In this guest blog, student Eve shares her experience in not being offered her first preference of University accommodation and reflects on how she’s finding University life.
As many of you may be aware, when securing your place at the University of Exeter, you are asked to rank your top 4 accommodations in order of preference. However, it is pretty common to not get your first choice, and many find themselves in an accommodation they hadn’t even ranked in the first place. This can seem rather scary, but don’t fear! Hopefully by sharing my own story I can put your mind at ease about the uncertainty surrounding accommodation allocation.
My accommodation preferences
Personally, I ranked my accommodation preferences in the order of East Park, Lafrowda, Birks Grange, and then Duryard. If you have had the chance of visiting East Park, I’m sure you can understand why it was my top option! It’s rather common to discover that most students in fact did the same; its modern rooms, large ensuites and big common spaces make it a great choice.
My accommodation offer
Perhaps due to its sheer popularity, I was unsuccessful in securing that East Park room and instead was allocated to my second choice, ensuite Lafrowda. Personally, I was actually really happy with this, since I knew that the probability of getting East Park was so small, and Lafrowda is also a great option – amazing location, ensuite room, and self-catered, which were my priorities. Of course, there was a part of me that was upset that I didn’t get my first choice, but after living here for a while now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sure, the kitchen isn’t as big and the beds are smaller, but Lafrowda has its own selling points, too. For example, its incredibly close to campus – less than a 10 minute walk from the Forum library, and right opposite a restaurant and shop which has proved to be so convenient. Its also closer to town – those East Park stairs are rather daunting!
Pros and Cons
What I’m really trying to say is that each accommodation has its upsides, and its downfalls. Indeed, I was really lucky to still get my second choice – some people aren’t so fortunate. Due to the impossibility for everyone to get their preferred accommodation, some people find themselves in accommodation they hadn’t listed. Whilst I can’t speak on behalf of students who have experienced this, many of my friends went through this situation, for example if they went through clearing. Many voiced to me their various concerns, for example being off campus or having to share bathrooms. However, whilst these things may sound daunting, they settled in and learned to find the benefits that their accommodation brought, just like I did with Lafrowda. I always think that if I hadn’t been given my second choice, I wouldn’t have met my flatmates that I can now call some of my best friends. Whilst of course there is the option to apply to transfer accommodations once you arrive, which may give you some peace of mind, I can confidently say that given the option to change accommodation now, I would decline.
I hope this has given you some reassurance when going through the accommodation process. Wherever you end up, I am sure you will find your way, and there are so many people in the same boat to support you. I wish you the best of luck!
Helpful links:
- Details of all University and approved partner accommodation – Room Finder
- Information about the accommodation application process