International Hall, London facts for kids
International Hall is a large student home in London. It is owned by the University of London. You can find it in the Bloomsbury area. The hall is on Brunswick Square and Lansdowne Terrace. It offers a place to live for students from many different colleges. These include University College and King's College. It is the biggest student hall at the University of London.
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History of International Hall
International Hall has grown a lot over the years. The first part of the hall opened in 1963. This section is now called the North Wing. The Indian High Commissioner helped open it.
The second part of the hall opened in 1968. This is now known as the West Wing. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, opened this section. She was the Chancellor of the University of London at that time.
Changes and Updates
Over time, more buildings were added. Old houses on Lansdowne Terrace became flats for older students. Houses on Guilford Street were also changed. They became new rooms for students. A building called X block was built to connect parts of the hall.
A big update happened in 2002 and 2003. The X block was taken down. A new Central Wing was built. This new part has studio flats for postgraduate students. The main entrance also moved to Lansdowne Terrace. All the rooms and facilities were updated. The old Georgian houses were also made into family flats. The Princess Royal reopened the hall in December 2003. She was the Chancellor of the University of London then.
Who Lives at International Hall?
International Hall has welcomed students for over 40 years. Students come from all over the world. However, most students are from Britain. It is one of eight University of London student homes.
The hall can house up to 850 students. Some students also live there with their partners and children. There is a good mix of male and female students. People from many different cultures and backgrounds live here.
Rooms and Facilities
International Hall has different types of rooms. Most students have a single study-bedroom. These rooms have a washbasin. Toilets and showers are shared with other students. Older students can get studio flats. These have their own private bathrooms. Large family flats are in the Georgian Terrace houses. Rooms are also available for students with disabilities. Every room has a phone and internet connection.
What Can You Do There?
The hall has many useful facilities. There are two study rooms for quiet work. You can use computers in the computer room. There is also an activity room and a TV room. The hall has a cinema room too. You can eat at the self-service restaurant. There is a laundrette to wash clothes. You can store your bike safely.
For fun, there is a squash court and two music rooms. There are two courtyard gardens. Common areas have pool tables, ping pong, and video games. You can buy drinks and snacks from vending machines. Each floor in the North and West Wings has small kitchens. These have a fridge and microwave. Studio flats and family flats have their own cooking areas. The reception desk is open 24 hours a day. You can also get photocopying and fax services there.
Meals at the Hall
Many students at International Hall get their meals included. This is mainly for those in single study-bedrooms. Students in studio or family flats can also eat in the dining hall. They just need to buy their meals. Breakfast is served every morning. Dinner is served every evening.
Hall Staff Teams
The staff at International Hall are split into two main groups. They work together to help students.
Hall Manager's Team
This team includes the Hall Manager and Assistant Hall Manager. They work full-time during office hours. They are in charge of the hall's buildings and money. They make sure catering, cleaning, and internet services work well. They also handle events and bookings for the hall.
Wardenial Team
This team includes the Warden and seven Senior Members. They live in the hall. They are part-time staff members. They are usually studying or working at the University of London. This team helps students with their well-being. They offer support and guidance. They can help with school problems, health issues, or social worries. They also help with any emergencies outside office hours. They are trained in first aid and fire safety. You can reach them through reception at any time.
Residents' Club Committee
The Residents' Club Committee is a group of 10 students. They are elected by other students in January each year. Students can put their own names forward to be on the committee.
This committee plans many fun events throughout the year. They use money from student fees to do this. They also provide newspapers and magazines for everyone. The committee members can also share ideas and concerns from students with the staff.
Yearly Events
The committee often organizes certain events every year:
- A welcome party for new students.
- A Halloween party or Guy Fawkes' party in the autumn.
- Decorating the Christmas tree with treats.
- A Christmas party with a special dinner and music.
- A Valentine's party.
- A "boat party" on the River Thames. This is a big event for the hall.
- A summer "farewell" party at the end of the year.
The committee also plans new activities each year. Recent examples include football games, salsa dance classes, and yoga. They have also organized pool and table tennis tournaments.
