Located in Shieldfield, the accommodation is ideal for Northumbria students as their walk to University is less than 10 minutes. By contrast, the website advertises Portland Green as a 15-minute walk for a Newcastle University student. Unless you have incredibly long legs it is more like 25 at a push! Being a reasonably sporty person, I have found it frustrating having to trek for 37 minutes to reach the sports centre, and often feel as if I have already done my exercise for the day by the time I have arrived! Equally, activities such as the 20-minute society are not an option for a Portland Green resident, as it takes longer than that to get to the location!
I live in Turner Court, which is unfortunate given that all buildings in the village have different amenities for the same price. We don't have a TV, dishwasher, staffed entrance or gym, whereas other buildings do. The gated entrance has been broken and key card access also does not work, creating limited security. Also, there are only four people in my flat, and there is a lack of community feel - eating my meals alone can feel isolating. Being a very social person, I jumped at the opportunity to make friends on my course and societies, and it is these people I wish to go with on a night out. However, with them living in more central accommodations such as Newgate Court or Park View, I feel unsafe taking a 30-minute walk home alone at 2 am as a young woman, especially since the murder a few streets down.
Waking up hungover to iridescent neon walls really is a shock to the system, and the chunder-like green tones may bring back memories from the night before! Arguably, at least the accommodation is distinguishable, when paralytic on a night out it is practically impossible to forget where you live. As long as you remember the colour of your wall you should manage – the key is in the name!
On the flip side, if you like some peaceful time to yourself, don’t mind a daily walk and are more introverted, Portland Green may be the one for you. The rooms are relatively spacious with a personal ensuite, a small double bed, reasonable storage, and a quiet night’s sleep.
Whilst the accommodation provided at Portland Green is of great quality and the staff are lovely and approachable, I think I speak on behalf of everyone- a free bus pass or taxi coupon would be highly appreciated!