It really depends on what you are looking to get out of first year. If the idea of parties, frequent impromptu nights out and generally a lot of mucking about appeals then go for halls. If the idea of nights in with your girlfriend appeal more then stay with her. You'll make friends either way.
Uni Accommodation...
- Thread starter dk345
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That's reassuring to hear. I'm starting uni this year, and all of my friends will be entering their final year, so I'm doing it all alone.Imo, the big plus about halls, you're forced to meet new people who are also in the same situation. Within two weeks, you'll have loads of new 'friends' and since everyone is in the same boat, it's a very good way of quickly meeting a lot of people.
If you're with your gf, you may have a great time, but meeting new friends will be tougher..
Plus, as said above, no bills is amazing. Just set aside your rent and forget about it
Halls is the way to go then?
This facebook-rape business that goes on in a lot of uni halls underlines the level of maturity for me. Can't say I've wanted to be friends with anyone I've met there that I didn't already know, and the people I do know have gone down in my estimations. Gf's met plenty of decent people through her course and orchestra so there are other and perhaps more ideal avenues for meeting people.
It comes down what type of people you and your lady are.
I've not had a drink except for with meals since august because of medication and it's the happiest i've been so I don't buy the need to drink for a good time personally!
It comes down what type of people you and your lady are.
I've not had a drink except for with meals since august because of medication and it's the happiest i've been so I don't buy the need to drink for a good time personally!
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Not exactly true.
Been with my GF since sixth form, and am now on the cusp of finishing my final year, so it doesn't have to end in tears.
Not easy, mind you, but if she's worth it...
Not that I am saying that your relationship at uni don't / won't work (my parents relationship did) but I do not think that many people spend their lives with their first serious partner.. Uni at 18 is a once in a life time opportunity to go somewhere, make friends and have a great time, I found (was with my previous GF six years, three at uni) that I missed out on a lot of that because I was in a relationship, having someone else to think about, you can't be selfish / just think of yourself.. Hell once you leave uni you are going to have to work, pay taxes and support a family more than likely... live it up and enjoy yourselves whilst you can..
I rent off campus with my girlfriend so I'm in a pretty similar position to you OP.
I feel like I'm missing out a lot at the end of the day when everyone walks back to their halls together and you have to go a different direction to get home, or you hear stories of all the things that have happened inside the halls / the spontaneous parties that happen.
I remember at the Freshers Fair feeling pretty left out because everyone had already made their friends the night before in halls. That meant that during the fair everyone was in groups already and it was pretty hard meeting new people. This isn't the case anymore because you get talking to a lot of people during lectures / tutorials but it is a much slower process than if you're forced to live together.
But on the flip side I get a hell of a lot more space, in a nicer part of town, without the hassle of people stealing food or hogging the shower.
I'd also say there's a lot less to do in halls though because you're catered for. If you're just in a place with your GF then there will be a lot more day to day stuff like washing, cooking, cleaning which will eat into time you should be studying whereas in halls you will get sick of watching TV / being on the PC so you'll probably study harder in your spare time. There's also a lot more people on tap to ask for help if you're stuck or talk things through with.
If it's possible for you and your GF to still speak to each other and hang out often enough to not erode the relationship, and you'd be comfortable living away from her, I'd reccomend living in halls for the experience. There's less stress to worry about (because you're not sharing as much of the day to day mundane stuff, including finances) and you can always move in together later.
You'll have more fun that way.
I feel like I'm missing out a lot at the end of the day when everyone walks back to their halls together and you have to go a different direction to get home, or you hear stories of all the things that have happened inside the halls / the spontaneous parties that happen.
I remember at the Freshers Fair feeling pretty left out because everyone had already made their friends the night before in halls. That meant that during the fair everyone was in groups already and it was pretty hard meeting new people. This isn't the case anymore because you get talking to a lot of people during lectures / tutorials but it is a much slower process than if you're forced to live together.
But on the flip side I get a hell of a lot more space, in a nicer part of town, without the hassle of people stealing food or hogging the shower.
I'd also say there's a lot less to do in halls though because you're catered for. If you're just in a place with your GF then there will be a lot more day to day stuff like washing, cooking, cleaning which will eat into time you should be studying whereas in halls you will get sick of watching TV / being on the PC so you'll probably study harder in your spare time. There's also a lot more people on tap to ask for help if you're stuck or talk things through with.
If it's possible for you and your GF to still speak to each other and hang out often enough to not erode the relationship, and you'd be comfortable living away from her, I'd reccomend living in halls for the experience. There's less stress to worry about (because you're not sharing as much of the day to day mundane stuff, including finances) and you can always move in together later.
You'll have more fun that way.
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I'd be pretty embarrassed for anybody that would answer 'yes' to that.
I'd be pretty embarrassed for anybody that would answer 'yes' to that.
Hmm, a few lads have come back to my work and said they split with their gf before uni for fear she would cheat at uni.
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10 Minutes off campus? That's nothing.
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Halls everytime, it was genuinely the best part of my entire 4 year Uni experience and the people I met there not only played a big part in the next three years of my life, but continue to be some of the very best of friends I have ever had.
Of course, not everyone's time is ever the same, but to go to Uni and not 'do' Halls really is denying yourself of one of life's great social experiences.
Of course, not everyone's time is ever the same, but to go to Uni and not 'do' Halls really is denying yourself of one of life's great social experiences.
Well, having come back to the PC, seen all of the comments above and read through them all it seems the general consensus at OcUK is go and find a place in Halls.
All of the points that people have made are fair, but I guess I'll have to wait an see what happens. And for all those who asked, the flat is £600 cheaper inclusive of bills....
My opinion has changed since the start, I think I'm probably leaning closer to Halls now! Sigh, maybe my mind will change when I find out how little Student Finance are going to give to me.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
All of the points that people have made are fair, but I guess I'll have to wait an see what happens. And for all those who asked, the flat is £600 cheaper inclusive of bills....
My opinion has changed since the start, I think I'm probably leaning closer to Halls now! Sigh, maybe my mind will change when I find out how little Student Finance are going to give to me.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
It happens a bit, i wouldn't say 'most girls' though.
At the end of the day, it's an exciting time, usually involving alcohol meeting new and exciting people, doing new things, going to new places etc. etc.
Some people are bound to caught up in the moment end up doing the dirty but not all will.
As for halls in general, best time I had at uni and met some of my best friends there. So glad I did it.
