The Vale Village

Reviews

Anonymous

Location was quite a far from uni so had to walk half an hour there which wasn't too bad except when it rained. The distance wasn't good for sports clubs and sports night as it was too far. Also the nearest aldi was a mile away. The kitchen was too small so it was difficult to host pres or even eat in the kitchen as the was usually dishes in the breakfast bar bit. Because it was so small people didn't often hang out in our kitchen. Rooms were fine and so we're the bathrooms if you kept them clean. Maple bank is very old so had a lot of problems. Our kitchen flooded at one point and it took maintance about a week to sort out. Overall okay but not great.

Anonymous

The location of the Vale Village was perfect, 10 minute walk to the university and a bus stop to the centre just next to it. It was lovely in the summer for picnics and barbecues by the lake! The halls I was in was Shackleton and unfortunately slightly disappointing. Within the first week we had silverfish and my room was located right above the student bar which meant it was very loud, even throughout exams which they did not seem to take notice of.

Anonymous

It is very green and has a nice lake. Social experience is amazing as it houses the most students so most freshers or new students stay here. There are loads of events organised by the accommodation foc or at a cheap rate. It's not very convenient in terms of grocery shopping as there is only a costcutter nearby. Otherwise you would have to walk to five ways or selly oak or take the bus to city centre. Delivery is always an option though. The room was nice. The only thing that shocked me was the wardrobe space and I'm not one to buys loads of clothing items. It can get noisy past midnight as there are students partying or coming home drunk. Some blast they're loud music.

Anonymous

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Anonymous

The vale is a great place to be, especially for your first year at uni! It’s nice to be surrounded other students and it’s a relatively short walk to campus. Only downside is that it’s quite a far walk away from any big supermarkets.

Anonymous

Absolutely perfect location for student halls - amazing place to meet new people and make friends as well as chill on the park/lake, especially in Shackleton halls where I lived. Huge rooms in Shackleton as well. Can’t recommend it enough!

Anonymous

The Vale is so adorable and pretty all year round, it's safe and means you're never too far from friends. Facilities in most accommodations are good, although there is a range, with is handy when you want to pick according to budget. It's a bit of a walk from Uni, but with well lit paths, and the stunning canal route, I can't complain!

Anonymous

The Vale was in my opinion the best place to be living as a Fresher at UoB. It was so nice to be independent away from home whilst still feeling so safe in the enclosed and secure village along with thousands of other people my age all in the same boat. The Vale was so pretty and lots of fun in the summer (picnics!) and the winter (sledging!). There was always something going on (e.g. at the duck) and I never felt lonely. It was nice to be able to get out of your own accommodation sometimes to see friends in other parts of the vale two minutes away for a change of scene. The location in relation to the city centre was great - I went to Pure gym on Broad street just ten minutes away and it was so easy to get to and from the shops on the bus (bus stop at the bottom of the vale) The events held at the vale were fab and all of the accommodations were suitable. The maintenance service was speedy and the Vale services were very helpful. The only negatives I have are the relatively long walk to campus (however I was fine cycling down the canal every day in 10 minutes) and also the extortionate prices of products in costcutter. I would have been much happier to shop for food on the vale if there was a shop with low-cost products. The laundry service was quite expensive too. I never felt unsafe on the Vale and always felt like there was help available when I needed it. I was in Maple Bank and even though it was very basic, I felt so at home and met the most down-to-earth people there.

Anonymous

Waking up to the beautiful natural views of the vale green space and lake every morning made moving away from home a dream. I felt safe on the vale and there was always someone to talk to and somewhere to go whatever time of the day or night. The vale village is definitely the Hub of student life for first years at the University of Birmingham and now every time I go back I miss it so much. All of the halls are amazing and you have access to costcutter, restaurants and a pub! What more could any student want!

Anonymous

I stayed in Tennis Courts. It was self catered but had all the kitchen space and appliances I possibly could have needed (and I love cooking so need a lot!). The rooms are on the small side but for what you pay its a good deal. There are 2 toilets so bathroom sharing was no issue throughout the year. Definitely the best thing about Tennis Courts is the social side!! I met the vast majority of my 2nd year friends through my accommodation and wouldn't have changed my experience for anything. GO TC!

