University of Kent at Canterbury (UKC)

There are new and old houses in Parkwood at UKC. The old houses need renovation and are too expensive for what they can offer. Disciplinary problems are very common. Unfortunately the university states to follow strict rules such as keeping noise levels down, etc but commonly does not take measures against students who offend those rules when those students pay overseas fees, that is when they bring in a lot of money. I personally do not think that this is appropriate in cases where housemates are being threatened by such students. My marks for my accomodation are relatively high despite this because I was able to change my accomodation after the first six weeks.

The campus is set in a very nice environment and my room was big enough (unfortunately not like some other rooms on campus). On the less positive side I have to point out the fact that in the area of the campus i am living in there is not a of a place to peacefully watch TV, chat with friends or receive visitors: social life has to take place in the kitchen. Other less positive details include the little efficiency of the cleaning ladies and the size of the fridge/freezer, very obviously too little for 5 people.

Prices for accommodation is reasonable, but doing laundry is a hassle. The idea of bill-inclusive is very welcomed. Plus it feels more like a community, where neighbours interact with you like friends, unlike off-campus where neighbours could be rather unfriendly, sometimes unchalant, in some extreme cases, racist. Living on campus also provides you walking distance to many facilities that the University provides.

living in self-accommodation on campus is recommendable although you have to consider the campus can get noisy and you can't really choose your house mates. And a lot of people living in self-accomodation on campus are Erasmus so if you want to live with English people you might be disappointed or should explicitly ask for a room in a house with English students.

It is too expensive but tue standard of life is great there, so I recommend everyone to live on campus to take advantage of the student social life.

The housing system was really good. People were close to each other and close to the very life of the University. The location offered beautiful surroundings and a close contact to Nature.