📝 From Halls to My Own Ensuite: Why I’ll Never Look Back

Hey, I’m Emma—a second-year journalism student at the University of Lincoln. I started my uni journey in Lincoln Courts, but let’s just say I’ve definitely levelled up since then. Moving into a student house in second year was literally the best decision I’ve ever made. Let me spill the tea on why houses just hit different.

🏢 Freshers in Lincoln Courts: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Like every fresher, I couldn’t wait to move into Lincoln Courts and meet new people. It was buzzing—like, proper busy all the time. Everyone’s doors were open, so making friends was easy. Plus, I was basically living on campus, which meant rolling out of bed at 8:55 am for that 9 am lecture was a total win.

But then reality hit. Paper-thin walls meant I could literally hear my neighbour’s every phone call, their Spotify playlist, and even that one guy who insisted on playing guitar at 3 am. And don’t get me started on the shared bathrooms. There’s nothing like waiting for your turn with a towel around your waist, listening to a total stranger belt out the Greatest Showman soundtrack.

The kitchen was chaos too. Someone always left the sink full of pasta sauce-stained plates, and that smell of bin juice? Grim. Privacy? Non-existent. And that constant noise? Let’s just say I got really good at wearing earplugs.

🏠 The House Glow-Up: My Ensuite, My Rules

Fast forward to second year, and I knew I needed an upgrade. I’d had enough of midnight guitar solos and bin juice. I wanted my own space, with proper walls that actually block sound.

That’s when I found my dream house. Think ensuite bathroom (no more sharing), a double bed, and—wait for it—our own beer garden. Yep, an actual outdoor space with fairy lights, plants, and a BBQ. It was the ultimate pre-drinks spot before a Friday night at Superbull.

I felt like an adult, but the good kind. Bills included, so no more awkward convos about who owed what. Plus, living with my best mates meant our home felt like a real family—without the random corridor people you’d never see again after Freshers.

🚀 Why Houses Just Slap Harder

Living in a house felt so much more chill. No random fire alarms going off at 3 am because someone burnt toast. No security turning up every time someone played music slightly too loud. No feeling like I was living in a cardboard box.

Plus, the freedom was unmatched. We could decorate, cook proper meals, and chill in our living room with a takeaway after a night out. I could walk to Tesco whenever I wanted (RIP to the Tesco meal deals at the bottom of my bank balance) or head to Superbull on a Friday and stroll home without feeling like I’d just been herded through the Courts car park.

I even managed to smash my assignments without feeling like I was living in a dorm from a Netflix teen drama. The quiet, the space, and the proper sense of home made all the difference.

🔎 Why Students Actually Prefer Houses

So I did a bit of digging (journalism student here, duh) and found out loads of us feel the same. According to surveys by Save the Student and UCAS, the main reasons students prefer houses over halls are:

✅ More privacy and personal space
✅ Better value for money
✅ Bills included = fewer arguments
✅ More choice over who you live with
✅ No random fire alarms at 3 am

📚 The Verdict: Houses Over Halls Every Time

If you’re about to hit second year (or just want to skip the halls drama), trust me, student houses in Lincoln are the way to go. More space, more privacy, and a way more chill vibe. No more fighting for the shower or listening to your neighbour’s late-night karaoke.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✅ Ensuite student housing = no more bathroom queues
✅ Beer garden = your new pre-drinks HQ
✅ Bills included = easy budgeting
✅ Choose your housemates = no drama
✅ Feels like a real home = better vibes all round

🔎 Ready to Find Your Own Lincoln Digs?

If you’re looking to level up your student experience, check out all the bills included student houses at Student Housing. They’ve got everything from cosy 3-beds to proper party pads with beer gardens and ensuite bathrooms.