Accomodation for 2009/2010

CantGetNoSleep

I thought it would be a good idea to have an accomodation thread for next year.

First years should be aware that if they want to stay in any of the popular student accomodation for second year they will need to book soon.

Here we could compare prices, share experiences from last year etc to help us choose where to stay next year.

Rent is down by 10% or more nationally, is anyone going to haggle with private landlords for a discount? Will prices go down in other student accomodation? Or will demand still be high enough close to the University that they will still charge extortionate prices?

Lucas10101

I was thinking of going into Castlewhite next year, despite it's pejorative nickname...

Anyone care to share much of what it's like there?
Most importantly, how much is the laundry cost?

Animo

I was wondering if I could get a bit of advice from UCC students here. Would people recommend getting a house with some of my friends or would I be better off going into student accomodation in first year. At the moment I don't know who I'm gonna live with. 2 girls are asking me to live with them but they want to get a house. This amoung a few other things has stopped me from deciding. I've a mate in 2nd year there and he said I'd be better off going into student acc. in first year cos it would allow me to get to know people better etc

What do ye think? I need to decide who I'm living with in the next few weeks cos peope are gonna be booking accomodation. Any advice is welcome!

CantGetNoSleep

I would say student accom for first year definately, as all your neighbours etc will be students, much easier to meet people I feel

Selphie

Castlewhite is not the nicest admittedly, but its a lot cheaper than most of the other accommodation... the one major gripe I have with it is the bathroom...the shower is basically a hole in the ground. it's like something out of the stone age... apart from that, they're nice and small and comfortable and about as close to campus as its possible to get.

I'd recommend going into student accom but then that's because I have such positive experience. I live in victoria mills, about ten minutes from campus. I didn't know any of my roommates before I moved in this year, but they're all lovely. A lot of my friends have had mixed experiences but in general management in places are quite accommodating, especially if you're in first year. College accommodation is brilliant for making new friends, if you're lucky you'll get lovely roommates ---> new circle of friends outside those you'll meet in your course...

yay_for_summer

Lucas10101 wrote: »

I was thinking of going into Castlewhite next year, despite it's pejorative nickname...

Anyone care to share much of what it's like there?
Most importantly, how much is the laundry cost?

€5 for wash and dry. The machines take a fairly big load.

I think it's a great place to live, maybe not as modern as some of the others but the rooms are bigger than in lots of places and you're practically living on campus.

Also I'd go for college accommodation in first year, especially if you don't know who you're sharing with. You're more likely to be in with other first years and I think it's hard to go to a house with strangers in case there's problems with paying bills etc.

wireless101

Hi guys, couple of questions about accommodation here!

Me and 2 friends intend on booking Victoria Mills ASAP

1. Can we book it now, or does booking only start at a certain date?
2. Is it possible to book it in such a way that we will be together?

rebel105

If your going to be starting college and won't know anybody or have any close friends coming with you, I would say student accom, you'll be with other people in the same boat, in some places they try and match you with people doing similar courses and it generally gives you a ready made set of friends, up to a point anyway! the only thing i would be wary of is to still make an effort make friends with people in your class, go out with them etc even if you do make good friends in student accom.

if you do have people that you feel you know well enuf to share with, then thers nothing wrong with a house either. it is great craic...as long as you share with the like-minded people, that is!

ReacherCreature

wireless101 wrote: »

Hi guys, couple of questions about accommodation here!

Me and 2 friends intend on booking Victoria Mills ASAP

1. Can we book it now, or does booking only start at a certain date?
2. Is it possible to book it in such a way that we will be together?

Ring now and find out, I've no idea when booking starts but it can't hurt to give Vic Mills a ring.
Don't know if you'll be taken together, someone here might know or again, ask if you ring.

Lucas10101

I was told that Castlewhite bookings will take place on Monday March 3rd.

corkhero

Although i live at home, i know plenty of people in Vic Lodge and they all love it.

