Portsmouth uni accommodation

[rootsandbranches]

Does anyone know anything about student accommodation here, specifically James Watson? Son is thinking of this hall as it's closest to uni but wondering if he should go for a bigger hall with more chance to meet people he gets on with.

I have to admit complete ignorance of the university, but looking up 'James Watson Halls' brings up the information that it houses 710 students in flats of 4 - 6 en suite rooms. That doesn't sound particularly small for a hall of residence. Do you mean, he thinks that somewhere with more people per flat might be better?

Thank you for answering and yes that's what I meant. He feels if it's 10 in a flat you have more chance of getting on with someone.

DS1 (not at Portsmouth, admittedly) was in a flat of 4 and only didn't really get on with one of them in the sense that she never seemed to be there to get on with (or not), iyswim - but he may have lucky. The only thing with a much larger group is that the university may work extra hard to make sure that the mix of courses / timetables means that there is as little danger as possible of all 10 / 12 / 19 trying to use the kitchen or showers at the same time, thus rather defeating the object. I think DS1 mainly got to know 'people like him' through finding a society which interested him and through taking part in various Rag activities.

Often you make friends with other flats, this happened with my daughter at another uni.

No halls are too far from uni in Portsmouth. My son is currently in Greetham Street with 8 others. It has not been the experience he hoped for as gets on with some but not others. The way it’s laid out is the problem as kitchen at end with heavy fire door so doesn’t feel very communal. He has made friends with people on other floors and halls though but does feel cut off.

Thanks for replying. DottyP that's such a shame it hasn't worked out the way your DS wanted. It's so hard worrying about if they're happy when they are a distance from home. I guess it's just luck who they end up with and I'm glad he's made friends in other flats. The layout doesn't sound like it encourages them to be in a communal space. I'll have a look at other halls and see if they are all a similar design.