Hi Guys!
I decided it would be useful to tell you about my experience living in University Halls during my first year at the University of Nottingham. It was a great year, and I was very happy with my choice. So I hope my account will help you decide whether living in University Halls is for you, especially if you are an international student!
Booking University Halls
I was always set on living on campus in a catered accommodation during my first year at university. I did not want to travel to university and more importantly, I did not want to concern myself with any cooking. And I was moving the to UK with just two bags, and I realised it would be an expensive hassle to get cooking appliances, cutlery, plates and so on.
However, when I did not get into my first choice uni, and I was accepted to my insurance university choice (my dear University of Nottingham), I realised that my wish to live on campus might not come true. The priority for accommodation choice always falls on students who have chosen the university as their first choice. This means that students that chose a particular university as their first choice, can apply for an accommodation place before they have received examination results.
Since the University of Nottingham was my second choice, I was not able to apply for accommodation in advance. I had this option only in mid-August. All places on campus in catered halls were full and I was only offered self-catered room 20 mins walk from my campus….
But! Due to my friend’s advice (I am still very grateful to this) I have emailed accommodation office of the university to ask them to allocate me any room on campus. I have explained my worries regarding living in self-catered accommodation as an international student and luckily they have found a room for me on campus! This is one of many reasons why I loved the University of Nottingham <3
My Room and Hall
I was given a small part en-suite room with a private shower (but no toilet!) in the Florence Boot Hall. This Hall is one of the smallest (around 200 rooms) and most traditional on the campus of University of Nottingham.
I really loved my room – it was cosy with vintage furniture and lovely view. I can’t just call the furniture old, as it was something you can hardly buy nowadays.
It was amazing to have my own shower! It is not a luxury many students have and, though, it was more expensive than a simple room, I have really appreciated this privacy.
There were 3 meals provided a day every day of the week! For lunch, you could eat anywhere on campus, and I had around £5,50 to spend each day on food for lunch allowance.
What I Loved
Living on campus in a student bubble – for the first year it was amazing! I really enjoyed being surrounded by students, having everything on my doorstep (doctor, shops, cafes, pubs, gym, pool) and living in such a beautiful park location.
Social activities organised for students were non-stop. Starting from fully packed Fresher’s week, there was something on all the time. We had formal dinners organised by the hall – Christmas Dinner and Summer Ball, as well as pub quizzes and other events.
Value for money was great. I paid around £170 per week for my accommodation, got a private shower and all food I needed! Just to compare, a similar room in a self-catered accommodation, just across the road from my hall was £200+ per week.
What Could Have Been Better
This is expected, but the cleanliness of bathrooms and noise was a bit annoying. The hall was thoroughly cleaned every work day, and I appreciate that this is a good service. On weekends bathrooms were not cleaned, so we had to suffer the consequences. The noise came from other students, but of course, everyone goes out on different nights and this is student life after all. Basically, there was no curfew or noise regulation – can be good and bad!
Healthy food options were limited, which is understandable considering the price and setting of the hall. Though I liked the food and there were always a few options for each meal including vegetarian dishes. But inevitably, I was eating less healthy during this year. The salad options were not always fresh, there were potatoes as side dishes almost every day (fries, fried potatoes,etc). Since you could not cook your own meals, I just ate whatever was on offer and it was tasty! But, students are not about healthy living after all – this is the best time to give in to all the junk food cravings!
I found it a bit hard to get along with UK students. I just moved to the UK and had no idea about towns or places they were from, was not familiar with some slang and felt like they have no idea where I come from. This was probably my own fault, but mostly I gravitated towards other foreign students.
Personal Conclusions
My overall memory is very positive, and I feel a bit sad knowing I could not re-live this experience. Obviously where you live and where you study is important, but it is down to you to make it the experience you wish.
The best thing about living in the Florence Boot Hall is meeting my best friend Sandy. She was staying in the same hall during her exchange program from Korea University. This hall will always be a place that introduced this wonderful person into my life.
I do hope your experience will be just as awesome as mine! Do let me know if you have any questions.
Best of luck from Mind The Grad! 🙂
