Halls of Residence for fresher - would you bother this year?

[skeemee]

DS achieved his conditions for his 1st choice Uni! Woohoo!

Now the reality check.... He's had to wait until now to apply for halls, which we have always assumed he would do, regardless of which uni he attended. Just so happens his first choice is in our home city, and he can get there within 10-15 minutes.

Given the current covid circumstances, would you still sign up for halls? The cost is between £145-£175 per week x 40 weeks, so not an insignificant sum.

However, my main concern is that most lectures will be online, so no need to be on campus so much. Also, the social side will be severely restricted this year. I'm also concerned that it will be a bit of a "ghost town" campus, so may be a bit depressing.

I'm wondering if there is much point in spending all this cash for a less than ideal situation. What would you do?

Some unis don't accept hall applications for students living so close to the university. I would check this before applying.

He'll miss out on a hell of a lot of social life if he doesn't live in halls, and he may find it difficult to make real friends. Although I get your point about the cost savings, and the online lectures.

@catndogslife this uni guarantees all students halls, so no problem there.

@JaJaDingDong agreed about missing out. I’m thinking the uni might have a lot less students living on campus this year (due to Covid), international students staying away etc, so socials may be minimal? Who knows?

It’s not just about the social side though or the lectures, although I see your point. It’s the freedom for him to begin his journey to independence and not having all his washing, cooking, cleaning etc done by his parents and the freedom of you not knowing his every move (not to say you’re overbearing or anything like that).

@1wokeuplikethis I totally agree. In normal circumstances, I wouldn't be thinking twice about him going to halls for all the reasons you've given. I think it's a great opportunity for him to spread his wings. Just this bloody covid...... it's ruined his final year at school, no prom, no 6th year holiday, no summer of fun with his mates. And now a less-than-ideal start to university life.

Plus, I might be getting made redundant very soon, so spending up to £7k on halls (when not essential) is quite a big commitment. Especially if the "student life" on campus is going to be another disappointment due to covid.