If you’ve accepted your offer to study at LSE and are considering your options for accommodation, LSE’s student halls are a great choice to explore. There are many options to choose from based on your preferences, contract lengths, and location. In this post, I share my experience at Lilian Knowles House and why it’s a fun place to live.

Firstly, it’s worth stating that Lilian Knowles House (LKH) accepts applications from LSE graduate students only. It’s a self-catered hall that is owned and managed by Sanctuary Students. It has a flat-style layout, meaning you’ll have a private en-suite room to yourself and will share the kitchen with six to seven flatmates. The kitchens are well-equipped with hobs, ovens and refrigerators, and you can always invest in a kettle or toaster if you need one. The shared areas of the flat are cleaned regularly, while you’re responsible for your room’s cleaning. If you prefer a self-contained room to yourself, there are a few studio rooms available as well. The rent includes all bills – WiFi and utilities. If you’re unsure what to bring with you, especially for a self-catered flat, this guide to packing for LSE student halls is a great starting point.

In terms of facilities, LKH has a laundry room equipped with washing machines and dryers as well as a computer room stocked with several desktops and a printer/photocopier that is connected to the LSE network. LKH also has a common room for parties and gatherings that includes a television set, table tennis equipment, and a tea/coffee vending machine. It’s where all of the students come together to socialise and celebrate. There are a few grocery stores located within three to five minutes walking distance of LKH, including Sainsbury’s Local, Tesco Express, and Marks and Spencer Food to Go. If you’re looking for ways to shop and cook more affordably, this blog on top survival tips for the London student is worth a read.

LKH’s main plus point is its prime location. It’s in central London, just a three-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station in Zone 1. Commuting to campus from LKH is super convenient and quick, taking about 20 minutes by tube, bus and even bike. If you prefer walking, you can get to campus in about 45 minutes.

LKH is located within walking distance of the Spitalfields Market, which is one of London’s oldest public markets. The market has a ton of options for food, drinks and shopping. Find out more about Spitalfields in Saoirse’s blog. Located 10 minutes away is Brick Lane, which is known for Indian restaurants, vintage shops and lots of street art. Finsbury Circus is a lovely park, again just a 10-minute walk from LKH. It offers a beautiful setting for a picnic, if the weather permits. The Leadenhall Market, located 15 minutes away, is yet another historic and stunning-looking market with intricate architecture. Shoreditch, a bustling area of the city, is also rather close by and offers several trendy café and bar options to choose from.

As far as my experience is concerned, I share my flat with six flatmates, and I’ve met some lovely people while living at LKH. All of my flatmates are pursuing different programmes at LSE, and it’s been a great experience learning what their programmes are like and the kind of work they’re doing. One interesting thing about living in student halls is that a majority of residents are international students, and living in such a diverse community really offers you the fantastic opportunity to learn about different cultures, their cuisines, and their lifestyles. I’ve had several fun conversations with my flatmates about a range of topics, from grocery shop options to drinking cultures in different countries and from job market conditions to social security policies across our home nations. If you’re looking for ways to build connections, this guide to making friends at LSE shares useful tips for meeting new people and settling in.

So, if this kind of experience is something that interests you, coupled with a prime location in the city and all of the benefits that come with it, I would recommend making your accommodation booking with LKH. Also, be sure to explore the several other options on the LSE Accommodation website before making your choice.

Once you’re ready, you can apply for a place in student halls after accepting your offer of admission. Details on booking your place are available in this guide.