Re: glee
I was more or less in your situation last year. It was pretty bad last year, with offers going out a day before Oweek started.
Unilodge wasn't on my preference either, but it was what i got offered.
However, I had a fantastic time in a 5 room multishare with some awesome room mates. Apart from the slightly heftier cost compared to an uncatered college, it was well worth it. It's quite a luxury having your own living room, tv, kitchen, bathrooms. The building is also quite new, compared to the colleges. It is also very conveniently located to first year lecture theatres (about a 30 second sprint).
Please also note that unilodge is cheaper than catered colleges. In fact, according to 2009 prices, I saved about $40 a week living at unilodge compared with say, Bruce. However, it is considerably more expensive than living at B&G or Fenner (by more than $50).
About the cooking: it really was a highlight, cooking with my roommates, and learning all the different dishes that each of us could cook.
with the bad social rep: sure, you might have to put more effort in making friends. People aren't just hanging around, like they do at the colleges. However, if you're in a big multishare, your room mates are a good place to start. And the management improve the social events every year. so with just a little bit of effort, you'll still have a great time and make lots of great friends.
Having said all that, I did transfer out, mostly due to cost reasons.
But for those who get Unilodge, don't freak out. take the bad rep with a pinch of salt, relax and go with it. Be prepared to give a bit of yourself to help the social environment along, and you'll have a great time. University is ultimately what you make of it.