Accommodation

Hello!

It’s getting closer to the start of university – you’re getting an influx of emails, your parents are grilling you about what’s going to happen when you leave and how your life is going to be. Now  begins the time to make concrete plans for the beginning of your university life here at King’s. We thought it would be fitting if this month’s blog theme was accommodation. We hope we can ease some of your concerns and add to the excitement of starting a course in a different city, or country, or even continent!

You will spend the majority of your first year at Guy’s campus, next to London Bridge. King’s accommodation ensures that you have a chance to live in one of their nearby residences for at least one of your three years here at King’s. Here’s a photo of all the King’s residences (remember we’re at Guy’s campus – south of the river!)

 

King’s Residences (Halls)

Accommodation applications will open in April. You must apply by June and you can expect to be sent a conditional accommodation offer by July/August. It is important to note that you can only apply for accommodation if King’s is your firm offer on UCAS.

You can highlight your preferences regarding features such as cost and en-suite facilities, however, you cannot choose your halls of residence. You will receive information about this nearer the time, but in the meantime there are many frequently asked questions on the King’s website. You are also eligible to apply for the University of London intercollegiate halls.

I (Val) got assigned to Ewen Henderson Court, a residence in zone 2 at New Cross Gate. It actually had the cheapest en-suite option offered at King’s. Although it is in zone 2, I had a direct train into London Bridge which made my commute very short. King’s definitely thinks about everything! They’ll take into account where you’re based and assign you accordingly.

Living in halls allows you meet a ton of people across different courses. You’re put into an environment where you’ll have to live independently, having to cook for yourself, clean for yourself and look after yourself. These are skills you’ll gain throughout your time at university.

Another great thing is that halls create an atmosphere of being open and welcoming. They’ll hold socials every few weeks and you’ll have the chance to meet more people! All King’s residences also have resident life advisors (RLAs). You can go to them for any questions you have, or just for a chat. There’re always people around!

 

Living at Home   

I (Pauline) live at home and commute in to King’s. I know that lots of other students on our course and across King’s also do the same. Initially I was worried that I might miss out on the university experience but my journey is a 30 minute cycle  to campus and the money I save by living at home I can use to go out to more social events throughout the year.

 

Private Rented Accommodation

Many of our friends rented privately which massively increases the diversity in location and accommodation type and typically you can find places that are in a similar price bracket to halls. The best landlords are endorsed by the student union and the universities themselves such as student homes which is run by the University of London. If you are thinking of not living in halls there are many places where you can find likeminded flatmates: people got to know each other on the offer holder Facebook page and then looked for accommodation together. The university and student union will also support you with finding flatmates and accommodation if you are not going to live in halls.

 

Hopefully we have given you some insight about your housing options when you start your degree. Make sure you take time to think about what you want from your accommodation because it can really make all the difference to your experience.

Remember, if you have any specific questions please get in touch on the offer holders Facebook page!

Wishing you all the best with everything!
Val and Pauline