Self-Catering Vs Catered
Well, this is the big debate - do I go for self-catering accommodation, where I can cook my own meals, at my own leisure, and set off the smoke alarm every 3 hours? Or - do I live in catered accommodation, where my only worry is should I have chips again, or shall I be healthy and have boiled potatoes instead?
The big, main, bonus for going for catered accommodation is that you don't have to cook for yourself, and although the meals aren't always fantastic, you won't have to fight for the biggest hob during "Rush Hour" - the period between Neighbours and Happy Hour.
To give you the information you need to make an informed decision, we have split the benefits and downsides of self-catered vs. catered accommodation, and asked some of our regular contributors what they think based on their own experiences.
Self-Catering
| Benefits | The Down Side |
| Cook when you want | Shared-Kitchens are always full |
| Eat what you want | Some git will steal your milk |
| Can cook for your friends | Your friends won't help you cook |
| Meet new people in the kitchens | Have to use your own pans and WASH UP! |
| Don't have to eat awful set-meals | The fridge is always full of stale stuff |
| Cheaper than catered accommodation | Have to buy your own food |
| Preparation for living in "real life" | Never a free hob and the kettle's bust! |
Catered
| Benefits | The Down Side |
| You don't have to cook | You have to eat at set times |
| You don't have to buy your own food | More expensive that self-catering |
| There's no scrum to use the oven | Stale bread rolls, over-mushy peas |
| More time for the pub | Feel guilty about ordering a pizza |
| Can still make tea in your room | If the food's bad, you're stuck with it |
| Spend loads and not fret about starving | Have to sit next to a bloke with BO |
| NO WASHING UP! | Can't cook a romantic dinner |
There you go, an honest appraisal of the benefits and problems with both sorts of accommodation. Now, as they say, "The decision - is yours!" For the brave of you who've decided that self-catered accommodation is for you - have a look at our cooking resource centre for advice, ideas, opinions and a list of what you'll need in terms of pots, pans and spatulas to ensure you don't starve!
