Advice on accommodation

jmay

Im thinking of heading to UCC next year. I spent 2 months in ITT this year but I hated it and dropped out so Im gonna have to pay tuition fees next year. Also my parents cant exactly afford to send me to college so Im paying for almost everything myself.
I know Castlewhite is the cheapest accommodation & I love how its so close to campus. Ive heard some bad things about it though and I was just wondering if anyone thats living there this year could tell me what its like?
thanks

Jay P

I posted this comment a while ago in the Leaving Cert forum:

Night life is very good. Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally very good. Also, most courses have an entertainments rep, so they organise class parties every few weeks so it's handy for getting to know people. Also, depending on where you stay, there can be a good number of parties every week. I feel safe going out, so I'd say it's grand. Not a lot of trouble. There are the few muppets, same as everywhere.

I wouldn't say there's a lot from Mayo to be honest! It's a long journey to be making! Though there is a guy in my class from the North, and he gets a plane down!

I love UCC. It's a very nice place. And there's usually something going. Cork is also generally a nice place to be.


Also, the OP was asking about accommodation, so I'll answer as best as I can.

I'll start with Student accommodation.

Deanshall: This is where I am. I strongly dislike hate it. The one good point about it is that it's very close to town, about a five minute walk. But it's just not a nice place. It's dark and very un-homely. Also broadband costs €100 for the year, and it's awful. It's very slow. So yeah, avoid this place. And the colour scheme is awful. It seems like they tried to highlight the dullness. The security guard is a legend though. The receptionists aren't. The price is grand.

Castlewhite: This is right beside UCC, and probably one of the best places for first years. It was done up last summer, so it's very nice. Kitchens are modern. All bedrooms have a double bed and a sink. It's bright and just a nice place to be. It's right beside the college, so that's dead handy. Also, there's nearly always a few parties going on. It's also one of the cheaper places.

Victoria Lodge: This is up the road from Castlewhite. The bedrooms are nice, the kitchens are grand too. Free internet, on the college network afaik. There are parties there alright, but it's not like Castlewhite where you can just show up, each appartment is very cut off from the others, so it's kinda hard to get to know people in other appartments. It's a nice place overall.

Victoria Mills: This is one top notch place. Absolutely class. Most, if not all, appartments have balconies, which is pretty sweet. The place is all just so nice. The kitchen is spacey, and the rooms are just awesome. The only thing is that it's the most expensive place to stay. But if you can afford it, go for it.

Brookfield: I haven't spent a lot of time here, but it seems alright. It's all houses, and a good few parties. People I know have stayed there and they really didn't like it. Apparently it's a bit of a hole. I'm not sure of prices.

Farranlea: I stayed there once with my brother a few years ago, and it wasn't great to be honest... Not the nicest place of all time. But I was there a few weeks ago at my friend's place, and it's very nice, but she's living in an appartment that's fitted for someone with disabilities, so I dunno if the entire place is like that now or just there. It's kinda dear if I remember correctly.

Abbey Wharf It's Ages from UCC. It's way on the other side of the city. Very unadvised place to go for that reason. That said, it's nice enough. And the same price as Deanshall I think.

There's The Village as well. My friend is there, but for some reason I've never been to his place. He likes it though.

I'm pretty sure that's all.

Then there's houses. Houses are cheaper, and better. You have way more freedom in a house. I'm getting one next year. But I can't advise to choose between a house and student accommodation....

I hope that helps everyone. Any more questions, then go ahead.

Not sure if I said it, but I'd go for Castlewhite if I was to choose again. It's right on campus. A two minute walk. It's a nice enough place, bright and cheery. Also it's a total laugh.

Any more questions, feel free to ask

Mario007

lots of houses are also let out for students. for example i live in fort street with three other lads that i didnt know at all before going to college and its great. plus the houses are generally much cheaper and petty close to college and town.