Goodenough College – University Residence

William Goodenough House sits in the gardens of Mecklenburgh Square in Bloomsbury, within walking distance of University College London (UCL), King's College London (KCL), and the London School of Economics (LSE). It's a calm setting for studying, with Georgian architecture and modern amenities in a Grade II* listed complex. The residence offers single rooms, en-suite rooms and flats for couples or families. There are also short stays for visitors, academics and alumni. William Goodenough House is part of Goodenough College, which was founded in 1930 as an educational charity offering accommodation to postgraduate students and their families. The House opened in 1957 and takes its name from William Goodenough, an important figure in the institution's history. Around 700 international postgraduates from more than 80 nations live at the College. Its activities support students' personal, social and intellectual development and help create a lively community. The College also aims to encourage international understanding and support talented people with limited means. Profits from accommodation and events go towards its charitable work, including scholarships and student support, especially for people from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.

What makes Goodenough College special is the international community of postgrads and researchers, with lectures, formal dinners, plenty of events and dozens of member-run societies. It adds a lot to the experience of studying in London, and it's a great place to live. The facilities are excellent too: a private garden, café, well-stocked libraries, meeting rooms, a bar and a striking dining hall. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. For international students, it's the best postgraduate residence in London, without exaggeration.

The Great Hall is gorgeous, and they often serve tasty food there. Add in the beautiful grounds, great facilities, a strong social programme and interesting Members from all over the world, and this is the best student accommodation in London. The location is phenomenal too. If you get the chance, apply and live here!

I'm posting anonymously because I don't want to be identified. The community can feel elitist, and certain groups seem to get preference when opportunities come up, like Dean's trips. I also don't think member-partners get much care. Some reception staff are kind, but others have been very rude over email, assuming I can't read English because my name suggests another nationality. English is my first language, and I find that incredibly offensive. At times it feels like certain people are included just to show that the college has made an effort with minorities. For somewhere that prides itself on cultural diversity, it seems unaware that people outside China celebrate chinese new year, and people outside India celebrate Diwali. Facilities staff generally respond quickly and well, but the laundry has ongoing problems. The dryers haven't worked for long stretches since we moved in. The showers are often barely warm, then sometimes suddenly send out extremely hot water, which is unpleasant. The wifi has failed so many times I've lost count, so be ready to use your own mobile hotspot. Rooms of the same type can vary a lot in size. We know people paying the same for that room type who have much less space and half the wardrobe capacity. The beds squeak, though they did replace all the beds. That was tough for people who'd already bought mattress toppers, since nobody told us about the change until a month beforehand. The libraries are great, but some people are inconsiderate and noisy even after the librarian reminds them of the rules. That's not the college's fault. And don't expect much variety if you eat at Freddies, it's some form of chicken leg every day. You'll probably love living here if you're into high society hangouts and feel comfortable around upper-class types. You can keep your head down and avoid the politics among members, but that's not really the point of living here, lol. If elitists and high-society arts and cultural events you aren't interested in make you uncomfortable, you'll hate it. Still, you can get by if you have good neighbours and build a small community of your own.