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Your Hall

Bankside House FAQs

By Halls 05 Aug 2023

We're looking forward to welcoming you to halls very soon!

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 

How can I connect with other students before arriving at Bankside House?

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.

Can I bring my own cooking utensils to the communal kitchens?

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.

Can I send items to Bankside House before I arrive?

It is not recommended to send items to Bankside House before your check-in date, as there is limited storage space, and the accommodation team cannot take responsibility for the items. It is best to send items after you have checked in.

Can I arrive early at Bankside House before the official check-in date?

Students can book an early arrival stay via their LSE Student Accommodation account if they wish to arrive before the official check-in date. Availability may vary based on room type.

How do I get to know my roommates before I arrive?

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.

Is there long-term parking available on arrival day?

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 

Who are the members of the halls team at Bankside House?

The halls team includes:

  • Rena Brand: Interim 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.

What can I expect from the service provided at Bankside House?

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.

Where can I find more information about living at Bankside House?

The Halls Life website contains helpful information about what to pack, transportation, and mental health support.

What is the catering schedule at Bankside House?

Bankside House serves dinners from Sunday to Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and brunch on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

What meal options are available for dinners?

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.

Is the food sourced locally and sustainably?

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.

How can I contact the staff at Bankside House if I have questions or concerns?

You can contact the Bankside House team via email or phone. They are friendly and approachable, ready to assist and support you during your stay.

Does the catering at Bankside House offer gluten-free options?

Yes, there are gluten-free options available in the catering menus, and special meals can be arranged upon request.

Are guests allowed to stay at Bankside House?

Yes, guests are allowed for a couple of nights with the permission of flatmates or roommates. Stays longer than that need approval from the warden team. Please note you cannot have guests for the first two weeks of the Autumn Term.

Is there a halal food option available?

Yes, halal meat is available at least three times a week, and there are vegan dishes every day.

What size is the single bed at Bankside House?

The single bed size at Bankside House is approximately 90 by 190 centimetres.

Are refrigerators provided in the rooms at Bankside House?

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.

Is there a laundry room at Bankside House, and how does it work?

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.

Can I bring a PC monitor into my room at Bankside House?

Yes, students are allowed to bring PC monitors into their rooms.

Is there a curfew at Bankside House?

Yes, there is a curfew at 11:00 PM, and students are encouraged to respect quiet hours to consider the needs of others.

What should I do if something in my room needs maintenance or repair?

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.

Is there a bike storage facility at Bankside House, and is it safe?

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.

What is the policy on smoking and using kettles in rooms?

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.

Are there entertainment facilities within Bankside House?

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.

What are the contact details for Bankside House Reception?

Email: bankside.reception@lse.ac.uk

Phone: +44 207 107 5750

 Living in halls 

Can students have high-pressure cookers in the kitchen?

You can use a pressure cooker only in the kitchen.

Are diffusers allowed in the bedrooms?

Yes, diffusers are allowed in the bedrooms at Bankside House.

How often are the communal places or spaces cleaned, such as kitchens?

Communal kitchens are cleaned daily, but students are responsible for cleaning their own ensuite bathrooms.

What kind of events have been organised in the past, and what can students expect for the coming year?

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.

Is there heating in the rooms during colder months?

Yes, all rooms at Bankside House are heated, and students have control over the heating in their individual rooms.

Are musical instruments like guitars and amps allowed in 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.

What is the process for changing rooms after allocation?

Requests for room changes can be made by sending an email to accommodation@lse.ac.uk. While efforts will be made to accommodate room changes, it depends on availability.

Can I bring my own gym equipment, like dumbbells, into my room?

Yes, students are allowed to bring gym equipment like dumbbells into their rooms, as long as they don't cause obstructions or disturbances.

Is there a medical centre on campus?

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.

How many students share a bathroom at Bankside House?

In rooms with shared bathrooms at Bankside House, you will only share the bathroom with one other student.

 Living in London 

Are there gyms nearby Bankside House?

There are several gyms within close proximity to Bankside House, offering various options for fitness enthusiasts.

Is there a swimming pool close to Bankside House?

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.

How can I get from Bankside House to campus quickly and easily?

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.

How safe is the area around Bankside House at night?

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. 

Are there any recommendations for buying London Uni Freshers tickets advertised externally?

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.

Topics

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