Living in halls is about so much more than having somewhere to stay. For me, has been a community where I’ve made friends, tried new things and created memories that will stay with me long after university.

Why I chose Loughborough

I knew Loughborough was the right university for me because of its welcoming atmosphere, modern buildings and accommodation, and the friendly people I met during open days. The English Literature rankings were also very impressive!

Although accommodation wasn’t initially a major factor in my decision, seeing the variety of options, their locations and how modern they were reassured me that I had made the right choice. I also loved how close the accommodation was to my lecture buildings, making it easy to get around campus.

Finding my community

Living at Harry French made the transition to university so much easier. It has a real sense of community, and I never felt lonely because there were always people to talk to and events to get involved in. I became close with everyone in my flat, and having friends living just a few doors away made moving away from home feel much less daunting.

There are so many opportunities to meet people, both in halls and through your course. My friends and I enjoyed activities such as cookie decorating, tote bag painting, movie nights and baking, as well as going shopping and exploring together. I was initially worried that I might not get along with everyone in my flat or that social activities would mainly revolve around drinking, but those worries quickly disappeared.

I’d encourage anyone moving into halls to get involved in as many activities as they can. You get to know people surprisingly quickly, and seeing familiar faces around your accommodation helps you feel at home.

Making the most of university life

One of the biggest benefits of living at Harry French is the convenience. Being only a short walk from my lecture buildings and the library means I can easily find different places to study rather than feeling confined to my room. It’s also easy to meet friends at the Students’ Union, attend society activities and visit friends living in other halls.

Some of my favourite memories have come from being involved in the Harry French hall committee. As hall chair, I’ve had the opportunity to meet students, university staff and people from external companies who help us organise events. Organising and hosting events such as the summer ball and HF Day has been incredibly fun and rewarding.

Being involved in the committee has also helped me feel more connected to the wider hall community. It’s given me the chance to contribute to other students’ experiences while making some fantastic memories of my own.

Students attending a formal dinner in an ornate hall, seated at tables while a speaker addresses the room.

Feeling supported and at home

The people who help run Harry French have played an important part in making it feel like home. Through my role as hall chair, I’ve worked closely with the wardens and sub-wardens to coordinate plans and help ensure events run safely. They are welcoming and helpful whenever I need support or have a problem.

The cleaning team, maintenance team and reception staff have also always been friendly. Knowing that there are people around who can help when you need them makes a real difference to your experience of living in halls.

For me, that sense of support goes hand in hand with the community. You’re not just living in a building; you’re part of a place where you can meet people, get involved and feel that you belong.

My advice for future students

If you’re nervous about moving into halls, remember that everyone is in the same situation. You’re all meeting new people and finding your feet, and there are plenty of opportunities to make friends through your accommodation and course. Try different activities, talk to people and give yourself time to settle in. There is support available if you need it, too.

When deciding where to live after first year, think about what matters most to you. If you value the convenience of halls, want to stay close to campus or enjoy being part of a hall community, returning could be a great option. If you have a group of friends you’d like to live with, that might be the right choice for you instead.

My biggest takeaway is to choose what feels right for you and make the most of the opportunities available. University is about discovering new experiences, meeting people and finding your place, and living in halls has been a huge part of that for me.