Astrid Saint talks about her time at International Students House (Great Portland Street), moving from Malta to London during the 2017/2018 academic year.
I’m a pharmacist from Malta, and after 2 years of working in a hospital, I decided to further my studies. I enrolled in the MSc Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy programme at UCL for the 2017/2018 academic year.
Unfortunately, finding affordable, centrally located accommodation in London proved very difficult. As I didn’t know anyone in the city, I was eager to find a place close to both the university and central amenities. By September, I still hadn’t secured accommodation, and to my disappointment, the university informed me they didn’t offer housing to non-international students (at the time, EU students weren’t considered international).
With less than a month before my move to London, I was reviewing a faculty handbook when I first learned about ISH. I immediately contacted them, and very fortunately, they had a single room available. A week later, I travelled to London, and ISH generously offered to show me the room before I committed to anything. I immediately fell in love with the accommodation and its surroundings. It was also just a few minutes away from my university!
Thanks to ISH, I forged invaluable friendships that would have otherwise been impossible.
The complimentary breakfast, for instance, was a fantastic icebreaker, enabling us to connect and build new relationships. Beyond that, ISH’s diverse calendar of events provided countless opportunities to meet people from all corners of the globe.
We truly supported each other, especially during challenging and stressful periods like exams and dissertations. I distinctly recall one occasion when I was struggling to move my belongings from the main ISH building to the Mary Trevelyan accommodation for the summer. Exhausted and realising I wouldn’t finish in time, I desperately knocked on a fellow resident’s door on my floor. Without a moment’s hesitation, she immediately came to my aid. I’m forever grateful for her help!
My studies in London were incredibly stressful, but living at ISH undeniably made the situation better. We never had to worry about a single thing – cleaning, maintenance, mail – everything was expertly handled by the wonderful ISH staff. Plus, we enjoyed free breakfast, and food was always readily available from the canteen or The Thirsty Scholar.
One of the definite highlights of my time at ISH was the incredible array of events they organised for residents. These events were either free or heavily discounted, offering a fantastic way to meet other residents and experience things that are typically unaffordable on a student budget. Attending Royal Ascot, for instance, was unbelievable – I even got to see the Queen! Other memorable events included musicals, themed dinners, a visit to the Harry Potter Studios, walking tours, wellness events, and even the unique opportunity to meet HRH Princess Anne at ISH.
I stay connected with my ISH friends through social media, and I genuinely hope one day we’ll reunite!
While I already knew London well from previous visits, ISH allowed me to discover hidden gems and explore places both within and beyond the city.
As someone from a small country, arriving in a bustling city like London alone presented significant challenges during my studies. This experience undeniably built my resilience, teaching me how to navigate stress and take on more responsibility. Crucially, ISH provided an invaluable support system, making this difficult time much easier by actively promoting integration, fostering connections, and encouraging cultural exchange.
My time at ISH profoundly impacted me, and I still carry several key memories to this day.
The experience truly solidified the values of responsibility, integration, and empathy. Being on my own in a new city, far from my comfort zone, meant taking full ownership of my life and studies. ISH’s diverse community also taught me the importance of actively integrating with different cultures and showing empathy towards others’ unique journeys and challenges.
The biggest lesson I learned is to make the absolute most of every moment, because time passes incredibly quickly. My year in London flew by, and I quickly realised how precious every opportunity to learn, explore, and connect was. It instilled in me a desire to seize opportunities and be present.
Most importantly, I carry the friendships I forged at ISH with me. These are the people who truly embody the meaning of being there for you in difficult times. We supported each other through stressful exams and dissertations, celebrated successes, and navigated the challenges of living abroad. That bond, built on shared experiences and mutual support, is something I cherish deeply and continue to nurture today.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying at ISH?
I would absolutely tell them not to hesitate and definitely go for it! ISH isn’t just one of the best student residences in London because it’s affordable, incredibly central, and offers a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. It’s so much more than just accommodation; it’s a vibrant community and a true home. At ISH, you’ll not only make invaluable new connections from all over the world but also have the opportunity to experience London to the fullest, often through unique events you wouldn’t otherwise access. You’ll make the best memories of your life there!