Nelson House: The Boarding Experience
When the opportunity arose for a group of Year 12 day pupils to experience life in the Year 13 boarding house, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it feel like home? Would the community be welcoming to our sudden arrival? Was boarding in the Nelson House really as great as my Year 7 self aspired it to be? And – most importantly – as someone who is going to be a weekly boarder next year, would I enjoy my stay?
Fast forward to the end of the trial, and I can confidently say it was an incredible experience, one that I would recommend to everyone.
A Home Away From Home:
Nelson isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s a huge, welcoming space designed to bring Year 13s together in their final year at school. It’s a ginormous house (as you can probably tell), equipped with everything you could need to survive the school term: a pool table, table tennis, a huge day room, countless rooms spread across three different floors, and a kitchen. The best part? The sense of community it fosters, a place where even in a 3 day trial, felt like I had been there for 3 terms already.
Evenings That Made It Special:
After a long day of studying, the 9–10 PM hour quickly became my favourite time. Homework was done, and the entire house came together (we even had visitors in our year group from Hood, Howe, St V and Collingwood!) relaxing, chatting, and enjoying each other’s company. It wasn’t just about living under the same roof; it was about truly bonding as a group, feeling like an endless sleepover with people you have shared so many memories with. Despite being a Year 12, I feel an instant connection to the Nelson experience and I enjoyed exploring the maze of corridors, visiting friends whom I don’t usually see amongst my daily routine.
A Supportive Environment:
One of the things that stood out to me was the kindness and warmth of everyone involved in making this community so special and exciting, not just the students, but also the matrons, support staff and Mr and Mrs Eales. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and valued. It was clear that boarding wasn’t just about independence, it was about belonging to a team that looks out for one another.
Why You Should Board Here:
This trial showed me that boarding in Nelson is everything that my Year 7 self imagined it to be and more, it’s an experience that brings people together in their final school year, offering friendships, independence, unforgettable memories and enhancing your sense of navigation for when you venture on into university. Whether you’re considering boarding full-time, weekly, flexi or just curious, I’d encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try. Who knows? You might love it just as much as I did.
Now, next academic year (crazy) I can walk in with confidence as I start my weekly-boarder journey and get the full Nelson experience…
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