When looking at NTU accommodation, odds on Blenheim wasn’t your first choice. You probably just looked at it and thought “seems alright, I guess that’ll do”.
To be fair that initial impression pretty much hits the nail on the head, Blenheim won’t blow you away but It’s a perfectly decent place to stay. Still even the most average of accommodations has its own quirks and characteristics that are worth noting, so here are a few things you should know if you’re living at Blenheim Halls…
5. It’s a decent Living space
You’ve got all you need really; a nice sized Uni-room with plenty of storage, a newly refurbished kitchen and best of all an ensuite bathroom. It’s a bit of a downside that there isn’t a proper lounge area in each flat like you will find at other NTU accommodations, but there should be plenty of room for you and your flatmates to chill around the dining table. The rooms are all well-lit and overall, it’s a perfectly average quality living space.
4. Shops
Blenheim is based at the top end of St Ann’s which puts you about 20 minutes away from the nearest supermarket down in city centre. It’s not too far, but nobody fancies a cross-city quest to the shop in the morning because your flatmates gone and nicked your milk. Thankfully there’s a pretty convenient little corner shop about five minutes away down St Ann’s Hill, across the road and around the corner, which will make your life a lot easier.
3. Fire alarms
This might see like a strange entry, but you will want to prepare yourself for this. The fire drills are a weekly tradition for the proud residents of Blenheim, whether they be scheduled or simply due to some idiot smoking in their flat (£50 fine for that by the way, would not recommend), look forward to 6am Fire Drills screeching at your eardrums for the year ahead. At least you know if there is ever a real fire, you’ll have had plenty of practice of what to do.
2. It’s in a residential area
There are lots of neighbouring family houses by Blenheim, so you’re going to have to be a bit respectful when walking back from a night out. Blenheim can be quite a social place to live at, but when hosting Pre’s, keep the window shut for the music or even make use of the criminally underutilized common room.
On the plus side, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that there are a fair few neighbouring cats that will float around the area looking for some love and attention off of pet deprived Uni students.
1. It’s up a really big hill
I doubt you paid too much attention to the fact Blenheim’s logo is a mountain. On the NTU website, the description playfully tells you that the halls are “just 15 minutes” from the city campus. However, it’s notably omitted that it is up a comically big hill.
Once you finally slug your way up the never-ending Woodborough Road, you’ll feel like a conquering hero returning home, only to have that sweet victory thrown back in your face as you are met by secondary smaller, but steeper hill you’re forced journey up.
If you’ve got the money you may want to fork out the hefty cash for a bus pass that’ll drop you across the street from the accommodation, or better yet find a mate who has brought his car to uni.
On the Brightside, at least those downhill hangover walks will to Uni will feel so blessed in the morning. Plus, you can get hours of entertainment watching the faces of regret on those who thought bringing a bike to cycle to Uni everyday would be a good idea.
You’ll hate the big hill, but you’ll get used to it. Overall Mt Blenheim is a decent enough place to live, it may even be great if they install a ski lift some day.
By Adam Ridgley
Feature Image Courtesy of Flickr