Edinburgh University- catering or self-catering?
I'm hoping to go to Edinburgh University in 2026 and just went to an open day which included an accommodation talk which left me debating between catering or self-catering. I'm not a very advanced cook so catering is quite appealing to me, but I've heard that there is a bad rep for people who choose catering and as someone who is very social I don't want to make a bad first impression. Then again I love the idea of cooking with friends. Any advice?
Reply 1
Hey,
Not an Edinburgh uni student yet but I've heard there's a lot of stigma around the catered halls mostly because of the cost and of course the type of people who typically can afford it.
However those of course are just stereotypes. There's bound to be a few people like that everywhere and maybe a higher percentage in catered halls, but it's likely that most people are pretty normal. Don't pick accommodation based on what other people think of you for it, but instead based on what you enjoy.
And on that note, since you mentioned being someone who is very social I'd probably recommend catered halls more. It seems that the catered halls are much more socially oriented in that everybody eats together every day. I believe also that at Edinburgh all the catered accommodation is in the same area and there are a lot of rooms therefore a lot of people. Given the amount of time you'd spend there there's bound to be good friends to be made during your studies.
I'd recommend watching videos on YouTube made by students at the university as there are a few who explain quite well what the catered halls are like so you can judge whether or not it sounds like something you'd enjoy.
Again though, the most important thing is that where you are is suitable for you. If it's something you think you'd benefit from and enjoy and you are able to afford it then go for it. The other thing to remember is that you don't have to stay there for all 4 years if you don't want to. If after the first year you decide it wasn't for you then you don't have to stay there again.
I hope this was helpful but I'd definitely look up advice from uni of Edinburgh students just to gather all the information. Good luck!
Not an Edinburgh uni student yet but I've heard there's a lot of stigma around the catered halls mostly because of the cost and of course the type of people who typically can afford it.
However those of course are just stereotypes. There's bound to be a few people like that everywhere and maybe a higher percentage in catered halls, but it's likely that most people are pretty normal. Don't pick accommodation based on what other people think of you for it, but instead based on what you enjoy.
And on that note, since you mentioned being someone who is very social I'd probably recommend catered halls more. It seems that the catered halls are much more socially oriented in that everybody eats together every day. I believe also that at Edinburgh all the catered accommodation is in the same area and there are a lot of rooms therefore a lot of people. Given the amount of time you'd spend there there's bound to be good friends to be made during your studies.
I'd recommend watching videos on YouTube made by students at the university as there are a few who explain quite well what the catered halls are like so you can judge whether or not it sounds like something you'd enjoy.
Again though, the most important thing is that where you are is suitable for you. If it's something you think you'd benefit from and enjoy and you are able to afford it then go for it. The other thing to remember is that you don't have to stay there for all 4 years if you don't want to. If after the first year you decide it wasn't for you then you don't have to stay there again.
I hope this was helpful but I'd definitely look up advice from uni of Edinburgh students just to gather all the information. Good luck!
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