Razan Al-Saadeh

I chose Loughborough because I really liked the range of modules available on my course, especially Gender and Global Politics and History of Political Thought. Both are topics I love reading about in my spare time, so I was excited to have the opportunity to study them as part of my degree.

I also really appreciate how the International Relations, Politics and History department offers modules covering lots of different topics. It means I can specialise in subjects I already love while also learning about things I might not have looked at before. It makes learning exciting.

Accommodation was also a factor in my decision. I saw how highly Loughborough was ranked for its accommodation, which made me feel comfortable knowing that whichever hall I got would be a great option.

I really enjoyed living in Falkner Eggington in my first year, so returning with two of my friends made sense. It was a more economical option, and being able to return to halls together was a big plus. The location is also really convenient, with my lectures and the town centre only a short walk away.

Living on campus definitely made it easier to settle into university. I met four of my closest friends at Falkner Eggington and, through them and our degrees, I got to know lots of other people living in different halls.

It also meant I could go to socials at other halls and really make the most of my social life in first year. I got to meet so many people and experience different hall communities.

I felt at home at Falkner Eggington because the hall committee was really good at welcoming students and regularly organised activities that brought everyone together. It helped everyone get involved and get to know each other.

Some of my favourite memories are the Falkner Eggington summer and winter balls, as well as going on late-night walks around campus with my friends.

One of the best things about living in halls is how close everything is. My lecture spaces were only a five to ten-minute walk away, so I never missed a lecture because of where I was living.

I was also close to the library and Wavy Top, the University's 24-hour study space. Whenever I didn't want to study in my room and fancied a change of scenery, I could easily go there instead.

Having everything nearby made university life really convenient, both academically and socially.

The staff at Falkner Eggington were really helpful during my time in halls. The cleaning team were especially lovely. They were always friendly and happy to stop for a conversation.

The sub-warden team were also really quick to respond whenever I locked myself out of my room and needed to be let back in.

I was really anxious about moving into halls because I knew nobody from my sixth form would be there. But when I arrived, I realised that everyone was essentially in the same boat as me, which made me feel much more relaxed.

Everyone is eager to make friends, and they're all just as nervous. My advice would be to put yourself out there and just have fun! Living in halls gives you lots of opportunities to meet people, and you never know who you'll end up becoming friends with.

I was also worried about sharing a bathroom with other people before moving in. However, once I arrived, I realised it wasn't a big deal at all. The bathrooms were always really clean, and everyone respected the shared space.

For me, the best thing about living in halls is how close everything is. Being near my lectures and the town centre made everyday life much easier, and I loved the friendships and social experiences that came with living on campus.

If you're thinking about where to live after first year, I'd recommend looking at all your options and choosing what works best for you. If you're considering moving into a house in town, have a look at Studentpad. It's a really useful service for exploring student housing options and finding university-approved landlords.

I enjoyed my first year in Falkner Eggington so much that returning with friends felt like the right choice for me. I could continue enjoying the convenience of halls while staying close to my friends and everything I needed.