University of Exeter
Exeter
Original post by synge241
If I achieve my A-Level grades in my offer I will hopefully be going to Exeter university. I am conflicted between self-catered and catered accommodation and am interested to know the pros and cons of both options.
The pros of self-catered are that you have your own (shared) kitchen, and you can cook what you want when you want. Downside is you do have to cook for yourself, and have to go out and buy your own food but the rent at self-catered is often cheaper than catered since you don't gave to pay for meals, so it's largely a non issue.
Pros of catered are food is provided (16 meals a week, breakfast and dinner), so you don't have to worry about cooking. Downside though is that if you miss a meal, you can't go and get one later, and you also don't have a proper kitchen, just a microwave. Rent is also more expensive oftentimes.
Most people end up going for self-catered, since the freedom to cook whenever you want and whatever you want oftentimes weigh out the cons, and it provides a more 'traditional' university experience. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask
University of Exeter
Exeter
Original post by synge241
If I achieve my A-Level grades in my offer I will hopefully be going to Exeter university. I am conflicted between self-catered and catered accommodation and am interested to know the pros and cons of both options.
Hi synge241,
First of all, that's great to hear you are hoping to be studying at Exeter - I wish you the very best luck with your A-level results!
You've already had a very helpful response, but I thought I'd reiterate a few points and share a few personal experiences I hope will help you make the decision of whether you would prefer catered or self-catered.
Both options give a great opportunity to socialise, but in different ways. In self-catered accommodation, you share kitchen and can cook and eat with your flatmates (or you can eat in your room if you prefer). I was in self-catered accommodation, and it was a lovely way to have a nice chat with flatmates and learn some new cooking skills and recipes. You can also cook meals together for the whole flat. Lots of people have Christmas dinners together and divide roles to different people but all join together to enjoy the dinner (which I think is so lovely). You can also go on shopping trips together. In catered accommodation, though there is no shared kitchen, there is a food hall where lots of people meet their friends for the first time!
With self-catered accommodation you have the freedom to cook whatever you want when you want, and I know a lot of people like to have that freedom. However, some people prefer more of a routine and may not be so confident with cooking, and so prefer catered. I have spoken to different people who stayed in catered accommodation, and they said the food was great and they were thankful they didn't have to panic to learn to cook before coming to University. They also cater to specific dietary requirements.
Catered accommodation tends to be more expensive than self-catered as you get meals included. If you want to look at different accommodation options and prices, I've linked the webpage here.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, then please feel free to ask again!
Bethan
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
(edited 9 months ago)
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