LSE Carr-Saunders

Just don't be too concerned with the cleaning of the bathrooms (they are really disgusting...have a weird smell..but you can survive!), cause all the rest makes it really worth it. The location is fantastic, close to everything, the rooms are fine, and it is safe. Ah, the breakfast is also one of the best things. Not having free internet is annoying but there is a 24hrs internet cafe very close, and if you are in London you have better things to do then spend your time at internet, please!

The kitchen is very good, but remember to bring your cuttery! Another thing: don't expect fun here...They receive a lot of old people, couples and even kids! That is the most annoying thing I would say...but you can't have it all...Besides, there are nice bars to hang out nearby. I definetely recommend it.

I've stayed at another LSE hall-of-residence in London before - Ramsay Hall, which is literally round the corner from Carr-Saunders Hall.

Carr-Saunders is located at the corner of Fitzroy Street and Maple Street. It is almost under the Post Office - or BT - Tower, so it's impossible to lose your way! The handiest tube is Warren Street, about five minutes' walk away. If you are walking to this tube station, you pass a Tesco Express supermarket which is very handy for groceries, food and drink, booze, pastries etc. There is also a Sainsbury's supermarket across the road.

When you arrive at Carr-Saunders Hall, you walk up about 7-8 steep steps, making it difficult for handicapped people. They give you a plastic card to open all doors. This worked well, except I found it awkward to open the inner front door (needing to swipe it several times). There is a common room to the right as you enter; this is handy, with drinks machines, comfy sofas, tables and a small library too. Although there is a computer room, it is solely for the students' use. The door has a code for access; as do the computers. I tried to use it to no avail. I suppose, if you got to know a student of staff and asked nicely, they might give you a password!

My room was 118. There is a lift which is handy for the restaurant/canteen on the 6th floor at the top. My room was quite adequate, though a bit dated. It had a small bed with duvet, wash hand basin, wardrobe with coat-hangers, towels... no telly! There was no light at my bed, so I had to get out of bed to turn off the light. The radiator was piping hot, as was the water. The communal toilets were beside my room, which was convenient.

The breakfast was more than adequate and value for money: Sausage, bacon, egg, beans, tomato, fried bread, cereal, yoghurt, any amount of toast, butter, marmalade, jam... it is exhaustive. This big breakfast kept me going the whole day, really.

I had no complaints about it at all. I'd stay there again. Bear in mind that you shan't find much cheaper, or better value, in central London for £32 a night.