Good morning everyone,
Last week we re-visited a few key facts about living in self-catered accommodation. This week we will be looking once again at the ins and outs of our catered halls.
What are the benefits of living in a catered residence?
Catered accommodation can be a great alternative for your first year at University. With all the changes that you’ll be experiencing, not having to worry about cooking for yourself can take a large stress out of your settling-in (especially with the time you would otherwise spend shopping and washing up!). If your culinary skills don’t stretch much further than stirring a pot-noodle, living in a catered hall will ensure that you receive high quality and nutritious meals throughout the term.
If you are living in a catered residence, you will take your meals in one of our communal dining halls. This is a great opportunity to make friends and gives you a great sense of community.
Which residences are catered?Â
- Holland Hall is composed of en-suite rooms, a glass-fronted restaurant and a sun terrace. Holland Hall has 406 rooms, some of these with a stunning view over the Exe valley.
- Mardon Hall is our oldest purpose-built residence. It includes a wood-panelled library (now used as a study room) and grand staircases.
The residence has a mixture of single standard rooms and twin standard rooms. - Birks Grange Village is composed of self-catered, catered and studio accommodation. The catered residences have en-suite rooms in clusters of up to nine. There are also communal spaces and a small shop.
- Exeter Halls is composed of Lopes Hall, Random Pickard and Pennsylvania Court with a mixture of standard, twin and en-suite rooms. Lopes Hall contains a large dining room for all three of these residences as well as a social area shared between the three.
Our catered residences are all on-campus and are available on a 32 week contract. This means that you will not be permitted to stay in your room during the Christmas and Easter holidays. However, we can arrange alternative accommodation for you during these times.
What type of food is available?
The University catering team provide a great variety of choices. Included in your accommodation fees are 16 meals per-week. These are available at the below times:
- Breakfast Monday to Friday 7:45am-9.30am
- Continental Breakfast Saturday 8.00am-11.00am and Sunday 8.30am-11.00am
- Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11.15am-1.30pm  Â
- Dinner Monday to Sunday 5.30pm-7.15pm
Special dietary requirements can be catered for but we will need to let our chefs know in advance. Each meal will have vegetarian options. For examples of the menus within catered halls, please visit our website. Our YouTube video provides a students insight into our catered accommodation
You will need to provide your own lunches and snacks, but you will be equipped with your own fridge and some residences will also have utilities rooms to prepare food.
Have a wonderful week!
Accommodation Shannon