Hiya guys, I'm a 1st year student doing BEd Primary Education.
I'm more active in the more nerdy societies, do kendo and will soon start chorus (I forgot to join, oops). Also an EU student so can give a perspective in that way too.
As I'm soon to run off to the library I'll just give a short say in couple of the things.
I do kendo at the uni and we've been having some problems with the facilities. Either it's the next people coming in complaining that the room smells after we're done (uh, we do a sport in there, what do they expect, flowers and sunshine?), or we're put in two separate squash rooms (wtf?). Royal College Gym is good though.
The facilities have gone under refurbishment and I believe they're continuing that. As the whole campus is getting new buildings built, there's a possibility of a new, better sports facility being built too. Or then it's just wishful thinking.
I believe football is played in a nearby field or something. Check the Sports Union website for more info. I have no idea about the swimming pool, I get a headache for smelling the place from two floors up anyways.
Library is currently open til midnight Mon-Fri and 9pm Sat and Sun. Next exam time we're getting 24h access and I believe they are considering making it open 24h starting next year, but that's rumours.
Accommodation is alright, and they do try to take your requests into consideration but as it's a big place, not all can be satisfied. I for example live in James Blyth Court and this is probably the most quiet corner that I know. Birkbeck and Chancellors area are in my opinion the loudest and as Todd's (the campus bar) is in the centre of things, people living next to it might get the midnight roars. As lyrical_lie said, Birkbeck is small. I thought my room in JBC was tiny but then I saw my friend's flat. wow. They have 6 people sharing their flat and tiny kitchen, but then again the rent is the cheapest. JBC and TCC can have either 4 or 8 person flats, but the 8 person flats are two separate corridors for 4 rooms and toilet and separate shower room, and each have their own kitchen. Kitchens are open to the lounge. The lights in JBC and TCC however are utterly crap and I'm so thankful it's getting lighter and lighter outdoors. The only ceiling lights can be found in the bathroom. The rooms have one corner wall light and a desk lamp, and it just isn't enough to light everything in the rooms. Lounge lights are poo as well and don't really do anything unless it's very dark outside. Same for kitchen.
What I don't enjoy are the current library opening times (I like studying in the weekend after 9pm... Not possible) and some stuff that is very course specific. The staff can be so unclear about room changes, and to be honest, we've had a very odd lecture hall and tutorial rooms change where our module leader didn't even know about it and was rather pissed off. Thankfully it got sorted and we're in an alright lecture theatre, although it's far from being as good as McCance 301...
Archery, eh? I believe we have mutual acquaintances/friends then.