Accommodation?

[Davsky]

I have a few questions about accommodation:

1. Catered or self catered? I'm struggling to come to a conclusion on this one, I'm swaying towards self catered for the freedom and a few things I heard. I'd particularly like current students to argue their case and point of view. Try to convince me either way.

2. When do we get to look round at the accommodations ourselves? I've looked on the website and the only information I found about open days were the ones in June, but I don't know if they're proper accommodation tours or not. Once I've decided between catered and self-catered I would much prefer to check the accommodations out personally before actually applying. It just seems like the sensible thing to do.

3. I just want to confirm that the deadline for applying IS the 31st of August, isn't it? One sector of the website seems to want us to apply immediately, while another sector states the 31st of August (if my memory serves me). I also assume there'll be no 'first come first serve' basis to the accommodation applications? I want to make the right decision when it comes to halls.

I was under the impression that we'd get information on accommodation with our letters, but all it said on there was to go to the accommodation website, which I'd already been on and looked at in detail. At the time I was swaying toward catered halls and I had (in my mind) Dalton-Ellis and Hulme hall as the top two for catered. But now I'm not so sure.

[Davsky]

please post, don't just vote.

[meep]

i'm not an expert but i'll try answer your questions..
lots of people have discussed accommodation in the following threads:

accommodation
Which is the best Manchester Accomodation??

so maybe have a look at them..
there is plenty of information in previous threads if you access it..

1. i think the poll answers this question but it's a personal thing..
would you prefer to have to cook yourself or have someone do it for you? be able to eat when you want or have set times? get to choose what you eat or get what you're given? only you can really answer that..

2.there was an accommodation day where you could look round everything but as far as i'm aware not everybody had there offers then..
i think it has been mentioned previously that if you ring up the accommodation office you might be able to arrange your own tour (but don't quote me on that) i'd recommend this if at all possible as places that look nice on the internet aren't the same in reality..

3.and yes the deadline is 31st august. they start allocating accommodation after you offer becomes unconditional which will be results day for school leavers or after CRB checks or something..
so it is probably best to apply asap..
and there is no first come first serve basis..

you may also be sent information on accommodation separate from the offer pack thing (i was at least)
which halls are best have been debated in the threads i have given at the top by people who know more than i do..
like i said look around the site and you will find all the information you are looking for..

[noheroinhersky]

I was sent my offer letter from manchester last week with the health questionnaire but i haven't received my accommodation letter. Just wondering how long it takes to come through? Already decided I want self-catered because I'm quite fussy and i eat at random times. Just don't think catered would suit me.
Surprised to see that self-catered is winning the poll, always thought that catered was a highly popular choice because you got to meet so many people. Well thats what people have been saying.

So yeah, when did everyone receive their accommodation letters? Before or after the questionnaire?

[Suspect]

I got my offer letter last week and still haven't got accommodation stuff through yet either.

[NV05]

Catered all the way.

[Davsky]

grr.

Why?

[NV05]

grr? Easy tiger.

Catered halls have much more of a social vibe, it works out much cheaper, the meals are (usually) good (breakfast especially), more of a community sense of spirit, you don't have arguments with flatmates you never agreed to live with about washing up and keeping communal areas tidy, its much easier to live with. At first I wanted to go self-catered because I thought I wanted 'independence' but then I thought that rather juvenile. First two years you don't have to worry about coming back from hospitals late and missing meals anyway.

[Glitterball]

I agree with NV05. I'm in Woolton at the moment- its v.nice (we have very big rooms!) and the food is quite good with usually good choice. The latest I finish is 5 and I easily make it back in time for dinners etc.

[NV05]

Ooh Woolton, very posh! You've almost probably seen me, I'm always there hanging out with a second year medic who lives on ground floor Lindsay towards the end of the long wing (not that I wish to give his name of course).