Matilda Mitchell

I chose to study at Loughborough for a mix of reasons. It is a top 10 university in the UK and is really well known for engineering, especially the facilities and placement opportunities. The sports side and overall reputation also stood out to me.

One of the biggest things though was the campus. I always wanted to go to a campus university, and I am so glad I did. Having everything in one place just makes life easier. Being able to walk everywhere in 15 to 20 minutes, whether that is lectures, the library or even popping back to your flat for lunch, is something which I didn’t fully appreciate until I experienced it.

Coming back to halls in my second year felt like an easy decision. I joined hall committee as Vice Chair and Treasurer, and that has been the best part of my university experience so far. Living on campus makes it much easier to be involved and get the most out of it.

As an engineering student, my timetable is quite full, so being in catered halls has really helped me manage my time better. Having set meal times gives structure to my day and means I don’t have to worry about cooking when things get busy.

Loughborough has such a strong hall culture, and that makes a big difference when you first arrive. Your hall becomes more than just where you live, it is a big part of your social life as well.

Welcome Week is a great example of that. There are so many events that help you meet people beyond just your flat. I didn’t go to loads in my first year, but being on committee now and helping to run them, I can see now how good they are for meeting people and settling in.

Living in halls feels really homely. You get your own independence, but you are still surrounded by people and support. Things like hall events, mealtimes and IMS all help build that sense of community.

Academically, living on campus makes a huge difference. When it is cold and dark and you have a 9am lecture, knowing it is only a 10 minute walk definitely helps with motivation. It is also much easier to get to the library, support centres and meetings with lecturers.

Socially, everything is right there. There are always events happening, both in halls and through the Students’ Union. It also feels a lot safer being on campus, especially when you are coming back from something late at night.

One of my favourite parts of catered halls is the variety of food. There is a six week rota with lots of different cuisines. I especially like the lasagne, fajitas and pasta options. Mealtimes are also really social, it is an easy way to catch up with friends or meet new people.

Being on hall committee has been my biggest highlight. It has given me so many opportunities and helped me build confidence and skills I would not have developed otherwise. Events like Hightables stand out, especially the themed ones like Halloween and Christmas.

Outside of that, summer on campus is one of my favourite times of year. Sitting outside in the sun, studying or just spending time with friends on the grass are some of my best memories. The Summer Ball is also a highlight, it is such a good atmosphere and a great way to celebrate the year.

If you are nervous about moving into halls, I would say that is completely normal. Everyone feels the same at the start. There are so many opportunities to meet people, and there is always support there if you need it.

The best thing about living in halls is definitely the community. It makes it so much easier to make friends and feel at home.