Despite being well-known for being one of the last accommodation choices amongst first-years, Halifax students revel in their off-campus location with their maniacal college spirit. The University’s youngest college, whilst at the same time its largest – Halifax are renowned for their sporting excellence as much as the occasional bit of mould in their accommodation blocks. Arguably the most unique college around with the house system structure combined with an off-campus sense of community between blocks, Halifax prides itself on its unique nature and for being one of the most sociable colleges around.
The stats: 39 and 51 week lets at a cost of between £117 – £123 per week for self-catered accommodation.
Halifax President: George Offer
1. Why did you pick your college?
It chose me. Well, it was either ‘Fax or a shared room in Derwent.
2. What’re its distinguishing features?
‘Global student village, with its own Costcutter’. Set out like terrace houses, ground floor kitchens face into courts giving a great college atmosphere.
3. What’s the accommodation like?
Bigger rooms than most other colleges which is always a bonus, also the housing system means you get to know housemates and neighbours really well, and with the Halifax bus we’re only a short hop to either campus.
4. Sum up your college in 3 words.
Big, sociable, diverse
5. Best thing about the college?
“Size matters” bigger genuinely is better, chance to meet loads of people – there’s bound to be someone who likes what you like.
6. Worst thing about the college?
No permanent bar, although next to Heslington village.
7. Describe a typical student in your college.
There’s no such thing as a typical ‘faxer, there’s just too many of us.
8. College member most likely to say:
“Who’s out tonight?”
9. College member least likely to say:
“You can’t go out two nights in a row!”
10. What do you wish you had known as a fresher?
The short cut to Hestlington through the park. Also, as everyone says, get involved with as many societies/sports clubs as you can in first year.
11. What is your biggest freshers memory/regret?
‘Fax off to Amsterdam, a weekend we don’t remember but will never forget.
12. Why do you love being College Chair?
PRESIDENT! Chairs are for sitting on, really though we get to do some brilliant events and great work within the college and it’s always a bonus when the work we put in pays off!
Halifax Student – Patrick Greenfield
1. Why did you pick your college?
I didn’t. The University’s flawless college allocation system left me no choice. My time in Halifax, however, was awesome.
2. What’re its distinguishing features?
Architecturally inspired by post-war housing reform, Halifax College resembles an odd compromise between a series of stunted tower blocks and a modern day boarding school. You wouldn’t know it was built in 2002. The college is home to an eye wateringly expensive Costcutter that is designed to extort every last penny of your student loan into the University’s coffers. Make sure you shop online.
3. What’s the accommodation like?
Accommodation is generally good. You’ll either be in a 10, 12 or 20 person house with varying amounts of kitchens and bathrooms. Last year Halifax was somewhat mugged off by a dodgy building contractor who provided shower trays that readily cracked and sinks that regularly leaked. These problems have now been sorted and you can expect a warm, spacious room with access to everything a student needs. Do not be put off by the brickwork.
4. Sum up your college in 3 words.
Looks aren’t everything.
5. Best thing about the college?
The people. The porters, the cleaners and the Halifax College support staff are second to none. The HCSA put a huge amount of time and effort into making sure the first year is awesome. George, Marian, Amelia, John, Matt and many others make Halifax a special place. Support their events! Finally, the people you meet make Halifax. I met so many awesome people and I am sure you all will too.
6. Worst thing about the college?
Costcutter. Be prepared for inflated prices and the £5 minimum spend to pay by card. The nearest cash machine is in Heslington so make sure you do your shopping online and that you have plenty of cash for emergencies!
7. Describe a typical student in your college.
White, middle class, average private or grammar school student who is still a bit gutted about being rejected by Oxford or Cambridge. Just kidding, that’s Alcuin. Halifax is a pretty diverse place with people from every possible background- York University’s Manhattan.
8. College member most likely to say:
“Has anyone booked a taxi?” at about 10:30pm before a night out. Unlike every other college you can’t catch the bus into York for a night out so 659 are your best bet for a lift into the city.
9. College member least likely to say:
“Let’s go to JJ’s.” Halifax is the only college on main campus not to have a student bar so you must all make do with JJ’s, the beloved community centre.
10. What do you wish you had known as a fresher?
It is okay not to give a shit about someone’s life changing gap year in Thailand. On a serious note, get all the arbitrary chores sorted out as soon as you can. Get registered, sort out your house’s cleaning day and find out what you need to do for your course. Then you can get on with the fun stuff. Finally, do as many things you can at university. You’ll be happier for it!
11. What is your biggest freshers memory/regret?
My biggest freshers regret is probably building freshers week up too much. York University and Halifax College are fantastic places with loads of cool people and societies. Getting drunk with people you don’t know yet in the first week definitely won’t be your favourite part of the year. My favourite memories are of the people I met. I found University to be a slow burner but I eventually made lots of close friends. Good luck!
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