Meg_Lilii)It varies, under 19's are more likely to be put in a shared room than older people are, but it varies between halls - some SC ones are mostly single rooms, so if you were there, you'd probably get a single, whereas others (like mine) are mostly shared, so you're far more likely to get a shared room. (The 3 single rooms in my flat of 11 rooms, were allocated to 1 20yr old and 2 exchange students from America and Canada, who are both 3rd yrs at their home unis, I believe). Having said that, most of my friends who are SC are in single rooms (actually, come to think of it, most of them are 19+, so that might have something to do with it, but still). Luck of the draw really.
ii)I'm in a shared room this year, is there anything specific you want to know about sharing (what's it like is quite open ended, and I'd be here for ages trying to answer it, and not get round to doing the work I'm meant to be doing this afternoon!)
Yes, you can keep your belongings safe - in my room at least, there aren't any locking cupboards or anything within the room, though obviously the door locks (it locks automatically on closing, but we've set it to stay unlocked - just easier/quieter when we're both coming in and out at different hours, and you don't need to take your keys if you're just going out to the toilet/shower/kitchen etc.) Obviously there's an element of trusting your roommate involved, but I haven't heard of anyone's roommate stealing from them or anything like that - where are they going to hide anything they've pinched from you? Plus, as the only other person with a key to the room, it'd be fairly obvious most of the time.
Sharing with a complete stranger - you can make a friend for life, or like in my case, we have next to nothing in common, but we get on well enough (arguing with someone who you're living in the same room as for the next few months is probably not a wise idea) and of course it makes the rent significantly cheaper. Plus it makes me appreciate having my own room when I go back to my parents house/when I'm living out next year.
It isn't as horrific as most people think initially, but of course you do wish you had your own room every now and then. But I'm saving £30 p/w, so tis worth it really.
C-