Hi,
I'm not able to answer about Crewe because I've only been there once, but Stephenson I know.
a) Stephenson has a communal area with darts boards, table tennis, table football, sofas, tables and they occasionally do events like quizes in there. It's nice to have, and things like table tennis bats and balls are provided, but tbh it's not exactly thriving. There are also vending machines, but no bar. The closest as you say is The Edge or pubs like the Fox and Duck.
b) You're kind of right? In freshers, everyone goes everywhere and meets everyone, but people tend to stay with others on their corridor, but it won't stop you making friends elsewhere in the building.
c) Again you're kind of right. People get put in Stephenson through clearing because all of the self catered places are filled up, but the majority want to be there. As to "vibe of disappointment", that's not the vibe at all. Everyone I know who went to Sheffield through clearing is glad they did.
d) Not really, no. Once you get to know people in one, it gets to the point where you're making friends elsewhere (course, clubs etc) so there's no real need to get to know people in the buildings around you. No doubt you'll meet people from the other, but both have loads of people in, don't worry about being lonely!
Any other questions, do ask.
Hi Lissy,
The mountaineering club (USMC) has loads of kit available for free loan (on club membership) including trad gear, sport gear, bouldering matts, ropes, harnesses (at the beginning, you won't want to wear these!), helmets (same again), crampons, ice axes, ice screws etc. On top of that, the club atmosphere is very friendly and you can often post on the
Facebook group asking for something and someone will lend it to you (eg a map or tent). USMC has a Kit and Safety Officer who is experienced in checking the kit, and the club regularly buys new stuff to maintain safety.
I'd say go with what you're doing at the moment: buy shoes, a harness, belay and helmet, then turn up to the freshers events (they'll be posted on that group above). At the freshers events everything else will be provided, and you can get to know people and get further into climbing. After that, buy what you need on a case by case basis. Often on club trips you can borrow stuff, and for indoor climbing you may decide you want a rope when you do leading, but take that as it comes.
If you have any other questions about USMC, do ask.