People there are very friendly from those ive met anyway.

shiverz

Ah I just posted on another thread, but this one seems far more relevant -

I'm looking for any feedback on University Hall, I'm thinking of booking it for the 09/10 Academic Year. I did my undergrad in UCC but that was over 5 years ago, and I lived in private rented accomm. I'm leaning towards dorms this year just for the convenience of it. I remember how basic CW was back in 03.. so eh.. yeah... was hoping that Uni Hall would be the better option, albeit the pricier one.

Also, is it true the gym is free now for UCC students?! Wow!! Back in my day we had to pay... (listen to the old-timer...)

rebel105

yip the gym is now free for everyone! well they did increase registration fees to pay for it, so free might not be the best way to describe it!
i havent lived in uni hall but iv been there and it is pretty nice and very convenient with centra, dimarions etc etc. havent heard anyone complain about it so id say if your willing to pay for it, it would be good! i dont think you get parking tho.

shiverz

Yeah, I noticed that there's no parking alright, but there's free parking at the Mardyke and at Dennehy's Cross so I presume I'll be able to use those. Worst case scenario my Mum lives in Kinsale so I can just leave the car there during the week. Won't need it much if I'm living so close to campus.

ReacherCreature

shiverz wrote: »

Yeah, I noticed that there's no parking alright, but there's free parking at the Mardyke and at Dennehy's Cross so I presume I'll be able to use those.

Free parking at Dennehy's Cross I'm sure.
You'll be able to get a bus in aswell, on UCC's Park&Ride system.
Don't know how far Dennehy's Cross is, a friend told me this before!

deRanged

ReacherCreature wrote: »

Don't know how far Dennehy's Cross is, a friend told me this before!

10 minutes walk.

yay_for_summer

I was thinking of University Hall too, or the village. Anybody have any idea of the size of the rooms? Because Vic Lodge's sitting rooms/kitchens are way smaller than in Castlewhite.

Emma08

Does anyone know what forms of payment are accepted when your sending the deposit for brookfield?

ahyeah

Where is University Hall? It must have been built since I left in 06.

I've heard rent is gone down on a lot of the houses in the UCC area, is this true? Going back next year as a mature student.

CantGetNoSleep

ahyeah wrote: »

Where is University Hall? It must have been built since I left in 06.

I've heard rent is gone down on a lot of the houses in the UCC area, is this true? Going back next year as a mature student.

It is at Victoria Cross, right beside Victoria Mills

I would imagine that rent won't drop too much as the same demand for the accomodation is there as before

Anyone know when they are taking bookings in University Hall?

ReacherCreature

ahyeah wrote: »

I've heard rent is gone down on a lot of the houses in the UCC area, is this true? Going back next year as a mature student.

My landlord put up rent by five euro for gas. Didn't mind at all considering it was relatively cheap anyways.

Leopardi

I would appreciate any advice regarding good post-graduate accomodation, as I am due to commence my studies in Cork in October.

eoin99

yay_for_summer wrote: »

I was thinking of University Hall too, or the village. Anybody have any idea of the size of the rooms? Because Vic Lodge's sitting rooms/kitchens are way smaller than in Castlewhite.

I lived in Vic Lodge in first year and in Uni Hall then for the last two years.

The bedrooms are very similar, no difference in size really. The kitchen is much bigger in Uni Hall though. Not that hard when you consider that Vic Lodge's living area is tiny. Plus you get leather sofa's!!

eoin99

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

It is at Victoria Cross, right beside Victoria Mills

I would imagine that rent won't drop too much as the same demand for the accomodation is there as before

Anyone know when they are taking bookings in University Hall?

Usually they tell current residents when booking begins but I ain't heard nothing from them yet.

http://www.ucccampusaccommodation.com/stu.asp

3rd of March according to this

dindinium

Hey can tell me which ucc accommodation apartments are the best and nicest . I don't mind the price.
Whats The Village , Mardyke Hall, victoria Mills, Castlewhite Apartments, University Hall , Victoria Lodge, Abbey Wharf, Seven North wall or Dean's hall like??
What's staff like and internet and living area???

KevL

@dindinium: I'm in the exact same situation, just need to find out what I can afford and whats the best!

Also, anyone know if first years can go into University Hall, or if Vic Lodge is first years only? Any recommendations between the two?

