, ok cool! I'm from the US. How do you like Edinburgh so far, city wise and uni wise? What accommodation did you choose your first year (if you went with uni accomodation), and how did you like it? Are you enjoying your course? Was it easy to make friends during freshers week? And lastly, how many societies did you join/you think would be good to join?
PS: what football team do you support?

Ah I love it here, the city is so beautiful and there's so much to do. The whole city basically looks like something from a Harry Potter Film. The university itself is amazing and there's so much choice in modules to choose from. In the first two years you tend to have three courses per term. Two are related to your subject and the third can either be related to your course or completely different, which is really enjoyable as a way to experience more that the university has to offer and can really broaden your knowledge of different subjects. Support at the university is good as well and there's so much effort put in to make sure students are enjoying their time here as much as possible.

I currently live in Shrubhill which isn't accommodation I chose myself because I came through clearing so applied to get accommodation really late. The accommodation is lovely but my only problem is that it's the furthest accommodation from the university with a 40 minute walk to the main buildings, although the walk to the university is beautiful and historic so I can't really complain.

I found making friends in freshers quite easy because there are so many events to attend and everyone is so friendly. There were also lots of groups on facebook to make friends before attending the university which I would definitely recommend looking for.

In terms of Societies, there are so many. Anything you can think of, there's a society for it. My first term I didn't join any just because I found the fact there were so many slightly overwhelming and I couldn't decide which ones to join. Next term I'm thinking of joining the Physics Society, Maths Society, Long Distance Running Society and the Animal Rights Society. So many of my friends met a lot of their friends at societies so I'd definitely recommend joining some in the first term even though I didn't myself. In regards to which ones to join, I've never heard anything bad about any society, just pick some that you're interest in. There are fayres in the first week to look around at all of the societies and there are lots of taster events to see if the society is right for you so just have a go at any that take your fancy.

PS- I do not support a football team i'm afraid, it's not really my thing.

Thanks you so much for your incredibly detailed response! I have an offer for International relations, and i'm a bit obsessively trying to get more information, so this is really helpful! One of the reasons i'm excited about Edinburgh, is that the weather seems pretty mild. What do you think about the weather? What should I think about bringing/buying in preparation? Oh, and Edinburgh nightlife, thoughts?
PS: I guess I can accept that answer....😏

It is pretty mild actually, obviously Scotland isn't particularly warm but it's not as cold as I thought it would be, there hasn't been too much rain so far either! The university has a website for new students and they have a checklist of things to bring when you come to the university, i'd definitely suggest checking that out. For the weather, bring a waterproof coat and warm clothes but I wouldn't bother with an umbrella, it's pretty windy when it rains and an umbrella wouldn't fair to well i'm afraid.

Nightlife is amazing. So much to do. Nightclubs, bars and pubs are in abundance. So many themed bars and pubs as well, my favourite is the frankenstein bar which is themed around the story and it looks amazing. Plus most of the pubs have a historical significance which is really cool, such as the Greyfriar's Pub by the Kirkyard (watch Greyfriar's Bobby if you haven't already- such a tear jerker and a true story based around 5 minutes from the main university buildings). If you're not much of a drinker there's lots to do that doesn't involve drinking as well. The student union has around 6 bars of its own, all with a different style and vibe and with decent priced drinks. Also, societies have socials where they go out on nights together doing a variety of things. There's always something to do no matter what night of the week it is.

I know that it's a bit silly, but I can'tell help feeling extremely nervous about uni. I definitely know that edinburgh is where I want to go, but there are so many of my peers at school that act quite sceptical of the idea. Once again I know it's silly but I feel anxious. Had you ever been to Scotland before choosing Edinburgh? Is it difficult to go home during breaks? Oh, and do you have to move your things out during breaks?