LSE’s Uggla Family Scholars Programme provides scholarships worth over £22,000 per year for up to 10 new undergraduate students every year, as well as a range of tailored support and mentorship, including guaranteed LSE student accommodation. Uggla Family Scholar Cewkie shares her experience living in Bankside Halls!

Moving to London as an LSE student is exhilarating – equal parts intellectual awakening and survival challenge. And where you live? Well, that can make or break the experience faster than you can say ‘out of budget zone 1 rent’. As an Uggla Family Scholar, Bankside Halls has become more than just a place to sleep – it’s a hub of connection, support, and the occasional late-night study session, made infinitely better by the 24-hour reception desk that always has a bowl of fun snacks. The reception staff are not only incredibly friendly but also the unsung heroes of student life – signing in guests, handling deliveries, and assisting with whatever unfolds that day.

Bankside House doesn’t just house students; it curates experiences. From yoga sessions to movie nights, and festive celebrations for Christmas and Lunar New Year, the Halls are always buzzing with something fun. We take decorating seriously – if there’s an occasion, you can bet we’re celebrating it. And then there’s the location: nestled right next to the Tate Modern, a stone’s throw from the Thames and Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside is enviably placed in one of the most sought-after areas of London. Southbank offers a more refined, cultured London experience—fewer tourists, more art galleries, and an endless stream of things to do. Campus is a scenic 25-minute walk away (depending on walking speed—I personally prefer a leisurely stroll over a power march). Plus, with Borough Market and a string of independent cafes at our doorstep, finding the perfect study spot with an unbeatable view of London’s skyline is practically a daily ritual.

Bankside’s rooms strike a perfect balance between space and comfort. Mine is surprisingly one of smaller ones, yet still spacious enough to feel like home, with the added perk of a breath-taking view of The Shard. Other Uggla Family Scholars boast views of St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Tate Modern – so, really, there’s no losing here. I share a bathroom with one other Scholar who also happens to be my best friend, which makes morning routines significantly more enjoyable. Most of the Scholars live on the same floor, which means we’ve transformed our modern shared kitchen into a communal hub – whether for cooking, catching up, or collectively ignoring impending deadlines.

One of Bankside’s greatest strengths is the sheer number of facilities designed to enhance student life. The common room is the go-to space for everything from impromptu movie nights to passionate political debates. The food? Genuinely great. The dining hall caters to different cultural events, and the staff are immeasurably kind. The basement is a hidden gem – huge, filled with pool tables, foosball, air hockey, and even a projector that has played everything from major sporting events to the U.S. election results. Sofas, couches, and even an on-site bar make the basement the perfect place to unwind, socialize, or rally together before a night out.

Beyond that, we have dedicated workspaces, a well-equipped music room, and an extensive laundry facility that, at peak times, resembles a tactical operation. There’s even a 600-person group chat, where everything from lost keys to dinner plans gets discussed—sometimes chaotic, but always entertaining.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of living in Bankside House as an Uggla Family Scholar is the built-in support system. We’re a close-knit, diverse, and international community made up of likeminded, driven and unique individuals. Our shared experiences – whether academic, personal, or cultural – create an environment that is as inspiring as it is supportive. Conversations range from career goals to debating the best coffee spots in London, and there’s always someone to lean on, celebrate with, or simply procrastinate alongside.

Living at Bankside is like having a front-row seat to both academia and London’s vibrant energy. One moment, I’m studying alongside my closest friends; the next, I’m walking along the Thames, dodging joggers, and convincing myself that a pastry from Borough Market counts as a balanced meal. From spontaneous gallery visits to casual café study sessions with a view of St. Paul’s, every day feels like an extension of my education – only with better scenery and less fluorescent lighting.

Learn more about LSE’s Uggla Family Scholars Programme, which provides scholarships worth over £22,000 per year for up to 10 new undergraduate students every year, as well as a range of tailored support and mentorship.