When I first found out I was staying in Senghennydd Court for my first year at Cardiff Uni, my reaction was where the hell is this place? Throughout the whole application process the only halls of residence that seemed to be mentioned was that of Talybont, some of the largest halls of residence. Admittedly Senghennydd Court was 7th on my list of chosen residences, but I was optimistic, I mean I got into Uni, what could be better! I began researching the internet like anyone our age to find out as much as possible about the place I would be living, safe to say the internet supplied little resources and those that were found weren't too positive too say the least.
I soon learnt that Senghennydd had a rather apt nickname, Senghetto that described it's bleak demeanour and almost prison like feel. The day soon arrived and as I approached the halls, I was dreading it! I am quite a confident girl, but suddenly this drained from me as I began to realise what I'd let myself in for, would I even get on with my flatmates?
Anyway, first impressions of the halls, well bleak certainly described them! I arrived when it just began to pour with rain and carrying cardboard boxes became little fun as they slowly began to disintegrate.
Hallway
The hallway is always dark and scary looking, something you just get used too, but the appearance of my two flatmates made it seem a bit more welcoming.
Bed and Pinboard
Desk, excuse the mess
This is the current state of my room after living in it for 3 months, fair to say a few things have gone wrong but the maintenance is pretty good! I live in one of the flats that is yet to be renovated and so my bedroom door lead directly onto the kitchen (Room 5 for those who are wondering) which means it can get noisy, but it's not that bad once you get used to it.
Kitchen Table
Kitchen
The Kitchen area is very small! Do not do what I did and bring the whole of the tesco's kitchen utensils range with you as there is simply not enough space to fit it all in. Mum ended up returning half of it. The one major issue I have with Senghennydd's layout is that there is very little room to socialise and the seats are ridiculously uncomfortable. Pre-drinks is always absolutely packed in the flats!
Shower and Sink
Unusually the bathroom has 2 sinks, we still don't understand the need for this, but sharing a bathroom really isn't as bad as you think it will be. So far there has only been one incident where one of my flatmates has needed the loo and someone's been in the shower, we ended up just going next door.
Now here's the bad news, if you live on the ground floor, expect to have a damp and possibly mouldy room. I was unfortunate enough to suffer the most from this where my entire shoe collection, stored at the bottom of my wardrobe got covered in mould as did some of my clothes hanging up. Went to complain to residency office straight away and within the day it was beginning to get sorted. I still get the occasional dampness but no more mould!
My Black boots covered in mould
I hope I haven't put you off Senghennydd Court, after all so far I have had a great time here and just remember, if you hate the place so much you can get a transfer, or you can do what the rest of us do and put up with it for a year and then get a super swanky house next year.
The one thing that everyone neglected to mention and that is by far the most attractive part of the halls is it's location. Greyfriars Road, where the main clubs are is about a 5 minute walk, the city centre is a 5 minute walk, the student union is a 5 minute walk and most lectures are walkable within 15 minutes. You will save so much on cab fares and makes it even more of an excuse to get out of bed late and party all night long!
Admittedly not all of my experiences here have been great, but the people I have met here far make up for it.It may be Senghetto but it's our Senghetto.
