Meal plan at University of Birmingham?

(Original post by MattyM7373)
Hi, I have an offer to study at Birmingham and am likely to firm it as I love the look of the course and campus, I'm looking at applying for accommodation, and am struggling to decide whether meal plan is the way forwards or not. I strongly would like my own bathroom so this limits it down to just Shackleton, (£200 p/w), would anyone with experience say this is worth it? I'd also like to be on the Vale so how is shackleton compared to the other halls like elgar court or mason which would be by 2nd and 3rd choice?
Also can anyone give an idea as to how much a main meal from a uni outlet like infusion would be?
Finally is accommodation allocated completely randomly or is it first come first served, and can I apply to accom before firming my offer?
An answer to any of these questions would be hugely appreciated

(Original post by UoB - Engineering and Physical Sciences)
Hi MattyM7373,

I'm a third year student at UoB so I can help a bit. I think meal plan is worth it if you don't think you will have time to cook much or you'd rather not cook as it is much easier to just pick up some food from one of the catering outlets. Your money from each week rolls over too so it means that if you don't spend it, then you still have that money available to you to spend later on. I believe that a main meal from somewhere like infusion is around £7 but I could be wrong on this. However, all meal plan users get a 10% discount at meal plan catering outlets.

If you're really set on having an en-suite then all of your options seem good. I wouldn't get too bogged down with 1st, 2nd, 3rd choices as the accommodation is randomly allocated but the accommodation services try to give you one of your options from your top 6. Anyone with an offer can apply for accommodation, but you're only guaranteed a bed in uni accommodation if you firm them.

I hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

~Caitlin~