Hi,
You would have to check with the university specifically to make sure.
Generally, you can apply for accomodation only once you've accepted an offer (i.e. either accepted an unconditional offer or placed the uni as either a firm or insurance if you're going by UCAS).
You can apply to multiple uni accomodations. Usually, you rank them in order of preference then the university uses this to allocate to you.
The accomodation will not be taken up provided you apply the deadline they tell you. They also sometimes have accomodation for those who go through clearing, however, it is no longer guaranteed.
People do not get priority for living further away.
As for living at home, that depends on your priorities. Living at home can be good as you will not get homesick and also save money on accomodation. However, living away from home is good to gain more independence and it may also make it easier to socialise as you do not have to worry about travelling back home. Only you can really ascertain this.
No it is not weird. I think you would adapt fairly quickly. However, it depends on the person. A factor is how many people you are sharing with. The more bathrooms relative to the number of people in the flat, the better. It is one thing to consider when looking at accomodations.
Best Wishes,
Gulcin.
2nd Year PPE Student
University of Southampton