My Halls Experience - Connaught Hall!
2 years ago when I was a fresher - I got my 2nd choice of accommodation in a non-ensuite room in the part-catered hall of Connaught (Wessex Lane).There are some pictures in the OP and I will include some more below.The room was very spacious. Lots of storage space.The canteen looked like this:There are 12 meals a day when you are part-catered.
This includes breakfast monday-friday served between 7:30am-10:00am
Then you have a choice of lunch on campus at a value of £8.25 or dinner at the hall canteen from 5pm-7pm. The menu is posted online and you can take it away if you're super busy!
There are often specials and vegetarian/healthier options too. There is lots of choice and you get a starter or dessert + main meal + drink included.
Connaught is super nice because you meet so many people through going to meals together and socialising around the hall itself.
It has newly refurbished facilities.
These include, a small gym, music room, snookerroom, study room, viewing gallery, lounge, common room and the JCR (where Student Life often hold events).
Being part-catered, there is a small kitchenette included that has a hob, oven, fridge, sink, cupboard and shelf space etc. so you can make quick meals there if needed!
It's an absolute myth you're ever awkwardly waiting for a shower or the loo and it's something you'll have to get used to anyway throughout your degree. Ensuites are expensive and you may want to save the cash for something else (like a holiday
)
I think being part-catered and non-ensuite is good value for money personally and whilst I originally applied to highfield hall, at Connaught I had no problems. I met tons of lovely people whom I then went to get a house privately with the year afterwards.
There is a bus stop just ousitde it and it's really close to the Wide Lane Sports ground. Buses are super frequent - like up to 5 an hour - especially around lecture times!