Cheers

Jay P

KevL wrote: »

@dindinium: I'm in the exact same situation, just need to find out what I can afford and whats the best!

Also, anyone know if first years can go into University Hall, or if Vic Lodge is first years only? Any recommendations between the two?

Cheers

University Hall is much better, everyone gets a double bed. But its not for first years. Victoria Lodge is nice too, although the rooms are a bit too small. They're grand though. It's most likely where I'll be next year ifI do go to UCC

x43r0

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Brookfield yet. Apart from castlewhite its the closest student accom to campus, has a shop, gym, pool, bar and is nice and green with its trees and lawns and such.

Its the most social of the student accoms aswell, especially in 1st/2nd year. I'm in my third year now and i've lived nowhere else. Considering its final year next year i'm gonna move down to the quieter Jennings Pool apartments in Brookfield rather then the houses which i have been living in.

So theres great options there be it the craic in Brookfield houses or the peace and quiet in Jennings Pool apartments in Brookfield

Rachel666

Was just wondering which accommodation is better - victoria mills or university hall?

caolanmc

hi im just writing to ask someone, im looking to move out fairly soon, at the minute i live with my dad but want to get somewhere, id love to know any1 looking for accommodation with any1 in derry, i was looking at rockmilss, but do you have to be at a uni to move there, im currently at the tech... and does any1 know a price? wb please,
thanks

Casper89

i'm with dindinium, what accomm has the best reputation amoung students? for first years?

seeing a lot of mention of victoria lodge, though i'm concerned about the comments about the size of the rooms:p
is it a very noticeable difference from other accomms?

Casper89

hmm, i was looking at some of the photo galleries, and while the ensuite option is very tempting in victoria lodge, i really like the aesthetics of castlewhite! the windows, the river outside...its more old-fashioned and kind of pretty, i was never keen on the modern look:P

anyone any opinions on castlewhite in terms of the social scene, management, problems with sharing a bathroom:P, etc.?

CommieBaz

Casper89 wrote: »

hmm, i was looking at some of the photo galleries, and while the ensuite option is very tempting in victoria lodge, i really like the aesthetics of castlewhite! the windows, the river outside...its more old-fashioned and kind of pretty, i was never keen on the modern look:P

anyone any opinions on castlewhite in terms of the social scene, management, problems with sharing a bathroom:P, etc.?

To be honest the best thing about Castlewhite is that its literally on the doorstep of UCC, so you can leave that tedious "waking up for lectures" business until the last minute!
Sharing a bathroom in Castlewhite is only a problem if you'r living with slobs, my roomates were grand so there were no issues.
Management are very fond of their random inspections and fire drills, so just remember when an alarm goes off at 8 in the morning!

Casper89

so no nightmare management stories?!:)
besides their penchant for fire drills:pac:

and i suppose its not exactly party central? but would there be problems having friends over?

CommieBaz

Casper89 wrote: »

so no nightmare management stories?!:)
besides their penchant for fire drills:pac:

and i suppose its not exactly party central? but would there be problems having friends over?

Only time I had an issue with having friends over was rag week a few weeks ago, you had to get them to sign in at reception or some such...

Some say it has more of a "party" vibe than other campus accommodation areas, but I wouldn't really know since I've only ever lived in Castlewhite so far. In my experience, I've never been kept up at night due to parties...well again, unless you count rag week, which you kinda expect!

Casper89

CommieBaz wrote: »

Only time I had an issue with having friends over was rag week a few weeks ago, you had to get them to sign in at reception or some such...

