How I Chose My First-Year Accommodation at Warwick

There is so much I wish I knew before choosing my university accommodation. In hindsight, despite receiving my first-choice accommodation option, (Cryfield Townhouses), I do feel that I rushed into the decision, and it may not have been the right fit for me personally. To help you avoid making the same mistakes, here are my top tips and factors to consider when choosing your accommodation, so you can feel confident that you are making the right decision for you.  
 

Budget:

The cost of accommodation is often the most significant factor for many students. Warwick offers multiple budget-friendly accommodation options like Rootes or Tocil, but also more expensive facilities like Bluebell. I made the mistake of not determining my budget and picked the accommodation based on what I thought looked best. 
To maximise your time at university, it’s best to account for extra costs like groceries, laundry and your social life expenses, so you can avoid being in a situation where all your money is going towards your accommodation costs. With that said, if you are in a financially stable situation and would prefer to spend more, then I highly recommend considering accommodation options like Arthur Vick too. 

Shared bathroom or En-Suite:

Warwick offers many shared bathroom accommodations which may seem off-putting for some, however, many of my friends lived in accommodations like Rootes, where there are multiple toilets and shower rooms in the corridors, and still had a great experience. If you choose Claycroft, you only share a bathroom with one other person of the same gender. If you’re on a tight budget, this could be a factor to consider. 

Location:

Whilst Sherborne, Heronbank and Lakeside may feel further away from central campus, they do offer scenic walks to central campus, and, once you’re a student, you’ll be so used to walking everywhere, that it won’t feel too long. You may want to consider where your lectures will be, for instance, Sherborne, Heronbank and Lakeside are further away if you’re studying in the Statistics department on the other side of campus. In my opinion, Rootes, Bluebell and Jack Martin are in a great central location and all vary in their pricing and facilities. 

Contract Length:

Some contracts may not cover the Easter holidays (like Jack Martin and Arthur Vick). This put me off listing them on my application, however, from my friends’ experiences, moving out for Easter is not as difficult as it may seem. Your friends in other accommodations may even offer their space as storage. I personally don’t think you should let this put you off too much unless you truly think it will be difficult to move out, but you should always choose what is best for your individual circumstances.

Facilities:

Some accommodation options offer study spaces and common areas. For example, Cryfield Townhouses  have both a cinema room and hall that is available for booking.  In terms of general facilities, all accommodations provide laundry facilities which are included in your rent cost. 

Atmosphere:

Many students choose Rootes for the vibrant social scene it is known for, but bear in mind that this is not an absolute guarantee. This is the same with any accommodation you pick, so I recommend choosing based on the factors listed above. 

Taking the time to consider these factors will help you make an informed decision about where to live whilst at university, ensuring that your accommodation not only meets your basic needs, but also enhances your overall student experience.