South Tyneside Sept 2017 Intake

[Vovin]

Hello all,

Just a quick post to see who here is starting at South Tyneside College this coming September.

Hope to see some of you there

[Spodface]

Heya Bud, i'm starting in Sep at Tyneside.. Likewise as an engine cadet what company are you sponsored with ?

Dan

[Vovin]

Hi Spodface and Scazzer,

Look forward to seeing you both there.

Spodface - I won't know my sponsoring company until my first day. I'd be happy anywhere if I'm honest so it's not keeping me up at night.

I attended the recent open day there and the facilities look pretty good. I felt like a kid in a sweet shop when I saw the workshops.

[Kevio123]

Hey

My name's Kevin I'm one of the intakes doing the ETO degree at south tyneside, really looking forward to starting a career in the merchant navy, I am sponsered by MEF.

I do have a couple of questions if anyone knows,
When at sea do you still have a room at the halls? Or do you move out untill your back?
Does anyone know if the rooms are bigger in the en-suite s?

[Maritimer]

No, you don't keep the room. You move out until you return. TBH most people move out of halls as soon as they can! From what I remember the rooms are a similar size, and a small size at that! The en-suite rooms are actually decent (the others are a bit grim) but too expensive.

[Kevio123]

Do you think it's better to go standard with catering then?

[Maritimer]

Do you think it's better to go standard with catering then?

If your sponsor insist on you staying in halls then I'd personally choose en-suite uncatered. I don't think the catered option is worth it. Whichever option you choose it's still too expensive for what you get!

[Vovin]

If your sponsor insist on you staying in halls then I'd personally choose en-suite uncatered. I don't think the catered option is worth it. Whichever option you choose it's still too expensive for what you get!

I booked my accommodation last week. They don't have any more en-suite uncatered but they may be able to change you to en-suite uncatered in October, that's what I am having to do.

[Emmab24]

Hi, also starting in September, I've been lucky enough to get an ensuite room (not catered) and was wondering if anyone knows how the shared kitchen works, is there lockable cupboards for food or do I keep the stuff in my room. Is there enough space in the room for a mini fridge, similar size to a small beer fridge?.

[06starburst]

Hi guys, I'm about to return to STC for phase 5 in Sept.
As far as halls goes, definitely get an en suite room - they are much more modern and clean, the other blocks are grubby, old and waaay over priced. (Vovin, if youre planning to change to F Block - the en suite block, make sure you pester reception frequently as they dont like giving out rooms in F block - you have to fight your corner!)
The shared kitchens are a bit on the small side but have everything you need - oven, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle etc. There is one shared kitchen on each floor of the block shared by around 15 people. The cupboard space is limited so claim yours fast! they are not allocated to rooms and do not lock so be prepared for things to go missing once in a while or invest in a small bike lock. The fridges are located in the common room, again one on each floor. They are way too small for the amount of people though so i strongly suggest you invest in a small fridge for your room - plus this means your food wont get pinched! One should fit under your desk in the smaller rooms, and if youre lucky to get one of the slightly bigger rooms there will be plenty of space.
This was my experience as it was in phase 1 in 2015 so things may have changed slightly - though i highly doubt it as cadets have been complaining about fridge space for years!
I will be back in an en suite non catered room in september
Any questions just shout

[FreedomFields]

Are most people arriving Saturday or the Sunday?

[Mr_Nicoll]

Are most people arriving Saturday or the Sunday?

Phase 3 cadet here, started on 4th September.

The Great North Run is on Sunday 10th, from what I'm gathering most will be arriving on the Friday 8th or Saturday 9th respectively.

I frequented (often too much!) the forums prior to Phase-1 in regards to college, uniform and Halls. I'm sure you'll find all my drivvle posted all over the place!

Any questions, information, guidance, worries etc or recommendations you guys want- feel absolutely free to PM me and I'll do my best to help out!

[Notsofast]

Phase 3 cadet here, started on 4th September.

The Great North Run is on Sunday 10th, from what I'm gathering most will be arriving on the Friday 8th or Saturday 9th respectively.

I frequented (often too much!) the forums prior to Phase-1 in regards to college, uniform and Halls. I'm sure you'll find all my drivvle posted all over the place!

Any questions, information, guidance, worries etc or recommendations you guys want- feel absolutely free to PM me and I'll do my best to help out!

Your drivvle was very much appreciated, actually! How was your sea phase? Tired much...judging by your new photo?

[Mr_Nicoll]

Sea phase was good! Bagged many interesting places.

Yeah, 6-hour intense cargo watches! Running up and down the deck, opening and closing manifolds and valves- disconnecting and connecting lines, sampling, ullaging, sounding and ballasting all good fun!