Catered or Non-Catered

Poll

Catered ir Non-Catered?

Which one would you choose or chose, taking into account that you could afford to pay for the catered?

btw, how is the catering in Southampton and in Exeter?

:wink:

Reply 1

cpj1987

15

My uni doesn't offer catered, but I wouldn't take it even if it did. I like the flexibility of time and menu that comes with being self-catered; and would rather not have the school-like thing of 'going to lunch in the canteen'.

Reply 2

coldwind

Catered accomodation is for people who don't know how to look after themselves in my opinion. Unless, of course that is the only option available

*waits to be hated by those in catered*

Reply 3

la fille danse

17

Catered in first year, self-catered thereafter.

Reply 4

The Toffy

2

I'd go for Catered cause the course i want to do has very long contact hours. (9-5) - Dentistry. Apart from if i goto Dundee which only has self.

Reply 5

A Stranger in Moscow

12

Hmm I don't know, there's something appealing about catering, 'cos it's like...easy, simple, quite companionable (loads of people to eat with, not just the 8-12 you share your kitchen with, at most) and quite boarding school.
But it's cheaper and more fun and flexible to buy your own.

Reply 6

Angelil

19

Self-catered all the way even in first year. It's much better value for money, offers greater flexibility and independence, and ANY catered food at ANY uni* is going to taste like ferry/airline food (I've worked in mass catering and it basically all comes off the back of a Brake Brothers lorry, in huge bags, frozen. Nice :s-smilie:

).

*NB. I've tried the catered food at Exeter and it made me glad I went SC for all three years (I'm not fussy, I just have standards). I've also basically been forced into catered as a postgrad and I hate it.

Reply 7

Hylean

15

non-catered, i like being able to cook.

Reply 8

randomgirl

14

Non-catered as you'll have far more freedom, not just of what to eat, but of when to eat.

Reply 9

inkblot

Lots of people say catered is more social because you get to see loads of people at meal times but it's not as if you wouldn't socialise with people outside of your flat in self-catered. And the kitchen is a major social magnet. All the best parties center around the kitchen.

Reply 10

laced

11

Self-catered. Couldn't afford catered even if I wanted to; I like the freedom that will come with catered.

Reply 11

la fille danse

17

inkblot

Lots of people say catered is more social because you get to see loads of people at meal times but it's not as if you wouldn't socialise with people outside of your flat in self-catered. And the kitchen is a major social magnet. All the best parties center around the kitchen.

Erm, I don't know about your halls, but in mine, each flat is self-contained and locked. There is no opportunity to meet other people in the hall, unless you meet them some other way.

In my first year, I lived with 230 other people who I could potentially make friends with. This year, I live with four.

Reply 12

jus-mi

14

uni. of southampton is my firm and im going self catered....apparently catered meals have set times that you got to it in..where as self catered you can eat whenever you want..and plus you can save a lot of £££ with self catered!.....Also it isn't like your unable to cook for yourself why not take advantage of the independence, good way of learning how to cook!..thats how i see it

Reply 13

jus-mi

14

no hero in her sky

Erm, I don't know about your halls, but in mine, each flat is self-contained and locked. There is no opportunity to meet other people in the hall, unless you meet them some other way.

In my first year, I lived with 230 other people who I could potentially make friends with. This year, I live with four.

Oh god!! what uni was this?....230 people WOW!!!!!

Reply 14

linkdapink

15

I'm in catered at the moment, and wish that I had gone self catered. There really isnt much of a problem with "when" to eat, I dont feel restricted by it at all, but the main problem is with what I'm eating. Between Sept-Dec, I lost over half a stone cos I just wasn't eating. EVERYTHING is in a sauce, and I'm pretty sure its to cover the fact that its last nights stuff. I only eat the veg and salad now too.

The thing about catered too, is that if you're not a sociable person, it really DOESNT make you MORE sociable. I met people in freshers, just as I would if I was in self, and then eat with them at meal times, then met more people... but its not as if I go down and sit with loads of people - you still have groups and sit on separate tables.

Self-Catered seems much more friendly. For one you have a kitchen/social area you can go to, to chat with your friends. I have a teeny kitchen that can fit about 5 people at a push... and its uncomfortable and smells bad. It feels like living in a hotel here. If I had gone self catered, I'm sure that I would be in a flat and be able to have parties and such and generally had a better time, and joined in more with flatmates. I do have fun here, I just wish I had gone self.

EDIT: Good points about catered - have 3 pubs within the accomodation - university ran, but still good. As well as that we have talent shows/comedy nights and every sunday they show a film in the "cinema" area.

Reply 15

A Stranger in Moscow

12

Hmm, I quite like airline food though! For me, that'd be the appeal of catered! :smile:

If you go self-catered, you can always like, buy some food in one of the catered halls/cafes, I'm pretty sure.

Reply 16

linkdapink

15

jus-mi

Oh god!! what uni was this?....230 people WOW!!!!!

Lol... you're taking the piss right?

Reply 17

la fille danse

17

jus-mi

Oh god!! what uni was this?....230 people WOW!!!!!

What?

Reply 18

jus-mi

14

she said

'In my first year, I lived with 230 other people who I could potentially make friends with. This year, I live with four.'

i was amazed isn't 230 people alot ...or did you mean something different?! and ive completely missed the point *baffled*

Reply 19

20083

2

CTurbinado

Which one would you choose or chose, taking into account that you could afford to pay for the catered?

btw, how is the catering in Southampton and in Exeter?

:wink:

Catered. When you run outa cash (you will), then you still eat :smile:

Depends on yourself though, if you like cooking and will have the patience to do it, then SC is fine. If you are more like me, and would live off pizzas, take-aways and ready meals, then it has to be catered.

Catered or Non-Catered

Catered ir Non-Catered?

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