By Jamie Clifford, BSc Physics, Department of Physics
Everyone who applies for halls has the ache of waiting to find out which accommodation you are put into. I found out whilst on holiday in Portugal with my friend from Sixth Form. I received the e-mail and opened to find out I had been placed in the Stratford accommodation. Having lived in central London for a few years and having to move away from the city was slightly annoying, but I still did it. I even moved in a week early, so I could bag the good kitchen cupboards.
The first weekend I was away in Liverpool and when I came back everyone had moved in. My corridor had a total of ten people and not many of them would ever leave their rooms unless using the kitchen which made it a quiet bunch…until one of them decided that pre-drinks should always be held at our flat, which didn’t go down well with me. I looked past it and was excited to start my new life in Stratford when I realised: I hate the tube. I continued to bike in everyday from Stratford to Strand and wearing myself out until the point of no return when I moved out of Stratford and into a studio (closer, much closer).
Now I am living a happy non-commuting life, paying a little extra but it is worth it in my case. I do keep in touch with my 3-week long flat mates who are doing fine without me and I have also made some connections with the other people living in my building now.
University halls weren’t for me; however, it’s a nice and easy way of making friends. I probably would have enjoyed my time there if I had pushed through for a couple more weeks and I would advise anyone who finds themselves in my position to do so.
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