I didn't live in halls (independent housing fish~) but everytime I went to one of them (admittedly it was to drink/smoke so I didn't care) they were a
state, lol.
Depends entirely on the people you get to share with, really... but I do wish I'd got a place in halls because it seemed a lot more "part of the experience" and stress-free than having to make independent rent/deposit demands.
Job depends on your financial status/how much grants/loans you're getting ofc... loads of people I lived with got one by the end of the first year though even if it was just waiting tables, bartending or shop assistant work. Usually wise, and if it's a major city you should be able to find jobs flexible enough to allow for uni to come first. Oh and if you have to deal with Student Finance then... good luck
they're evil.