Things you might not know about living in halls

Or: the stuff you're paying for and probably aren't using.

Most people spend an entire year in their hall using about a third of what's actually there, and only discover the rest in the final week. You move into halls, you find your kitchen, you work out the shower, and then you mostly stop exploring. Your accomodatiton fee covers a lot more than a bed.

Maintenance Request Forms

The single most underused thing in halls is the maintenance request. People will live with a wobbling desk, a dripping tap, a flickering bulb, or a radiator stuch, on the apparent assumption that this is just how it is now. However, it's not, every hall has a way to log repairs and someone who can come and sort it out. (Get it fixed.)

The Warden Team

The Warden is the senior member of staff who oversees your hall, and they're usually an LSE academic who lines on-site. There's a team of subwardens too, often postgraduates students living in the building. It's easy to assume they only exist to deal with noise complaints and disciplinary stuff, but that's a small part of what they do. 

They're there for you: if you're struggling, homesick, having flat trouble, dealing with something at home, or just need someone sensible to talk to, they're a first port of call and they've seen it all before. They can also point you to the right LSE service faster than you'll find it yourself, and a Warden who knows you can be a useful person to ask for a reference further down the line. Most hold drop-in hours or are easy to reach through reception. Worth knowing the name of yours before you actually need them. (Meet your hall's ResLife and Warden team.)

ResLife Events

ResLife is the programme of events and support built into hall life, and it's a lot more than just the welcome-week mixer. Across the year there are socials, trips, themed dinners, wellbeing sessions, and the occasional bit of free pizza or pancakes that materialises in the common room or dining hall. It exists specifically so that living in halls feels like more than a row of locked doors. 

The events are usually free or nearly free, and they're the easiest way to meet people outside your own flat. Keep an eye on your hall's noticeboard, WhatsApp group, and ResLife emails. (What's on in halls.)

Rooms & Amenities

Depending on your hall, there can be common rooms, a TV or games room, study spaces, a courtyard or garden, and more. Some that people really miss out on are music practice rooms, balcony rooms, and extra rooms for activities. During your first week, speak to reception or your ResLife team for Your Hall Handbook, and be sure to explore your hall!

Some Extras

• Food donation points. The same ones you'll use at move-out, are often there all year. Handy if you've over-shopped before a trip home.
• Bike storage. If you cycle, many halls have secure storage, which is far better than locking up on the street. Ask reception if they offer it.
• Laundry. Usually on-site and app-based, so you can check whether a machine's free before you lug your washing down. Off-peak hours mean less queueing.
• Parcel & letter collection. Most halls take in your deliveries at reception. If it's a parcel or letter with sensitive information, it is typically locked behind reception and you will be notifed by email. If it is just a letter, it is typically left in the pigeon holes in the lobby. You won't be notified for these, so be sure to check your mail often.