Among the lesser known accommodation options in London is student accommodation. One of the reasons for its lesser popularity is the fact that it is not generally available all year round; it is open to the general public only during school holidays.
Most of the time, the residence halls are open to the non-student public in April and June-September. Visitors who can rent the rooms in student accommodation often enjoy it, for a number of reasons.
First of all, student housing buildings are often very conveniently located, close to major tourist attractions, public transportation (metro and bus), and restaurants (restaurants, pubs, and cafes).
Second, student housing is usually well maintained, rooms are cleaned daily. In fact, the rooms, bathrooms, and showers are often much cleaner, larger, and better equipped than those in budget hotels or B&Bs.
Very often, guests can use university services such as gyms, tennis courts, laundries, kitchens, TV rooms, etc. You can even use a library in some places!
Student accommodation facilities are usually surrounded by restaurants and cafes that serve great but cheap food. There are also grocery stores around to buy some food. It is possible to prepare meals in the student kitchen, but it is much more convenient and often cheaper to buy meals in the university pub or cafeteria. You can eat there not only breakfast (with a choice of English or continental), but also dinner (rarely available in B&B’s).
Student accommodation rates are very modest and many guests are pleasantly surprised at the value they get for their money. Especially if they had a bad experience in any of London’s budget hotels, hostels or B&Bs.
In addition, the university residences offer bed configurations that are difficult to find elsewhere, for example quadruple rooms or 5-bed rooms or family rooms with a full en-suite bathroom (shower and WC).
If you are interested in trying out university accommodation, booking is recommended as residences are very popular with international students who often stay in London for a month or two. The longest stays are the cheapest, since special rates apply for them; you can get the best deal if you pay up front for a long stay.
Some of the university residences do not accept non-students and/or have a minimum stay required, however, there are some that offer accommodation not only during school holidays, but also rent the available space throughout the calendar year. The following facilities do just that:
- International Student House, 229 Great Portland St., Tel: 020/7631-8300, Subway: Great Portland Street (800 beds);
- College Hall, Malet St., Tel: 020/7580-9131, Subway: Russell Square (200 rooms);
- Campbell House, 5-10 Taviton St., Tel: 020/7391-1479, Tube: Euston
The Vacation Bureau at King’s College (127 Stamford St., tel: 020/7928-3777) coordinates the bed and breakfast services available in six residence halls in central London. They may be able to find you a bed for one night or more if you’re desperate, but it’s always best to call ahead and make a reservation.
For a full list of University College London halls of residence, intercollegiate halls of residence and student hotels with addresses, telephone numbers etc. go to this website:
[http://star-http://www.dur.ac.uk/~jms/UOS/Preview/accommodation.html]
For more information on student accommodation, you can also contact the British University Accommodation Consortium (PO Box 1564, Nottingham NG7 2RD; tel: 00 11 44 - 115 950 4571).