Old Lafrowda may look like a 70s style correctional facility for sex offenders, but for forty fun-filled weeks of first year it’s home to a number of us (impoverished) residents.

All us old Lafrowda residents have experienced that moment of shame when discussing where we’re living.

“Oh, is that new Lafrowda?” they ask, which we can only answer with a plastered on smile and the reply, “No actually, old Lafrowda!”

Surely all’s not as bad as that grim looking grey and green façade. Here are why my five reasons why it’s not:

That face you get when you come clean about old Laf.

1. The rooms

The rooms are super spacious. I mean, look at all that shelving, storage and exposed brickwork. It’s that kinda stuff that’d make Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s nipples go hard like football studs.

Lawrence approves.

2. We’re not en-suite

With three toilets on each corridor, you can bring that special someone back from Arena, and need not fear your guest hearing/smelling all if you need that hangover poo/spew in the morning.

That bold brickwork absorbs a multitude of sins.

3. The sun-spots

We’re not trusted to not walk on the grass while it’s growing but just imagine the warmer months.

A few towels laid out and a cool box (with a few pink flamingos for that trailer park feel), it’ll be the perfect haven to soak up the south-west’s summer rays.

Pink flamingos always add that touch of class.

4. Our notice boards

As you can see below, they are always concise and informative.

The relief is second to none when someone returns a lost item.

5. The kitchens

The kitchens are brand new, meaning absolutely everything works.

There are no reports of kettles not working for sick that needs washed out the sink or ovens only running on the hottest setting, incinerating those potato smiley faces we’ve all come to rely on.

That sensational green panelling continues throughout.

6. Location, location, location

Oh, the Lemmy.

Most importantly, old Lafrowda is close to everything.

We’re two minutes away from the Lemmy (even though it’s a bit shit), five minutes from the Forum (even though you can’t be arsed going up that godforsaken hill) and ten minutes from the city centre (perhaps 20-30 if you’ve had a messy night on the tiles).

Finally…

Love it hate it, you’ve still got to look at it.

Old Lafrowda’s stood the test of time and is still a popular residence no matter how vile it may look.

Is having a view (à la Holland Hall) really going to contribute to my university experience? I should think not.

After all, it’s the surrounding blocks that get to look at the grotty façade of old Lafrowda – not the other way round.