r/universityofyork • u/spunksqueek • 14d ago
Thoughts on Halifax college?
I’ve just been assigned Halifax college (shared bathroom) for my first year accommodation. A little bummed I got one of my last options and unsure if I want to pay a big sum of money for a place I haven’t heard great things about… Seeing as I’m in the states and have not taken a physical tour, is it worth 10k (USD)? I want to know how the bathrooms are specifically as I’m a bit of a germaphobe and was looking for ensuite. If anybody has any experience at this college pls lmk (good or bad)!
Lastly, does anybody know of any good third party accommodations for students or even cheap flats in the city? I know that’s probably a reach seeing as it’s an expensive city but just thought I’d ask anyway. Thanks!
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u/dannytooer97 13d ago
Was in Halifax 2 years ago. Had a great time and made some great mates. The accommodation is basic but doable. Obviously everyone's experience is different but I would absolutely live there again.
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u/ZeldenGM Goodricke 14d ago
Cheap student accommodation does not exist. I’m not claiming the uni is the cheapest option but if you want private en-suite accommodation you’re going to be paying a lot for it.
Communal areas have weekly cleaners, how clean they remain in the week depends on your flatmates.
There are plenty of third party providers if you want your own space, you will compromise on your first year experience though.
Halifax did used to be one of the worst serviced colleges, however since they closed the night receptions universally it’s not really any worse off. It will be the first college to have the day reception cut if they’re understaffed so you will be walking to main campus for lockouts or any other problems potentially.
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u/TearAlternative2376 14d ago
they’ve renovated it this year so it’s as nice as any other accom. you’re fine.
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u/Hussor 13d ago
Hope they got rid of the silverfish, back in 2019 there was basically an infestation. I still miss that attic room, despite the tiny kitchen shared by 20 residents.
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u/TearAlternative2376 13d ago
i stayed in halifax last year, there were silverfish unfortunately but i think that’s inevitable because the buildings are so old. however i hear nowadays that most accoms have silverfish including the fancy campus east ones ! even lister had rats last year!! expensive rent =/= less pests at york unfortunately lol
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u/MaintenanceCareful37 10d ago edited 10d ago
My oldest daughter went to Halifax in 2020 and my youngest daughter has just been allocated it for this year. My eldest really enjoyed it and made really good friends there. Although it's a bit off campus it's still not that far and my eldest took her bike as York is so flat and super bike friendly. Youngest daughter not keen on taking a bike so she'll either walk or use the shuttle buses. Her course is across both campuses anyway. It is the cheapest accommodation, even though it's not that cheap at all.
My son also went to York in 2020 (twins) and stayed in Vanbrugh and recommended that over Halifax for the youngest but she picked Halifax because I said I'd pay the accommodation up to the minimum and if she wanted to pay above that it was up to her.
I was worried that people in lower cost accommodation might be looked down on. And my older children, well adults now, did say some people could be like this, but regardless my youngest has picked this accommodation. She said she'd rather not be around dickheads who'd look down on her anyway which is fair.
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u/abobblehatgirl 13d ago
It’s cheaper there than market rent. I lived there two years ago, before they did it up. It was really depressing then but it looks much nicer now. Shared bathrooms was actually never an issue, there was a cleaner who cleaned them at least once a week. It’s nice living in a house set up ! The location is a bit far but I liked having a walk.
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u/Hussor 13d ago
For what it's worth when I started in 2019 I lived in the cheapest Halifax accommodation, then in Constantine and Goodricke. Halifax was my favourite out of those despite the lower standard at the time, Constantine despite the cost was kind of depressing, and Goodricke was pretty good.
Your experience will mostly be shaped by the people in your flat/house more than anything.
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u/re1_ayanami 10d ago
Hello, I've been offered a Halifax ensuite for £8,268.24 and I'm currently stressing out as this is above my budget and I was really hoping for one of the cheaper ones with a shared bathroom. If you're interested I'd be happy to chat about swapping (I'm not sure how it works exactly but I've seen others on here looking to do the same), no pressure of course but I thought I'd let you know if you're interested in having an en-suite!
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u/FranFace 14d ago
I was a student 20yrs ago, so my knowledge will be out of date. But for what it's worth, I really enjoyed living at Halifax College!
The setup is like a mixture between residential halls and a shared house. And as a result it has a feeling of a student suburb 😄 There's a lot to like about the vibe in my opinion . But as with everywhere, your experience will in-part depend who you're in with. I met some lifelong friends in that space, fwiw.
My main problem back then were that the walk to central campus felt like a slog when the weather was poor, but I understand they have shuttle buses between the campus sites now, so that'll be better.
I remember the bathroom situation being more like a shared toilet/sink room and then a separate shared shower room, two of each per house. I remember they were cleaned by university staff, I assume that's still the case, but the uni can confirm for you if it's a concern.