Insuring Bath/ accommodation

[Justlurkingmostly]

Would it be madness to insure Bath given the lack of accommodation? It would otherwise be a good fit for DC but they are not very outgoing socially so if were left with private/town halls they might struggle. Shame because the course is otherwise great. Would be interested in any recent experiences, thanks.

Bath accommodation is a minefield but they do guarantee accommodation for those who firm or those who go through clearing. Not those who insure. And private accommodation is very limited. You run the real risk of having no accommodation if you insure. The problem seems to have been much worse the last two years. It would be really risky but if the course is that good it maybe worth risking, just be prepared for a nervous wait and possible stressful time.

Our DC had Bath as their Insurance 3 years ago.
Was initially told accommodation not guaranteed, but was then allocated Green Park (City). I also hear there’s a lot of movement in the first term. So while it is stressful it appears to all work out. Hopefully others with more recent experience can comment.

Consider that accommodation for subsequent years is really difficult, not ideal.

Bath accommodation is a nightmare. DS is there- he had friends who were homeless at the beginning of term and had to find expensive private accommodation.

there was movement in the first term but it came too late for quite a few.

personally I’d advise against anything but firming it….

Another vote for Bath accom being a nightmare. DD firmed, got grades and still ended up in the worst halls. Second year accom is no better. Good thing it is a great university, in a great city and she loves the course. It is also very expensive. So unless they love it, find somewhere else.

Can I ask what was wrong with the halls. And also the problem with year 2 accom? My DC has an offer from there (they'd firm it). I know it's very expensive to live there!

Thornbank Gardens, no communal space so not sociable, need a bus pass to get to campus (cost £500 per year), and a walk in to city. Flat of eight but kitchen suitable for only four, even that is a push. Green Park does at least have social spaces. Every time the fire alarm goes off, it shuts the boiler down and takes two days to get hot water again. And it is no cheaper than on-campus accommodation.

Second year they scramble for accommodation in term 1 of year one, DD viewed four properties where they are one of several groups bidding so it becomes quite time consuming.

However, she loves it there, is very happy and the course is challenging and interesting.

@littlequestion

You get to choose seven accommodation options but it seems a significant proportion of students get none of their choices, mine included. There is a lot of city accommodation which isn't popular and my child, who only wanted campus accommodation, got given a place in the city with a poor bus service making them late, often. In the second year there is a limited amount of private rentals which are expensive and incredibly difficult to secure due to the high demand. But other than the accommodation it's a great university and town, you just have to accept you may end up with somewhere you didn't choose for an extortionate price in the first year.

I have a DD in her 3rd year at Bath which she firmed, got allocated 2nd choice. No problems with finding 2nd and 3rd year accommodation, yes expensive but you know that already. If it is an insurance choice I am not sure I would take the risk. It is such a popular Uni now with limited spaces.