First year at Storthes Hall: Home away from Home

Finding suitable accommodation is crucial for a University experience. There are a lot of things to consider, such as cost, location, facilities and so on. For me it was no different.

When I received the confirmation letter for the start of my course, I didn’t waste any time before booking my accommodation. Booking from overseas meant I had additional factors to keep in mind before signing for my tenancy. I wanted a reliable provider, with little paperwork, an easy procedure and overall cost effectiveness.

Upon browsing the University’s website and reading suggestions from current students at that time, I came across Storthes Hall. It was everything I wanted.

The rooms were all en-suite and individual, with shared communal spaces and kitchen. Facilities included an on-site shop, 24-hour security, gym facilities and our very own bar with a cinema and games room! It sounded like everything was conveniently located and all in one place, what more could I have wanted?

The halls are divided into flats and each has 6 to 8 rooms, so one could never feel lonely and the prospect of feeling homesick was diminished. Travelling 6,000 miles from home, I was very nervous about settling down and being able to find my way around, but having my flatmates in Storthes Hall was a very big comfort. We helped each other settle in to the first year of University, had good laughs, late night pizza parties, countless Disney marathons while ordering in from our favourite Chinese takeaway, not to mention setting the fire alarm off with attempts of trying to cook a decent meal.

Living in halls is ideal because you are amid the student community and meeting like-minded people is very rewarding for your social life. We had regular events and a weekly pub quiz, Christmas parties as well as the Bonfire Night celebration. We were never short of things to do; and regular shuttle buses made coming into town very convenient. Over the exam periods, there are study rooms we could go to if we wanted some peace and quiet.

My room was a suitable size, with plenty of closet space, a desk to work on and an ensuite bathroom. My favourite part was the big window that looked on to the neighbouring football field. Decorating it up with fairy lights, photos and new bedsheets was my favourite part of moving in. I still remember the day I moved out, it was very bittersweet. Happy for going home over the summer, but sad over missing all the cherished memories I made at Storthes Hall, Boothroyd Block, Flat 5. I would recommend it to anyone thinking of moving into halls, especially if you are in your first year.