The student accommodation I didn’t want… and why I wouldn’t change a thing!

This article was written by Illustration BA(Hons) student Amelie.

When I got my offer to study Illustration at Falmouth University, I was over the moon. Getting into my dream University took such a massive weight off of my shoulders and the next big thing to sort out was accommodation. I spent hours scrolling through endless photos, reading every review I could find, and discussed every possible option with my mum, debating which halls had the biggest rooms and nicest kitchens.

After much consolidation, I decided that Maritime Studios was the obvious choice for me. It’s modern, close to campus, and self-contained. I’d have my own space to cook, relax, and do as I pleased - something I really value as someone who enjoys having their own space and being able to blast whatever music I'm in the mood for, whether that’s Ants From Up There by Black Country, New Road or a classic like One of the Boys by Katy Perry. I put it down as my first choice without thinking twice. 

So, when the email arrived and I saw I’d been allocated Tuke House instead, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. It definitely wasn’t what I pictured when I imagined my first year at Falmouth University. But honestly? It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Although I was disappointed at first, I soon realised how lucky I was. Tuke House is the closest accommodation to the Falmouth Campus, which is ideal for me as an Illustration student. Plus, it’s right in the heart of town, making it incredibly convenient for everything from shops and cafés to bus stops and the beach. 

Even though moving into Tuke House still felt daunting, I stayed positive and reminded myself that, as cringe as it sounds, everything happens for a reason… and trust me, fate definitely played a role in my experience.

One of the biggest silver linings of living at Tuke House has been meeting my flatmate, Oscar. If it wasn’t for ending up in Tuke, our paths probably never wouldn’t have crossed. Now, he’s not just my flatmate, he’s also one of my best friends. 

He even drives me to Lidl for our weekly food shop, a true act of kindness considering I have no intention of getting my licence anytime soon (thank you, Oscar, for preventing me from surviving off of pesto pasta). Next year, he’s moving into a second-year house with two of my good friends from home, and (plot twist!) he’s also dating my best friend! It’s crazy to think that if I’d gotten my first-choice accommodation, none of this might have happened. Fate is real. 

So here are my top 10 reasons why I love Tuke House: 

1. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the Falmouth Campus, perfect for those early morning lectures.
2. The Moor bus stop is practically on your doorstep, giving you a direct route to the Penryn Campus and other accommodations like The Sidings, Packsaddle Hill and Glasney Student Village in around 20 minutes. 
3. It’s the closest accommodation to Falmouth town centre, so you’re just a short stroll from shops, pubs, the Phoenix Cinema, and Wetherspoons (The Packet Station).
4. Having your own bathroom is the best, no awkward queues for the shower in the morning is an absolute blessing. 
5. The flats are small, which means you get to properly know the people you live with. 
6. Being in town means you're close to everything, including the beach, which is ideal for spontaneous swims, sunset walks, or just a change of scenery when you need a break. 
7. It's so easy to become friends with people in other flats, the layout of Tuke House means you bump into each other all the time and it genuinely feels like a mini community. 
8. You’ll save on bus fares, if you’re mainly at the Falmouth Campus, as you can walk pretty much everywhere! 
9. It feels safe and secure, with key fob entry and friendly on-site staff. 
10. You’re living in the heart of Falmouth’s creativity, galleries, pop-up markets, and art events are all right around the corner.