Wavy Gate - Oxford

M B. O.

Now that I have finally graduated, I can write a true review about Wavygate:
If you are looking at value for money and happiness, run far as this is not the place for you. But, if we pretend the price per week is about 300gbp less, the accommodation is ok-ish.

Decor is quite out of date compared to similar accommodations in Oxford. The beds are not comfortable and Fluorescent lights are still used, giving a gloomy/dark atmosphere to the room. Furthermore, the showers/water pressure is quite bad, feeling as if someone is pouring water on you. The walls are very thin. You will hear anything from gaming, music and shouting to intercourse. Windows are also locked and restricted, which is very annoying in the summer. It gets very hot and you can't ventilate the room.

Most importantly, the internet connection is moderated and filtered. Many websites do not work at all. Whether it is shopping, news or adult sites, they don't work and you will NEED to change DNS server or use a VPN to survive here (see end of review for how to).

If you like to cook rice, think again. Students aren't allowed to have rice cookers and they will be confiscated from you. If you are under 18, 10:30 curfew will be in place, this is UK law so it is not the accommodation's decision. However, in addition to this, you are not allowed to have guests over after 10:30 and mixing genders is banned entirely. In other places you are allowed to have guests over in your room for up to 3 days. Any alcohol is also forbidden on premises (regardless of age) and you will be sanctioned if discovered.
Other facilities are also out of date, especially the common room. It feels like taking a step back in time. The school is trying to improve it, but don't keep your hopes up. My MacBook was also destroyed by someone here, so I don't recommend to leave anything alone. The CCTV was also not working at the time.

If you are at King's College, you are also banned from sending packages to Wavygate. If you order anything you HAVE to send it to school campus and carry home. Wavygate also has a habit of having fire alarm tests very late at night when its raining. We were all pushed out of the accommodation at 11pm, made to stand in the rain while students were counted and then yelled at because we complained. To add on, maintenance will regularly enter your room unannounced to fix or check random things. UK law requires landlords to give 48h notice of such work, but the accommodation does not follow this. You will get the notice of maintenance on the same day when you have already left for school.
As of writing this, laundry is also very expensive. It will cost around 6-7gbp to wash/dry your clothes. Cleaning is also quite iffy. They complain if you have plushies and your own pillows on your bed or even if u leave the tiniest thing on the floor.

On the bright side, the accommodation staff was very nice. They try hard to make you feel at home and helped out a lot when i was ill/moving out. A lot of Kings/OIC students live here so you will be close with your friends. We all had a fun time breaking rules and nearly getting caught by staff, so if you are unfortunately stuck here, try to make the best of it and have memories you won't forget!

Here are some tips&tricks to help you survive your journey through the underworlds:
1. Change your Computer DNS server to bypass the internet restriction. This is very easy and works for PC and Mac OS. It does not work on phones sadly. To do this google "How to use google DNS on Windows (or Mac OS)".
2. There is a laundromat very close on Cowley Road and it is very cheap. You can wash or dry your clothes there at a much better price.
3. Under your bed is a storage compartment. Use it to place clothes or hide things from people.
4. In the morning bus service is terrible. Go out at least 10min early.
5. Avoid buying the window key for 8gbp online which allows you to open them. This is NOT ALLOWED and the accommodation WON'T like it. To make sure you dont order it, be careful to not google "FH188 Jackloc Window replacement key".

Sammy

Clean and big rooms. Good location. Some staff is nice….

haide S.

I had one of the best years of my life, rooms are super clean amd the kitchens are clean too, staff are so nice and helpful indeed and the atmosphere is just awesome! I miss oxford and wavygate soooo much

Tala P.

One of the worsest experiences of my life, wellfare workers and staff here do not care about you being unwell and do not even bother to answer you when you e mail them

Marcus L.

Excellent accommodation. Massive rooms with air refreshing garden

Marc B.

Comfortable rooms. We'll equipped.

cc. S.

Safe, clean & well maintained

Felicia P. V.

Frumos