Some say it has more of a "party" vibe than other campus accommodation areas, but I wouldn't really know since I've only ever lived in Castlewhite so far. In my experience, I've never been kept up at night due to parties...well again, unless you count rag week, which you kinda expect!

oo yay that's good. cos my friend is in college up in galway, living in corrib village where she can't sneak in a friend for the life of her, and so it'd be nice that where i'm staying in cork would be a little more accommodating, she'll just have to come down to cork more:pac:

lol, i don't even know if i'd prefer party central or not:p i like to read in peace, but a 'party vibe' is nice too!
thanks for the replies btw!:)

Casper89

ooo, actually, one more question!
the pictures shown here; http://castlewhite.ucc.ie/accommodation/castlewhite.php?first
they are accurate? cos i notice the girl in the living room pic is definitely dressed in distinct 90's attire!:pac:
i read somewhere someone complaining that there is actually no carpet in the living room area like in the photos?
what i really like are the windows and the layout of the bedroom, so if it in fact no longer looks like that after the refurbishments, i might reconsider:p

CommieBaz

It is true that in the living room/kitchen area there isn't any carpet, but the bedroom layout/windows are exactly as they look in those pics. Keep in mind though that the double bedroom and the single bedrooms are slightly different (doubles are obviously a bit more spacious)!

Glad I could help!:D

Casper89

CommieBaz wrote: »

It is true that in the living room/kitchen area there isn't any carpet, but the bedroom layout/windows are exactly as they look in those pics. Keep in mind though that the double bedroom and the single bedrooms are slightly different (doubles are obviously a bit more spacious)!

Glad I could help!:D

the one they show is a single bed isn't it?
and i know this may seem weird, but the curtains are blue?! i have an obsession with the colour is all...lmao:pac:

doubles as in the twin room? cos the site only lists singles and twin room options. twin rooms are two people sharing a room right?
gosh, i feel so lame asking so many questions!:o

wexhurdler

Hey does anybody know what time the on-line bookings for castlewhite are available at tomorrow.. I heard they book out in like 10 mins, whats the chances of getting it on-line 2moro??

Thanks:(

CommieBaz

Casper89 wrote: »

the one they show is a single bed isn't it?
and i know this may seem weird, but the curtains are blue?! i have an obsession with the colour is all...lmao:pac:

doubles as in the twin room? cos the site only lists singles and twin room options. twin rooms are two people sharing a room right?
gosh, i feel so lame asking so many questions!:o

Yup, twin rooms = two people sharing. as for blue curtains....well, my room had blue curtains, but the living area had orange blinds, so you should get what you wanted anyhow!

Also wexhurdler, while I don't know the time the bookings open, I don't think they'd book out in 10 minutes, but it helps to check the site early and often tomorrow.

JeffTheJeff

Any opinions on The Village?

yay_for_summer

They don't book out in ten minutes, you'd have a few days definitely and I think I booked about three weeks after it opened. Mind you, vic lodge and uni hall were booked out by then.

Casper89

agh! i've been trying to get onto the online application for 45 mins now! starting to panic!:eek:

it better not book out in 10 mins! or i'm already 35 mins late, even though i tried to load up the page at 12 on the dot...so irritating:(

DanFarraday

Anyone have any joy with the online application for Vic Lodge yet?? Page wont load and have tried numerous times today, constant Server Application Unavailable page coming up.

Casper89

farraday, i was trying to get castlewhite and got sent this email:

Urgent Notice: We have just received notification from the IT company that the system on our website is on has crashed.
We have been asked to relay to you that the application process has being postponed and details of the postponed date will be issued as soon as available.

We would like to apologise for this delay which was beyond our control.
The notice will be issued on our website and we will endeavour to send you an email with details as well. We are fielding a large amount of calls today and would ask applicants for patience if you cannot get through to us immediately.
Regards,

DanFarraday

Casper you're a star, thanks for that. Will probably keep an eye out for the rest of the evening just to be sure. I understand there will be a hell of a lot of people looking to book online today but the website crashing, on the opening day???? Its all a bit Irish really isnt it.

Casper89

you said it...tis heartbreakingly irish:rolleyes:

i all but smashed my head against the screen in zombified frustration

wexhurdler

Hey,

Anybody get accomidation for definate today??
My booking form went in at 2.20 havnt got offer yet.. should I be worrying??

yay_for_summer

wexhurdler wrote: »

Hey,

Anybody get accomidation for definate today??
My booking form went in at 2.20 havnt got offer yet.. should I be worrying??

Thank God, someone else. I got no confirmation yet:(

Jeebus

Mine was in my spam mail, blocked by the filter, so I'd suggest having a look in there.

300 quid paid. Castlewhite first year next year.