Those are pretty much the lines along which I am thinking. I guess similarly minded people will end up in similar places, because of reasons such as these. Besides, being in one hall doesn't mean you can't meet anyone from any other halls (lectures/seminars/library are all still accessible, not to mention the SU), but being a bit more laid back, I like to have a place where to I can "escape". And though I'm not a drinker, I don't mind the odd drink or two
but I'm sure that can be dealt with the 3 times a term that it happens haha.
Yep, I'd be going for the full 39 weeks, because I don't actually live in the UK (will be coming over there from China! Am Austrian though, so EU fees for me
) and therefore would like to leave stuff like clothes or books in my room over the holidays, and probably stay for 2-3ish weeks per holiday as well.