| Among the least known accommodation options in | | | | configurations hard to find at other places, e.g. quad |
| London is the student housing. One of the reasons for | | | | rooms or 5-bed rooms or family rooms with full |
| its lesser popularity is the fact that in general it is not | | | | en-suite bathroom (shower and toilet. |
| available year-round; it is open to the general public | | | | If you are interested in trying university housing, |
| only during school vacations. | | | | reservations are highly recommended, as the |
| Most often the university residences are open to the | | | | residences are very popular among international |
| non-student public in April and June-September. Visitors | | | | students who often stay in London for a month or |
| who are able to rent the rooms in the student housing | | | | two. Longer stays are most economical, as special |
| usually enjoy it - for a number of reasons. | | | | rates apply for them; you can get the best deal if you |
| First of all, student-housing buildings are often located | | | | pay in advance for a long stay. |
| very conveniently - close to the biggest tourist | | | | Some of the university residences do not accept |
| attractions, public transport (tube and bus) and eateries | | | | non-students and/or have a required minimum stay, |
| (restaurants, pubs and cafes). | | | | however there are some that offer lodging not only |
| Secondly, student housing is usually well maintained, | | | | during school vacations - they rent available space |
| rooms are cleaned daily. In fact, the rooms, bathrooms | | | | during the whole calendar year. The following facilities |
| and showers are usually much cleaner, bigger and | | | | do just that: |
| better equipped than those at budget hotels or | | | | - International Student House, 229 Great Portland St., |
| B&B's. | | | | ph.: 020/7631-8300, tube: Great Portland Street (800 |
| Very often guests can use college amenities such as | | | | beds); |
| gyms, tennis courts, laundry rooms, kitchens, TV | | | | - College Hall, Malet St., ph.: 020/7580-9131, tube: Russell |
| rooms, etc. You can even use a library at some | | | | Square (200 rooms); |
| places! | | | | - Campbell House, 5-10 Taviton St., ph.: 020/7391-1479, |
| Student housing facilities usually are surrounded by | | | | tube: Euston |
| restaurants and cafeterias serving great but | | | | Vacation Bureau at King's College (127 Stamford St., |
| inexpensive food. There are also grocery stores | | | | ph.: 020/7928-3777) coordinates B&B services |
| around to buy some food. It is possible to prepare | | | | available at six university residence halls in central |
| meals - in the student kitchen - but it is much more | | | | London. They may find you a bed for a night or longer |
| convenient and often cheaper to buy meals at the | | | | if you're desperate, but it is always preferable when |
| university pub or cafeteria. You can eat there not only | | | | you call ahead of time and make a reservation. |
| breakfast (with choice of English or continental), but | | | | For an extensive listing of University College London |
| also dinner (rarely available at B&B's). | | | | Residence Halls, Intercollegiate Halls and Student Hotels |
| Student housing rates are very modest and many | | | | showing addresses, phones, etc. go to this website: |
| guests are nicely surprised with the value they are | | | | [ |
| getting for their money. Especially if they had a bad | | | | For more information on student housing you can also |
| experience at any of the London budget hotels, | | | | contact British University Accommodation Consortium |
| hostels or B&B's. | | | | (PO Box 1564, Nottingham NG7 2RD; ph.: 00 11 44 - 115 |
| Moreover, university residences offer bed | | | | 950 4571). |