The majority of students go into halls and then find a house to share during uni, but there are other options. We spoke to Ioanna, who studied at the University of Liverpool, to find out more about the private halls she lived in...
I've lived in various accommodations in the past: uni halls, private student accommodation and also a shared flat. Although it was slightly cheaper, living in a flat with one flatmate was horrible, which is why I decided to come back to private student accommodation. It's much safer and more sociable, plus costs are included so you don't end up having arguments about bills!
It's my final year now, but if I could go through uni again I would definitely choose private halls (and in particular, X1 Arndale House). The private halls I previously stayed in were good, but nowhere near as brilliant as Arndale – plus the staff here are so nice and the location couldn't be better.
Luckily I used to walk past Arndale House on my way to uni, which is how I noticed the accommodation. I also heard good things about it from other people, so I called up for a viewing and my friend and I were hooked the moment we stepped inside.
There are so many great things: all bills being sorted out for you; excellent wireless internet; TVs in every room and Sky TV in the kitchen; your own bathroom and speedy, stress-free maintenance.
When I was staying in a private flat we had four leaks in total and I had to sort out the maintenance myself along with faulty lights, plus the worst ever signal and dodgy Internet, etc. You don't need this when you're at uni! It's also much safer and I have a Tesco right below me so we're never out of milk!
There is nothing I don't like about Arndale house. However, when you look into staying in private student halls be aware that not all are the same. Unlike some others, Arndale House provides a washing machine and tumble dryer for free in your kitchen rather than a communal laundry room where you have to pay for each wash and wait a good couple of hours for an empty washing machine.
You also have wireless internet with up to 6 devices per room. Some university/private halls have the old school Ethernet Cable where you have to plug your laptop into the wall for Internet (!!!) – and yes, that means you can't connect your mobile to it!
I know loads of students in different private halls and flats and none of them are as good as where I'm at! I guess that's probably why they all decide to come to mine when we meet!
Private halls provide better security, excellent maintenance, unlimited bills and internet and, most importantly, somewhere for your post to go when you're not in (as reception collects the post rather than you having to keep waiting at home for a parcel – who has time for that?)!
That's ridiculous. Private halls are way more sociable than a student house as you meet people in the common room, in the gym room and can easily go knocking on other flats to make even more friends.
We even have our own Facebook group for parties! I do think private halls are slightly less social than university halls, though, as uni halls tend to organise more things. However, your experience is what you make of it so pick a good accommodation like X1 who always make you feel welcome!
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