Lily Darby

Loughborough wasn’t originally at the top of my list, but my sister came here the year before I applied. Through her, I got a real sense of what the University was like. Once I visited and thought about what mattered to me - a vibrant campus, catered living, and strong hall communities - I realised Loughborough was the best fit for me after all.

Accommodation played a big part in my decision. I knew I wanted the social side of a catered hall, and Loughborough’s hall culture is something you don’t find everywhere. It felt like the kind of experience I didn’t want to miss out on.

I stayed in halls again after first year because my first year was brilliant - but I knew that second year in halls would be even better. Living with friends, already knowing the campus, and feeling settled made everything feel familiar but never boring.

Living on campus also made it so much easier to make friends. You’re surrounded by people who are all new and keen to chat. Having a dining hall plays a huge role too - there are constant chances to sit with people, talk, and feel connected. Even small things like creating my own routine from scratch helped me settle in quickly.

Academically, being closer to lectures has been great, but still having a bit of distance from my study spaces means I don’t feel like I live inside my degree. Socially, nothing compares to halls - you see your friends every day, meet people from other halls easily, and campus life just feels so accessible.

Catered meals are honestly one of my favourite things about hall life. The convenience is unbelievable -no shopping, cooking or washing up, just proper meals ready when you need them. On busy days or when I’m tired, it makes such a difference.

I also love the balance of food options: healthy choices, comfort options, and always enough to feel satisfied. Meals naturally become social too -everyone sits together, chats, and ends up laughing. It lifts your mood without you realising.

As for the community, Cayley genuinely feels like a family. Each hall has its own identity, and you really do feel part of something. I’ve caught myself noticing Cayley colours out and about and immediately thinking about home -it becomes part of who you are.

Cayley Day is easily one of my top memories -inflatables, free food, music, summer weather, and everyone just having fun together. But honestly, it’s the little moments that stay with me too: late‑night snack runs to the Co‑op with my flat, coming back to watch films or play games. Those small routines became some of my favourite parts of living on campus.

The hall support teams have been amazing as well. Wardens are really present and approachable, cleaners are kind and such a huge help, and security makes you feel safe at all hours. You never feel like you’re dealing with things alone.

If you’re nervous about moving into halls, the best advice I can give is: throw yourself into everything. Try events, talk to people, and give things a chance -even if you’re unsure at first. Everyone is in the same boat and it will work out.

Before moving in, I worried about sharing a flat with lots of people and losing my personal space. But I settled in so quickly. My room became my safe space when I wanted quiet, and surprisingly I didn’t feel the need to retreat nearly as much as I thought. Sharing a kitchen turned out to be one of the easiest ways to make friends.

The uniqueness. Not many universities have halls with such strong identities and communities. There’s something for everyone, and friendships form so naturally. It’s such a core part of the Loughborough experience and truly shapes your time here.

Be a little bit selfish -think about what you want your next year to look like. I returned to halls even when my flatmates didn’t, and it was absolutely the right choice for me. Had I followed what everyone else was doing, my second year wouldn’t have been anywhere near as good as it has been.