By
Halls
Posted 1 year ago
Sat 05 Aug, 2023 12:08 PM
Before you arrive at your new home, we've put together all the FAQs we've been asked by students, from things you need to know before you move in, to what it's like living in London as a student.
Check them out below ⬇️
Before you arrive
There is a WhatsApp group for Bankside House residents to connect and get to know each other before their arrival. Students are encouraged to be respectful and supportive in the group.
Yes, you will need to bring your own pots and pans to use in the communal kitchens, which are equipped with microwaves, kettles, and toasters.
You cannot send items to Bankside House before your check-in date, as there is limited storage space in the hall, and the reception team cannot take responsibility for the items. Please ensure your items will arrive after you have checked into the hall.
Students can book an early arrival stay via by contacting the hall directly via email at banksidereception@lse.ac.uk to book early arrival contact the hall directly via email to book early arrival, subject to availability. Please note you might not be placed in your term time room if it's not available.
Due to UK GDPR laws, roommates' information is not shared in advance. However, joining the WhatsApp group for your hall is a great way to interact with fellow students and potentially get to know your future roommates.
Long-term parking is not available on arrival day, but there is a quick drop-off option. After unloading items, cars will need to be moved and parked elsewhere due to limited spaces.
Bankside House specific
The halls team includes:
- Rena Brand: Senior Operations Manager
- Daniel Login: Warden
- Anna Martinez: Catering Manager
- Fabio: Residential Life Officer
There is also a team of subwardens that are supported by the Warden in your hall looking after the pastoral wellbeing of the hall.
Bankside House offers 24/7 on-site support, pastoral support teams, and a whole Hall Committee team of volunteers who organize events and activities. There is also an online induction, mental health support, and access to the Hall's Live website for useful information.
The Halls Life website contains helpful information about what to pack, transportation, and mental health support.
Bankside House serves dinners from Sunday to Friday, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and brunch on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Dinners at Bankside House offer four options: vegan, vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes, along with a variety of salads, rice, pasta, vegetables, and desserts. You will be able to see the weekly menu posted on Halls Life every Monday throughout the term.
Bankside House endeavours to source locally for its vegetables and fruits. Meat is retractor, meaning it is UK-based and traced back to specific farms. Efforts are made to reduce food waste through the "We Know" system.
You can contact the Bankside House team via email at banksidereception@lse.ac.uk or phone at 020 7107 5750. They are friendly and approachable, ready to assist and support you during your stay.
Yes, there are gluten-free options available in the catering menus, and special meals can be arranged upon request.
There are no guests permitted for the first two weeks of Autumn Term. After that, students are permitted to have two guests at a time for up to three days. If they want their guests to stay longer than three days, they need permission from the subwarden team.
Yes, halal meat is available at least three times a week, and there are vegan dishes every day.
The single bed size at Bankside House is approximately 90 by 190 centimetres.
No, refrigerators are not provided in the rooms. Students can bring their own small-sized refrigerators, and there is a charge of £20 per term for this service.
Yes, there is a laundry room in the basement of Bankside House. Laundry services are provided by Wash Station, and payment and machine operation can be done via a mobile app.
Yes, students are allowed to bring PC monitors into their rooms.
There is no curfew, but students are encouraged to respect quiet hours to consider the needs of others.
If there are any issues with your room, you can fill out an online maintenance form that will be sent to the accommodation team. They will work to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can also report it directly to the reception desk.
There are bike racks outside in the car park where students can store their bikes. It is recommended to use a secure lock to prevent theft.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed in any LSE halls or buildings. Students using kettles should be cautious as they can set off fire alarms if placed too close to detectors. Fire safety should always be a priority.
Bankside House has a common room where various events and activities are organized. It offers exciting events for students to socialize and get to know each other. There's also a Games room and a TV lounge area.
Living in halls
No, you cannot have or use a high-pressure cooker in the hall.
Yes, reed diffusers are allowed in the bedrooms at Bankside House. Plug in wall diffusers are not permitted.
Communal kitchens are cleaned daily. Bathrooms are cleaned once a term. Students are responsible for cleaning otherwise, but can pay for additional cleanings at reception.
Previous events included West End shows, day trips to cities like Brighton, Oxford, and Cambridge, creative activities like pottery painting and comedy shows, and walking tours around London. Similar events are planned for the upcoming year, and students will receive emails with details to book their spots.
Yes, all rooms at Bankside House are heated, and students have control over the heating in their individual rooms.
Yes, students can bring guitars and amps to their rooms as long as they use headphones. Additionally, there are music rooms available with pianos for students to use.
Requests for room allocation are now closed. If student has medical requirement, email accommodation team. Room moves are not permitted for the first two weeks of term at which point students can elect to enter the room swap process if they would like a new room.
Yes, students are allowed to bring gym equipment like dumbbells into their rooms, as long as they don't cause obstructions or disturbances. If you order weights to the hall, please email reception team in advance to prevent possible injuries to staff who will have to handle the heavy parcel.
Yes, LSE has its own medical center where students can register and access medical support. During the welcome period, there may also be additional medical support available.
In rooms with shared bathrooms at Bankside House, you will only share the bathroom with one other student.
Living in London
There are several gyms within close proximity to Bankside House, offering various options for fitness enthusiasts.
There are limited swimming pools close to Bankside House. One option is to check out the Better UK charity, which offers affordable membership with access to several facilities, including swimming pools.
Walking is a convenient option, as it takes around 20 minutes to reach the campus. Additionally, students can use the Santander bike system, available before 8:30 AM, for a quick ride to campus.
The area around Bankside House is reasonably safe, especially during the daytime. It is recommended to walk with someone at night and be cautious with your belongings. Central London is generally safe, but it's always best to take precautions.
London Uni Freshers tickets are not directly affiliated with LSE. It's a private company, and whether you purchase the tickets is entirely up to you.
