[HDNG]IN COLLEGE:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Catered: 23% [BULL] Cost: ú60 (30wks) [BULL] Self-catering: 23% [BULL] Cost: ú32-34 (38/50wks)[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD] Almost all 1st years live in, but very few others can. [ITAL]All the rooms are broadly similar with basic furnishings and fittings. [EITAL] 5 of the 13 halls are catered (13 meals a week), just under a mile from the campus. The kitchens in the self-catering halls are shared by between 6 and 20 students. All halls are mixed, but sexes are split into floors or corridors according to each hall's layout. 3-4% have to share, but there's a discount for them. [ITAL]Students who think the grass is significantly greener on the other side of the hall fence, can switch without hassle. Highfield is the prettiest, Glen Eyre most popular, Montefiore most hated and Bencraft is next to the Crematorium. [EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Car parking:[EBOLD] Permit needed, 1st years not allowed cars.[HDNG]EXTERNALLY:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Ave rent: ú37[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD][ITAL] It's very easy to find accommodation - it will take 2 days search max to find somewhere (if it takes longer, don't come crying to us). Good standard housing can be found, particularly around Portswood and Inner Avenue, only a short walk from the town centre or campus and, importantly, within staggering distance of the best student pubs. Avoid Bassett Green and Bitterne which are less welcoming than the Strangeways reception committee. Shirley's a bit far except for medics at Boldrewood. Students should also avoid letting anyone convince them to sort it out too long in advance.[EITAL] [ITAL]Landlords shove up prices and charge for renting over the summer. It takes guts, but this is the time to wait, to hold on till the landlords are a little more anxious to fill their places - don't worry, there are enough. Part of the problem is that the Accommodation Office doesn't have a list of all the houses on the market, it's worth checking out local estate agents and housing associations. It's a case of the early bird getting ripped off and the later one getting the cheapest nest. [EITAL][PARA][PARA][STAT][BULL] Renting: 50%[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Housing help:[EBOLD] The University Accommodation Office provides an approval service, legal advice and crashpads for house-hunters. The Union has a vacancies board.[PARA][PARA]
