Category: Residences (Page 3 of 3)

Apps to cure boredom

21st April 2020 / King's Residences / 0 Comments

Apps to pass the time

Being stuck indoors doesn’t have to be all bad. The power of technology means there are millions of apps available to keep you occupied.

Whether it’s for mindless games or to train your brain to be more powerful, they’re ideal for times just like this. Below we’ve collated some apps to try out for various moods…

PLAY

Houseparty | IOS/Android: Combining video chat and quizzes, this is perfect for big groups
Monopoly | IOS/Android: The age-old classic has gone digital (less opportunity for cheating mind you)
8 Ball Pool | IOS/Android: Well, we can’t go to the pub for a quick game, so compete from your room instead

THINK

Luminosity | IOS/Android: Challenge and improve your mind with a range of exercises and quizzes
Mini Metro | IOS/Android: A strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city!
The House of Da Vinci | IOS/Android: A bit different than the usual brain training games but with puzzles and mysteries to solve, it gets you thinking

LEARN

Duolingo | IOS/Android: Brush up on your languages ready for when we’re free to fly again!
Ted | IOS/Android: Inspiring TED talks covering a host of topics, there’s no doubt you will learn something new
Khan Academy | IOS/Android: So many skills to learn and thousands of interactive exercises, videos, and articles at your fingertips

RELAX

Glo | IOS/Android: Yoga, Pilates or Meditation, whichever you prefer this has unlimited classes to choose from
Overdrive | IOS/Android: Not got a kindle? Not to worry, Overdrive is stacked full of e-books
Colorfy | IOS/Android: Zone out and relax with some good, old fashioned colouring in

Happy Apping!

Try It … Take Time Out In Residences

3rd May 2019 / Keira Allen-Anderson / 0 Comments

Your Wellbeing Break Space During Exam Time!

Exams season is an important and often stressful time for all those taking part, but to get the best out of your studies we also encourage you to try and enjoy the present by taking a break, and savouring the small things in life!

Hopefully you’ve already made time to visit the Take Time Out tents on campus and enjoy the different activities happening there and other locations around campus.

The campaign runs from 29 April to 10 May, so unwind for an hour or two and enjoy free smoothies, games, conversations and the possibility to win prices. Good luck!

Head over to the KCLSU #taketimeout website to find out more about the campaign.

Don’t forget we also have extra events happening in Residences too!

Your Community Facilitators will be hosting activities in your common room or courtyards (weather permitting) – so join them and give yourself a well-earned break!

Activities are free to attend – Just turn up and enjoy! Please note booking is required for Cooking & Conversation sessions.

See the schedules below or click here.

We’re Listening to… Lauren Singer : Why I Live a Zero Waste Life

10th February 2019 / / 0 Comments

This week we’ve been trying to #MakeADifference for Sustainability Week 2019 by making small changes that will make a big difference and Lauren’s talk highlights the changes she made towards living a zero waste lifestyle.

We might not be where she is right now but we’re taking inspiration from the ideas she’s suggesting and making a start!

If you like the idea of making your own beauty products, why not come down to GDSA for a Zero-Waste beauty workshop and have a go!

Wednesday 13th February, 6pm

We’re Taking Mondays Back !

21st January 2019 /

It is quite common to feel a bit down in January. The festivities are over, the decorations are taken down, and it’s back to reality. For some of you, it has been full on with exams and deadlines. There is a particular day of the month considered the most depressing and unsurprisingly, it’s a Monday. Boo.

Dubbed ‘Blue Monday,’ it typically falls on the third Monday of the year. This year January 21^st bears the brunt of this dreaded title.

The concept was first publicised as part of a 2005 press release from holiday company Sky Travel. Dr Cliff Arnall claimed that due to some factors including weather, debt and time since Christmas, ‘scientifically’ this time of year is quite depressing for us in the northern hemisphere. He even came up with a formula to calculate the date. Since then, this January Monday has been lumbered with negative and miserable connotations.

However, In a recent interview for the Independent Dr Arnall has said that it was not his intention to make this a negative day but in fact to ‘ encourage people, where possible, to take a positive outlook on the time of year as an opportunity for new beginnings and change.’

So we are taking back our Mondays and making an intentional effort to make the 21^st January the best Monday of the year so far!

