I was first attracted to Monty-B due to the balance of proximity to Leeds Uni, free internet access, and sinks in rooms. For me, proximity was a top priority, because I just didn't see the point in spending an hour on the bus every morning in rush hour traffic, not to mention the cost of a bus pass. Or attempting to balance a huge art folder on my bike (I was on a design course). And walking a long distance for a 9am lecture seemed unappealing, especially as I tend to be in a rush most mornings!
So Monty-B it was! The buildings seem reasonably new and pretty clean and well-presented (at least when you move in!!). The shared bathroom worked fine and the kitchen was a decent size. There was, however, always slight annoyance about the fact that one of the rooms was significantly bigger than the other four in the flat, and I've no idea why! The security gate also worked well...though friends often have to call you to let them in if they aren't Monty-B residents.
There is a central outdoor area with a bit of grass and some barbeques, which did get some use in the spring, but there did seem to be a general lack of communal areas. A friend on my course lived in Boddington and, due to them having a completely different layout in which about 70 different people could all access each other's flats, and the fact it was catered accommodation, she ended up with a huge group of friends. Something about the layout of Monty-B seemed to discourage interaction between different flats, as each flat of 5 had a door which remained locked most of the time and there were no communal indoor areas designed for occupants of different flats to congregate.
Despite the downsides, Monty-B was probably worth it due to the easy walk to Uni and the fact that you can make friends in other flats...you just have to be a bit assertive! read more