First an foremost here is my room, this a standard en suite room which is also self catered. An attractive room which also includes a wardrobe, draws, bedside table, desk, freewire telephone (although mine doesn't work...) and an internet connection. The internet is incredibly quick and can be connected via the ethernet cable which is provided. Alternatively there are some unprotected wifi's which are available for student use... although i'm not sure if they are supposed to be or not.
The view from my room is fairly spectacular, despite only being on the second floor I have attractive view over the terrace (which also doubles up as a smoking and waste disposal area) and surrounding area. Take particular note of the rather exciting Subway across the road...Becoming a student often comes coupled with a new found independence and self control. Cooking, cleaning and budgeting are all new and are skills that need to be learnt quickly, and learnt well. This photo shows part of our well equipped kitchen, a lovely space. A breakfast bar is in place in James Watson halls as opposed to the traditional dining table to save on space. Storage wise the kitchen is very reasonable - one up cupboard, and one down, as well as draws in both the fridge and freezer. Often flats end up with more kettles and toasters than people, this wasn't the case for our flat but there are very inexpensive toasters available in Tesco - ours was just £4.47 in fact. There are four hotplates, and oven and a microwave. I myself cannot speak too highly of the microwave as it has no defrost setting which is rather irritating, but it is however perfect for heating up ready meals, soup, beans and spaghetti hoops! The kitchen also houses four large comfy chairs which overlook the courtyard and make a lovely setting for an early morning cuppa... or a late night vodka! Do note however that the uni do not provide an ironing board or an iron, although it soon becomes apparent that one is not needed... and before starting university I was a religious ironer!
One more important note is that of the lift system and vandalism. Vandalism is often rife in halls, especially during the freshers period, on my floor ceiling tiles have been broken and carpet stained. Do note that if you cause the damage you will be charged heftily. I recently heard that a resident of Rees Hall was told that if someone is sick outside your door you are obligated to pay... interesting system. The lifts are very unreliable, I have been here 8 days and the lift has only been in service one of those days. I witnessed a boy on crutches using the stairs today, which is simply unacceptable, we have been told that the lifts are waiting for a 'part' but i'm not too sure. Fire alarms are also a major 'thing' in halls, our regulated fire alarm is on Wednesday mornings - this Wednesday it went off at 7am. Just a warning. Do be prepared for the odd druken fire alarm fiddle too.. always keep a dressing gown handy!
Below are a few images of all the halls of residence Portsmouth has to offer:
This image shows my hall, James Watson Hall. James Watson is made up of 3 blocks; D, N and A, these correspond to the DNA James Watson helped to discover. The hall is made up of four and six person flats, all self catered. The are also some studio flats - these are usually occupied by international students.
This hall is Harry Law, just off the Guilhall it is in the perfect location for shopping and night life, as are the other Guildhall halls; James Watson, Trafalgar, Bateson and Margaret Rule. Harry Law consists of single person rooms which are mapped out in a corridor style.
This is Margaret Rule, not very attractive from the outside Maggie Rule is actually the closest to all of the highstreet shops including New Look, Top Shop and Primark. The hall also practically sits on top of Portsmouth and Southsea railway station which runs direct, frequent trains to London Waterloo and London Victoria.
Trafalgar Hall is the tallest of the guildhall halls and is also very attractive from the outside. All of the flats are 6 person self contained and self catered. From the higher floors residents have a lovely view of the sea and also the Spinaker Tower and the lipstick at Gunwharf Quays.Bateson is the last of the guildhalls. Located opposite Harry Law it also acts as the main reception where students can go for query's and also to collect parcels.
Rees and Burrell halls are located in Southsea and are catered halls. Although away from the buzz of the city centre the halls have their advantages. Both buildings are situated close to Southsea common, which is currently the home of a 53ft ultrasaurus dinosaur, believed to be life size. Southsea also has a collection of shops (mainly Co-Ops!) and Clarence Pier, a more Blackpool-eske landmark. The 10 minute hovercraft from Clarence Pier to the Ryde on the Isle of Wight runs regularly and is currently the only passenger hovercraft service in the UK. Back to halls... Rees Hall (£113) residents are all en suite single person flats located in a corridor style whereas Burrell (£91) students have shared toilet, shower and kitchenette facilities, with a sink in each room.
