be Prepared [theory] Personally I like going places where I don t speak the language, don t know anybody, don t know my way around and don t have any delusions that I m in control. Disoriented, even frightened, I feel alive, awake in ways I never am at home. Michael Mewshaw self c Unit 8 self catering Non-serviced accommodation SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION NON-SERVICED UNIVERSITY RESIDENCIES S backpacker bathroom facilities communal living area convent cooking facilities hall of residence kitchen service monastery multiple bedroom non-serviced accommodation shared dormitory to draw a contract university residency youth hostel 154 RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ON YOUR OWN YOUTH HOSTELS elf-catering accommodation normally provides no food service. Guests will have sleeping, bathroom, living and cooking facilities where they can cook their 77 own food but no restaurant where to order breakfast and other meals. The advantages of this type of accommodation are both in the independence from fixed timetables and in the cheaper price compared to a hotel. It can have the disadvantage that meals are not available, so travellers have to either cook their own or look for a restaurant. Another disadvantage is that there is no official classification for the type of accommodation and services offered, so it can be difficult to understand what to book and this can lead to unpleasant surprises. For this reason it is advisable to draw a contract that details all the facilities and services included and excluded, and the rights and obligations of both parties. Self-catering accommodation can be non-serviced or on your own. Non-serviced accommodation includes: University residencies, which often offer their students who come from different cities an accommodation service. This is normally in single or multiple bedrooms with or without private bathroom and communal living areas and use of a kitchen. During the holiday periods, when the students return to their families, these rooms can also be offered to tourists. These halls of residence are normally located close to the university or downtown and connected to the study institution and city centre by an efficient public transport service. Religious institutions like convents and monasteries, which offer simple accommodation and can sometimes provide meals. These institutions are normally located close to universities, in peaceful or historical locations. Some religious institutions have a nightly curfew, which means guests need to return to the facility within a fixed time at night. Youth hostels, which offer cheap accommodation to young people and sometimes to other travellers who are looking for cheap services. The use of hostels is common for backpackers, travellers who travel with a rucksack on their back and look for the cheapest form of accommodation. The accommodation type can vary from shared dormitories with several beds to single/double rooms. Normally bathroom facilities are shared, like kitchen services.