Hi Katie,
I lived in The Quads last year, so I think I can comment a little on what life is like there. Probably the most discussed aspect of Quads are the room sizes; they are the smallest on Campus as far as I know, which seems a little wrong given the relatively hefty price tag Quads commands. However, I would simply say that Quads rooms are
really space efficient. You won't have any problems with shelf space, you have a ton of plug sockets running along the wall at the end of your desk, plus another two right next to your bed (perfect for phone/tablet charging) and another two next to your bedside table (used mine for a radio/alarm clock). The TV (licence fee is covered) doesn't take up any desk space, and you might think it's a bit gimmiky but the mood-lighting in the rooms is something you'll miss once you move out.
The en-suite isn't exactly spacious but it's well-lit, well-ventilated and dries out quickly after showers (I kinda assume this is the major advantage Quads en-suites have over M/S's wet room en-suites). The water pressure's alright (I was on the top floor and didn't have any problems), but the maximum temperature isn't scalding (probably a health and safety thing); you can have decent showers but I didn't think the tap water was hot enough for shaving or just washing my hands in general. The only major problem that the small room size gives you is limited space to hang clothes up in the wardrobe; this was only really a problem for me in the first few weeks before I just started wearing stuff that didn't need to be ironed/hung up anyway, but if you have a massive wardrobe at home, be warned.
The kitchens are a dream compared to places like Eastwood. You probably won't have any problems with fridge/freezer space at all, or being unable to cook whenever you want (2 ovens/4 hobs in every kitchen + with catering credit people don't cook every meal anyway). Loads of room for food to be stored etc, quite a bit of open space and a large table with chairs for pres (with the social space you can effectively have 2 separate pre drinks sessions going on at the same time in the same flat). Oh, and the cleaners are in every three days, so the sides are pretty much always spotless (only thing you have to worry about is getting the washing up done).
The social space is a dream compared to the stuff you'll get in
any other accommodation; perfect for TV binging, movie nights, gaming sessions, study sessions, for a flat christmas dinner!!!
, presentation practice, pre drinks, pretty much anything you can think of - even if you don't end up in the Quads, you'll probably end up in one of these at some point next year for whatever reason.
Honestly it's pricey but it's a really pleasant experience, I can't say whether S/M are any better but this was my experience of Quads anyway. Good luck with exams!