Sahana Manimaran

I chose to study Management with Marketing because I have always had a passion for consumer behaviour and what influences people’s choices. Accommodation did not influence my decision too much, as I mainly wanted a campus‑based university. I chose to return to halls because of the convenience, as all my lectures were extremely close.

Living on campus made it much easier to settle in and make friends. Being in close proximity meant we were always around each other, and if it weren’t for halls, I wouldn’t have met my amazing friends. I quickly found a sense of community and was lucky with the block I was placed in, as it helped me meet like‑minded people. I enjoyed eating catered meals with my flatmates, and some of my favourite memories are ‘Rutherford Day’ and high tables. The warden team, cleaners, security and support teams have definitely helped me during my time here.

Living in halls has helped me academically because being so close to my lecture buildings means there is less temptation to skip classes. Since I do volleyball, I’m also less likely to miss practices. Before joining, I didn’t want to be in Rutherford or in a catered hall, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My advice to anyone nervous about moving into halls is to trust the process. The best thing about halls is the community, and when choosing where to live after the first year, it’s important to think about location and your personal needs.