A-block 19 / A-block 47. Or: The loss of bonds initiated in communal living.

2018. Salvaged door handles
Room handles of David Wrench (musician/producer/engineer) and Jane Glennie (typographer/artist) from the nonextant Whiteknights Hall, University of Reading.

Yes, the lasagne was terrible! But living communally in halls and carrying a tray from the kitchen servery to a long table, you could sit next to anyone and have a conversation. You could roam the corridors when you felt like being sociable and find someone, anyone. (In real true life). You met people outside your sphere. You could do random things with random people. But it was ok, you were familiar – you lived together. You liked people, you didn’t like people, you made friendships you’ve had ever since. You made friends with people you didn’t expect would be your friend. It’s no longer (for the most part) the same. There is little sense of wider community in small self-catered accommodation. A social media organised life keeps you in your sphere. It makes me sad for my children. They won’t get the best of the experience of being a student. Small compensation to not eat the lasagne.