Here are our five ways to beat the Monday Blues:

1. Express Gratitude

Starting your day by listing the things you are grateful for is quite literally one of the best ways you can start any day. Doing this first thing on a Monday morning will remind you of all of the great things in your life and give you a whole bunch of reasons to get on with your day.

2. Get moving in the sunlight

Natural sunlight increases our Vitamin D level which in turn boosts serotonin. So why not go for a lunchtime stroll to soak up some of those sun rays and boost endorphins? Leaving you feeling calmer and happier.

Check out what sports activities are happening on the BeActive Timetable.

3. Watch your favourite film

Give yourself something to look forward to at the end of your day by planning an evening snuggled up with your favourite blanket and your favourite movie. You could even invite some of the other students living in your residence to join you. Lose yourself in the story of some of your favourite characters.

4.Sing The Blues Away with KCL ResiLife

Singing in a group can be a great way to reduce stress. Along with the socialising aspect, singing has been known to lower blood pressure due to specific breathing techniques similar to yoga methods. So why not spend your evening destressing by singing some of our favourite uplifting songs.

Singing The Blues Away

5. Burgers and Board Games KCLSU events

Get to know some new people and eat some good food to start your week off right. Head over to Guys Bar from 5 pm every Monday for their Burgers and Board Games event. Play any of their board games, and the winner gets a free Pint! (T&C’s applied! One Pint per game/hour).

Burgers+Board Games

So whatever you choose to do today, make this Monday a happy Monday!

Words by Keira ResiLife

What’s Your Smart Snack?

15th May 2018 /

Exam period – That time of year marked by unhealthy levels of caffeine, perpetual states of sleep deprivation, and the oh-so dreaded seven stages of revision (when you’re not too busy procrastinating that is!

During such a stressful yet crucial period of student life, a common mistake many make (often unconsciously) is to eat poorly and unhealthily. Junk food, lots of chocolate, energy drinks and crisps are often substituted for normal meals to keep energy levels up. However, this is not only harmful to your long-term health, but can also negatively affect your exam performance!

So it’s time to take matters in hand and get your snacking habits in order.

Take our short quiz to find a ‘smart snack’ which tickles your fancy. Click your answer for a link to the recipe or see them below.

So next time you’re in a time-crunch, don’t sacrifice your health for convenience. Remember, snack smart to study hard!

1. Brown Sugar & Banana Oatmeal

2. Roasted Fajita-Spiced Chickpeas

3. Baked Zucchini (Courgette) Chips

4. Toast with Cottage Cheese & Tomato

5. Apple and Peanut Butter

6. Hummus & Vegetables

7. No Bake Energy Bites

8. Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberries

Words: Alison Zhou

Take Time Out 2018 – Be Well Do Well

29th April 2018 /

Exam season is upon us and we know you’ve been hitting the books and are in full revision mode. However, we’re encouraging you to have regular breaks and get involved in the Take Time Out activities over the next few weeks on campus and in residences. There are loads of fun stuff happening to keep your mind focused or help you to de-stress.

Looking after yourself and keeping things balanced will all help towards your exam success, so remember Be Well Do Well and Take Time Out!

Remember if things do get too much you can always contact your Warden or the King’s Wellbeing team to talk things through.

For activities around the campuses please see the schedule here:

Take Time Out In Residences

There are sessions happening in residencies most evenings. They are open to all students living in residences and most you can just turn up and enjoy! (Just remember to bring your ID card). Booking is required for some sessions with limited places.

Please note the schedule is subject to change, so check your official residence Facebook page for daily updates.

Check out the events calendar for the full schedule.

What’s B.U.G.GING You?

17th January 2018 / Wojciech Adamczyk / 0 Comments

Hopefully nothing, but if you are having any building issues at your residence make sure you go along to the next BUG (Building User Group) meeting.

You can grab some snacks and meet with your residence manager and reception team to discuss any concerns you have, give them feedback and any suggestions of things you’d like to see. They’ll give guidance on resolving your issues and update you on what’s happening in your residence from any upcoming planned works to pest control strategies.

Look out for posters around your residence with details.

Stamford Street Apartments – Thursday 18^th January 5pm – 6pm, Reception or Lounge area

Wolfson House – Thursday 18^th January, 6pm, Common Room

Great Dover Street Apartments – Monday 29th January, 12-5pm, Reception

Champion Hil – Tues 6th February 5pm-6pm,