Anonymous

Tennis courts is for the party people, it is the most social and fun !! Defiantly reccomend for those who are looking for the best value for money. Great place to meet new people

Anonymous

I stayed in chamberlain on the vale and it was the best accommodation there. Double bed and en suite and everything was so clean. The vale is definitely a very social place to live with many different halls around a lake, which is also great in summer to be outside.

Anonymous

I enjoyed the location because based around a beautiful lake with lots of green space, although it was a 15-20 minute walk to lectures which I didn't mind but some people might. The accommodation has now been refurbished where I stayed i.e. Tennis courts but 4 years ago some of the blocks had not been refurbished and we still paid the same price as the newer ones, which I thought was unfair. Accomodation here is quite pricey, but you do feel safe.

Anonymous

The Vale is a 15min walk from the University campus, but the walk is really nice as there's a direct path that runs adjacent to the road. The security and maintenance are ok. The best part of living on the Vale is all of the events such as the Vale Fireworks and chocolate tasting. However, it would be nice if all the accommodation blocks had some sort of social area rather than the hub.

Anonymous

Chamberlain is probably one of the best most comfortable student accommodations in the city. With spacious rooms and en suite. Only drawback is it's quite far away from main canpus

Anonymous

Fantastic location and not too far from campus. Set in a beautiful parkland with a relatively cheap bar on site. Right next to the canal so can walk into central Birmingham easily. My accommodation was great but the kitchen was a little small making it difficult to have big groups of people round. Otherwise loved it.

Anonymous

Loved the vale, so green and had a really safe/comfortable feel. Lots of fun events, such as welcome back fairs, vale fire work, vale fest etc.. Was in Chamberlain hall which was really nice and modern but not the most social and wasn't the biggest fan of meal plan. Wish it could have been used in the costcutter.

Anonymous

I stayed in Mason during my first year of uni on the vale. The accommodation itself was nice, having an en-suite in my room was a luxury and the flat size of 6 was sociable and meant someone was always in. We were also split evenly with genders within our flat which was also a bonus. The vale itself was a great place to live - it felt safe and comfortable yet also had a great buzz. The duck was a great way to meet people.

Anonymous

The location depends primarily on how much you like walking. For me the distance does not matter, or is an easy walk to both Five Ways and the campus. Whilst I do like my room, I find my halls fairly unsociable. One does not casually bump into people from across the hall. I rarely see other people. Value for money is not good, the meal plan is easy but does not last the whole week and the foods is only average.

Anonymous

I lived in Mason Hall in The Vale Village, and for me the best thing about the accommodation was the attractive setting. It's about a 20 minute walk to the university (depending where on campus) so it's fairly close to UoB. The main drawback was the lack of amenities - the only shop available in the accommodation is Costcutter located in Shackleton. My room was decently sized and had a great view of the lake - would definitely recommend ensuite accommodation! Mason is one of the more expensive options on the vale, although there are cheaper options like Tennis Courts, Maple Bank etc. Really enjoyed the social side of living on the Vale as everyone lives so close to one another, and Vale fireworks and Valefest are right on your doorstep.

Anonymous

Tennis Courts was relatively cheap, had good facilities and quick response from the maintenance team. The bedrooms are very small so not much room between the single bed, desk and wardrobe. Kitchens are modern and enough space for a few people to use at a time. In blocks of 6 flats with 5 in each flat, great for making friends.

Anonymous

Although the location is a 15 min walk from the main campus, the walk is really nice due to all of the surroundings and also it's quite easy just to walk into town from the accommodation site. Also there are such beautiful views of the lake and all of the woodland areas around that it honestly makes it a lovely place to stay.

Anonymous

Tennis courts was by far the best atmosphere from any of the halls at UOB, great people and everyone was really social. Kitchens were a good size to have parties/ pres. Close to campus and easy to get to town by the bus/ train links.

Anonymous

The location in relation to campus is reasonable, however after a long day of lectures, the 20 minute walk can be tedious. However the social aspect of having a village of students that are mainly first years allow for a very good experience- there are always people to go out on broad street with! The room is really well done, the only issues are that the shower blocks and the lack of ventilation in the room. However I would recommend the vale as a student village

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