Are INTERCOLLEGIATE halls really that BAD?

Reply 20

OP

Thanks, JustaGuy. Why did you stay in Connaught for two years? I thought we could only stay in halls for our first year?

Besides the thin walls (which means unnecessary noise I presume? But I treasure tranquility - at least when I'm trying to study) and bad showers (they're at least clean right?), what's bad about Connaught?

There are actually unoccupied rooms? I thought all halls would be packed to their brims.

One last question: what's Waterstone?

Reply 21

JustaGuy

1

CNN Center

Thanks, JustaGuy. Why did you stay in Connaught for two years? I thought we could only stay in halls for our first year?

Besides the thin walls (which means unnecessary noise I presume? But I treasure tranquility - at least when I'm trying to study) and bad showers (they're at least clean right?), what's bad about Connaught?

There are actually unoccupied rooms? I thought all halls would be packed to their brims.

One last question: what's Waterstone?

Connaught used to be a men's Hall - and thus earned the reputation of the "most unpopular" intercollegiate hall. I wanted to be in Central London and so knew that my chances would be v high if I pick Connaught. Most people could stay 2 years there if they want, esp if they are overseas students. Not sure about the policy now though.

Thin walls or not, it really depends on your luck! If your neighbours are the noisy types, you'll get your fair share of noise anyhow. Obviously, if you lodge a complaint to the Warden, the noisy blokes will be 'told off' and the situation should improve. In my second year, my neighbours were all the quiet types, so it was very pleasant. Anyway the Senate House library is nearby and it is a perfect place for private study. I used to mug there all the time.

The unoccupied rooms refer to function/conference rooms, not study bedrooms.

I don't know about the showers now - although I'm sure they would have upgraded them by now.

Waterstone is a bookstore.

There is nothing very bad about Connaught really. I think it has more plus points than minus points. The Georgian style buildings are lovely, and the location is really great. Perhaps one other 'down' side is you have to walk maybe about 15 mins to LSE?

Don't forget that ULU is just around the corner. There are basketball courts, and an underground swimming pool !

Reply 22

CNN Center

OP

Sounds great, JustaGuy. I guess it really depends on the individual to make the best out of his stay, wouldn't you say?

Anyway, a fifteen-minute walk is fine for me! I don't know about winter though.

I can only hope I will get my first choice.

Reply 23

Beekeeper

13

anonymity

international hall has just been redone and is pretty nice!

As a UCL student (well, as of this september), i've opted for Int'l hall. I stayed over for a night a few weeks ago and it was pleasant. Plenty of light, space, security etc.

In response to a comment about crap staff; does it really matter?

Reply 24

Muse

13

I was looking at the intercollegiate halls today in the ICL accommodation brochure - I could end up anywhere with Imperial's totally random room allocations :rolleyes:

Reply 25

CNN Center

OP

International Hall sounds and looks really good, but it's more expensive at 122.60 pounds a week for the coming academic year. That compares to 113.40 pounds a week for Connaught and Hughes-Parry. Imagine what you'll save in nine months.

Reply 26

Beekeeper

13

CNN Center

International Hall sounds and looks really good, but it's more expensive at 122.60 pounds a week for the coming academic year. That compares to 113.40 pounds a week for Connaught and Hughes-Parry. Imagine what you'll save in nine months.

Its not £115 p/w?! damn...

Reply 27

CNN Center

OP

That was the price for 2004/2005. I called International Hall directly and a nice lady told me it was 122.60 a week. Or 122.40, I forgot. But it's definitely 122. In fact, LSE gave an estimate of 120 - which turns out to be lower than the real figure.

Reply 28

Beekeeper

13

CNN Center

That was the price for 2004/2005. I called International Hall directly and a nice lady told me it was 122.60 a week. Or 122.40, I forgot. But it's definitely 122. In fact, LSE gave an estimate of 120 - which turns out to be lower than the real figure.

UCL told me they "doubted very much" it would be any more than £115.

I'll tell my mum the good news... She's already pulling her hair out. :p:

Reply 29

CNN Center

OP

I guess we should always estimate for more, especially when we're talking about London.

Reply 30

Muse

13

CNN Center

I called International Hall directly and a nice lady told me it was 122.60 a week.

I hope that's for a single en suite!

Reply 31

Beekeeper

13

CNN Center

I guess we should always estimate for more, especially when we're talking about London.

Yup, but its an increase of £280 p/annum. Thats quite significant. That could easily cover my coffee budget for well over a week...

Reply 32

Beekeeper

13

timeofyourlife

I hope that's for a single en suite!

Single study. No en suite! I think en suite starts at around £135+??

Reply 33

Muse

13

beekeeper_

Single study. No en suite! I think en suite starts at around £135+??

I think at Beit hall it's £127, but that hall only has a 38 week contract so it evens out.

Reply 34

CNN Center

OP

Yup, 122.something is for single study, NOT en-suite. Besides, I think undergraduates will only be offered single studies.

Reply 35

hongkongstudent

BTW, does anybody know if intercollegiate halls are non-smoking? (excluding the pub, which is obviously smoking-allowed)

Reply 36

CNN Center

OP

Good question. Does anyone know?

Reply 37

hongkongstudent

CNN Center

Good question. Does anyone know?

I emailed International Hall (and several others who have yet to reply) and according to their reply, International Hall is indeed non-smoking except for the bar area.

Also covered a bit about the internet...

======================================

Dear Sir,
I'm afraid I cannot suggest you any site with information about internet
connection in the halls, however I can give you some basic information such as:
- internet connection is available in every room and in internet cafe;
- the cost of internet is included in the rent, so you don't need to pay for
that separately;
- peer - to peer connection as well as downloading files (music, movies...) is
forbidden.
Also, our Hall has non - smoking policy and students are allowed to smoke only
in the bar.
I hope that you will find this information useful.

Please contact us if you have any further questions,
kind regards,
Reception

=======================================

Reply 38

CNN Center

OP

And the speed of connection?