We hope you are having a great week so far and your accommodation applications are coming along nicely! We have covered quite a bit of information over the last couple of weeks on registering for an account and applying for accommodation. In today’s blog, we wanted to talk you through some of the residences, availability and other choices that you might not have even considered. So let’s get started…
Be in it to win it!
With each different academic year, a whole new student community is formed, all with different preferences and priorities. This means that the popularity of residences changes. What makes a residence ‘popular’ is how you feel it is going to meet your needs and requirements. 
But have you heard the saying ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket?’
Sometimes we think that our needs can mostly be met by one place or a particular environment. That’s not always the case. We can miss out on good opportunities if we invest all of our thoughts and energy into just one option.
I heard a colleague of mine talking to a prospective student on the phone recently and she said to them ‘it’s like the lottery, you’ve got to be in it to win it.’ I loved the way she put this. Each line, or preference, on your accommodation application is an opportunity to make the most of your options. Sometimes the ‘lucky dip’ choice; the one you were least thinking of or expecting, is the one that can turn out to be the real winner.
It’s important to do some research and get a ‘feel’ for the different types of accommodation and locations that are available. Although it is great to have an idea of what you are looking for, and which residence you think will tick most of your boxes, try not to discount other accommodation that might also be a good option.
So which are the ‘popular’ residences, generally speaking? Subject to change, the residences that students tend to select as popular first choices are Holland Hall, Lafrowda, St German’s and Rowe House.
Let’s have a look at some other accommodation options in comparison to these ‘popular’ residences and think about what they can also offer you.
What else is out there?
Perhaps you are drawn to Holland Hall because of the location, views and catered meals. If this is what makes Holland Hall a top choice for you, Pennsylvania Court is also worth looking at. An annexe of Lopes Hall, Pennsylvania Court offers views over the grassy green lawns surrounding its location. 
It’s not unusual at all to see bunnies hopping over the lawn when you are sitting out there!
With its own unique charm, large kitchen spaces on each floor, and social areas, Pennsylvania Court might also be the place for you.
A little known fact is that both Holland Hall and Pennsylvania Court were built during the same time and although they differ in setting, they each offer something worthwhile considering.
Location, location, location
Something really important to remember is that when you think of a particular residence as being ‘off-campus’, Exeter is a relatively small city. This means that a lot of locations and destinations are easily accessible by foot or public transport, which runs frequently throughout the day. Take a look at our walking distance map which will give you a good idea on where different accommodation is situated, and the distance in relation to the campuses and city centre.
If it’s the convenience of where St German’s, Rowe House and Lafrowda are located that appeals to you, we have some other suggestions for you to consider.
Point Exe is in a good location for a little bit of everything. It’s around fifteen 
minutes from Streatham campus and if you don’t feel like walking, there is a free shuttle bus you can jump on to get you here even quicker during term time. It’s close to St David’s train station for all your trips and days out. There are also shops and cafés nearby so you can stock up on your essentials.
When you feel like some time away from studying, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the stunning River Exe.
Northernhay House is situated in the heart of the city centre and around a 20 minute walk to Streatham and St Luke’s, which makes it a good choice to consider if you are studying between both campuses. On one side you are close to Exeter’s vibrant student social life and on the other, the pretty and peaceful Northernhay gardens. Exeter Central train station and the main bus station are also conveniently only a five minute walk from the accommodation.
James Owen Court, in some ways, reminds me of Rowancroft. When you step 
inside, there’s a lovely big enclosed green that you wouldn’t even know existed from the outside. There are good sized social spaces and a real ‘student community’ atmosphere within the accommodation. Close to town and an array of local shops, restaurants and cinemas, James Owen Court has a lot to offer. It’s also a good option again if you are studying between both campuses.
It’s all about you
Add as many interests as you like to your application! Tell us as much as you want about yourself to help us understand your personality. When your application reaches us, we take the time to look through everything you have included on there.
Think of us as the ‘cupids of accommodation’ – we want to set up the best possible matches! That way, we can make sure you have lots of opportunities to mix with like-minded individuals and form new friendships.
Take a look at our room allocation procedure for more details on this.
In summary…
Think about what your top priorities are and try and explore all options, keeping an open-mind, to help fulfill as many of these as possible.
And remember, a place – as with most things, is what you make it. It’s the personality, sense of fun and excitement that you bring with you that really makes it special and feel just like home.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s blog and if you have any questions, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help! In next week’s blog, we are gearing up for our Open Days on Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June and telling you a bit more about what you can expect from them.
Have a great week!
Accommodation Priscilla