In all honesty, it doesnt make much difference at all....
If you go through clearing and are QUICK, then you should still be able to get your accomodation of choice, if not, you might be stuck with whatevers left...
HOWEVER, if your really not happy with this, ask them to put you into temporary accomodation during freshers week, during which time quite a few people will drop out and you will be able to have your pick of rooms!
in reality, there isnt really much of hulls accomodation which is bad quality, just depends on what you want...
the lawns are the best place to be in first year in my opinion...
if you like good times, a lively atmosphere and dont mind a little bit of noise (its not really that bad most of the time!) then go for ferens hall...ULTIMATE PARTY HALL
if you like ultimate luxury and dont like mixing with us common folk...lol...go for twaite hall
if you like the middle kinda ground, go for anywhere on rest of lawns.
not to sure about needler, but in my opinion, it doesnt really have any advantages over living in the lawns at all, and is probably a weaker option.
hope this helps.good luck!benjamin.xx