Overall it is fair to say that accommodation is not Brunel's strongpoint. However, new halls have recently been built at Uxbridge and more are planned because of the relocation. The sites are so different that we have treated them independently.
Uxbridge
Accommodation is provided on site here in a range of flats and single room blocks. The single rooms are the best bet, the newest being state of the art and very popular. The older facilities are not bad. Try to avoid the flats though, they are poor quality and not good value for money. Go for Faraday, Flemming and Mill Hill if possible. For the unlucky 8% who don't get a place and all those non-first years, renting in the local area is the only option and this is not easy. A selection of head leases and housing lists from the University help, but it's not enough. The house hunt is usually very hectic and you can end up paying a lot more than you bargained for. Hayes is probably the best bet.
Twickenham and Osterley
Halls accommodation here is spacious and sociable. It is also like gold dust to get hold of and is allocated on distance from home. Most students end up renting in the local area. The University gives first years a list of people in the same situation and leaves them to it. After this most houses will be passed on by close knit sports teams to the year below, so this is the best way to find something. Many students complain about the procedure as a whole and large numbers end up in very poor properties where there are often problems with landlords. To be fair though most students do not treat their houses well. Chicken or egg?
Runnymede
The halls on site are adequate and not really worthy of mention. After the first year there is quite a bit of competition for housing given the proximity of Royal Holloway. Englefield Green is the most popular area and most houses are for 4-6 sharing and are of a reasonable quality. The estate is a 10 minute walk away from academic facilities.
