Nottingham accommodation

Self-catered v Catered is practically a personal choice up to you. It won't have much of an effect on anything else but the layout of your first year (e.g. more of a flat vibe in self-catered v boarding school vibes in catered).

All catered accommodation is on UP campus and self-catered Broadgate Park is literally across the road (e.g. completely negligible distance). So if you prefer self-catered don't be put off that it looks further away.

In terms of the difference between the Catered halls, there isn't really. Everyone will think the one they want to is best and you only get minimal influence over which one anyway (you can only put a preference for an area not a hall). You may prefer the halls close to the sports centre if you are quite active or you might prefer north zone if you want to be closer to the STEM area on campus, what I'm getting at is it doesn't really matter too much.

Other considerations may be room type, mainly ensuite v shared bathroom. But ensuites arent that common in catered halls so if you definitely want one then go for a studio in Broadgate Park.

The only thing I would say from a biased opinion is to stay away from Beeston hall if you can. It isn't very nice and was thrown up extremely quickly after the Uni let it too many students and didn't have anywhere to put them. Your time won't be bad in Beeston Hall anyway, it's just not my cup of tea.

If you do have any specific questions I am happy to answer if I can.

wow thanks so much that actually helped quite a bit, what are the different zones you mentioned?

Hiya, just to jump onto this, I completely agree! Although there are no zones anymore. If you were to apply for catered accommodation you now apply directly for a specific type of room in a specific hall! There are lots of great tours on youtube of the different halls as well as being able to visit them on open days!

Hiya, just to jump onto this, I completely agree! Although there are no zones anymore. If you were to apply for catered accommodation you now apply directly for a specific type of room in a specific hall! There are lots of great tours on youtube of the different halls as well as being able to visit them on open days!

ooo thank you! I've had a little look already and I've noticed that for some halls the contract is for 31 weeks whereas for others it is 39 weeks. how does this work? Also do you have any recommendations?

31-week licence is term-time only.

39-week licence includes four weeks of accommodation during Christmas and four weeks of accommodation in Easter vacation on a room only basis.

You will be required to fully vacate your room during the vacation periods unless you have booked a 39 week licence.

I strongly recommend a 39 week license. You may end up wanting to stay a bit into the holidays with friends and it will be a huge ag to move all your stuff in and out those 4 extra times.

hmmm very true... its a lot to think about, thanks again tho

ooo thank you! I've had a little look already and I've noticed that for some halls the contract is for 31 weeks whereas for others it is 39 weeks. how does this work? Also do you have any recommendations?

I've noticed this has been answered! However, personally I would recommend 31 weeks. This is only because your food isnt included for the extra 8 weeks and the facilities to cook will be your pantry (kettle, toaster and microwave) so many people with a 39 week contract don't stay longer- it's just convenient for storing your belongings if you dont want to take them all home at the end of each term! But both are great options to have. I stayed in the 31 week and the moving my stuff really wasn't too bad and all your friends in your block will be doing the same thing (as you will be with people with the same contract) so packing together and decorating together is actually really fun!

Which is the best accommodation (preferably in or near university park campus)?What to consider when looking at accommodation? Also Self-catered or catered?
Please be brutally honest, give me all the details and tips I beg

Hi! I'm a 4th Year student at UoN, and have stayed in 3 catered halls throughout my time here. I know people that have lived in self catered accommodation in first year, and I have lived out in one of my years at uni so I can give my point of view on both sides!

I personally loved living in catered halls, its so easy to meet lots of new people because you do so much together - you eat meals together everyday, walk to lectures together if you are based near each other, and you basically spend 24/7 with them. The halls usually organise social events such as formal dinners which I found really fun! Some of my friends that lived in self catered accommodation were also able to make friends with their flatmates, though they didn't really eat together. I also feel like you have more chance of finding people that are more like you in catered halls because in self catered you are kind of limited to only meeting the people that live near you, however in catered halls you could meet someone in a completely different block to you but still go to meals together and chill in the Junior Common Room (JCR).

All the halls on campus are catered halls. The closest self-catered accommodation to University Park is Broadgate Park, which is literally just outside the West Entrance of the uni, and is right across the road from a Co-op.

It's also what you would prefer. Would you prefer to jump straight into independence by going into self catered halls? Would you prefer making your own food that you know you'd 100% like? How important is the social aspect of uni to you? Also, if you would prefer quiet nights in and aren't into clubbing, there is a quiet accommodation option at Lincoln Hall.

I honestly think that catered accommodation is also a good opportunity to ease yourself into uni life as this would probably be the first time you live away from home for a long period of time and there's so many changes, it's easy to be overwhelmed by this new life. I feel like the convenience of not having to commute to uni or prepare your own meals after a long day of lectures really helps ease you into uni life.

hope this helps! If you want to know anything else let me know!

omg thank you so much! this was really helpful. Would you say some halls are better than others (like are there some to avoid)? Also with the different types of rooms, is it best to get the best room you can afford to to be comfortable or to settle for less to save money as I know the catered halls are more expensive. I suppose it depends on how much time I'll spend in the room e.g. I just use it to sleep in.