To get an honest and real idea of what it’s like to live in Halls, you have answered some of our questions to tell us about your experiences. This is part three of our series getting a feel for what it’s like living in uni halls, people’s top tips, common challenges and how to face them, and some of the best moments defining their time in halls.

1. What did you consider most important to you when choosing your halls of residence?

I applied for accommodation without knowing my lectures would be online because of the pandemic, so for me the main priority was proximity to the main campus. I didn’t mind sharing a bathroom (a big pro is you don’t have to clean it), but I wanted my halls to be self-catered. I knew the eating schedule of catered halls wouldn’t fit with my lifestyle and I could easily end up in a hall with terrible food. Self-catered halls also give you autonomy and a taste of real life I don’t think you would get in catered halls.

2. What is it like living with other people?

I think who you end up living with and how things go is definitely a matter of luck. Most of the time it’ll go relatively well if you’re open and not too strict about cleanliness and general living standards, whether you’re friends with your flatmates or on a small talk basis. For me personally, it went very well and we never had any issues within the flat. It’s also quite nice to always have people around, even if you’re not close (even better if you are).

3. How did you socialise with other people in your free time?

I started off by socialising with my flatmates, through whom I met other people in halls. Because of the pandemic, most of my friends were from halls, but enrolling in sports societies/other society events allowed me to meet a few other friends too.

4. Any best moments living in Halls?

The best times are when everyone is together in a kitchen having drinks. The people you live with (and get along with) become a little family because you see them every day, cook and eat with them, etc.

5. What’s something you didn’t know you needed in Halls?

Slides!! I don’t even want to think about the grime in accommodation carpets that have likely never been changed. Definitely don’t walk around barefoot, and flip flops won’t cut it because you’ll need to wear socks in winter!

– Anonymous