Iris Brook & Orchard Lisle Reviews

Though it might look super convenient for students working out of Guy's, do not put yourself through the experience of living here. The halls are located down two alleys which are frequented by drug users. Crime is frequent, even inside the buildings. The buildings themselves are dirty and outdated, with stained carpets and mattresses that I'm convinced came from a bin somewhere. Though the appeal of 'postgrad only' may seem appealing, the staff will let to undergrads if they ask. The worst part was that the management did not care about ANY of this. When crime became such a problem that residents were being robbed on the doorstep, it took a student grassroots campaign to even get management's attention (after a lot of complaining and visits to officials, they relented and got us a security guard). Just a warning that this building is technically NOT managed or owned by King's, so don't expect a high standard of care and responsibility here.

Though it might look super convenient for students working out of Guy's, do not put yourself through the experience of living here. The halls are located down two alleys which are frequented by drug users. Crime is frequent, even inside the buildings. The buildings themselves are dirty and outdated, with stained carpets and mattresses that I'm convinced came from a bin somewhere. Though the appeal of 'postgrad only' may seem appealing, the staff will let to undergrads if they ask. The worst part was that the management did not care about ANY of this. When crime became such a problem that residents were being robbed on the doorstep, it took a student grassroots campaign to even get management's attention (after a lot of complaining and visits to officials, they relented and got us a security guard). Just a warning that this building is technically NOT managed or owned by King's, so don't expect a high standard of care and responsibility here.

Initially, this place may seem ideal if you are a postgraduate student. However, there are so many issues with it and I recommend that of the price, individuals instead decide to rent in the private sector - which would be much better value for money. I shall go through my ratings accordingly: Value for money: You have to pay an extortionate amount for laundry, share with strangers and live in an unpleasant area. Location: Substantial amount of noise every week night, which only gets worse on Friday nights and during the weekend. There is also a large homeless community and drugs are dealt near the premises. Hall management: complaints are not dealt with sufficiently (see above), with the lifts constantly broken. Cleaning: The whole building is dirty, with substantial refurbishment needed. Social spaces: Pretty much non existent - grubby common spaces on each floor. Social experience: none at all. Wifi: One of the good things about the building.

Beware of these halls! Firstly, the courtyard is lovely to look at but completely unsafe for residents. Drug dealers, drug users and homeless people use this area on a daily basis (the management team do nothing about it). Secondly, You will be constantly smelling weed and non-residents disrupting you while you are trying to relax or work in the courtyard. Thirdly, a number of students have been robbed either in the courtyard or near to the complex (once at knifepoint), with the resident team offering minimal help. I would advise any person thinking of coming here to find somewhere else as this place needs to be shut down! This accommodation also says it offers "postgraduate only halls" but undergraduate students are also living here and from personal and others experience, causing frequent problems with noise, drinking and general behaviour which a postgraduate is looking to be away from.

not a good experience there.... very noisy, dirty and mean management

Pros: Located right by a major tube and rail station, and across the street from a wonderful market. A 20 minute walk to Waterloo campus, a 35 minute walk to Strand campus and Maughan Library. The med library at Guy's campus is located just behind the residence halls. Iris Brook is older than Orchard Lisle, but they look similar. Overall, living in halls is nice to meet friends; most are international students. Cons: The reception desk is only a M-F 9-6 gig with a lunch break in between. Meaning, if you get an Amazon Prime package for next day delivery, you'll likely not get a notification with a reference #, until the day after it actually arrived. You're screwed on the weekends, as no one is there. Laundry has never been more expensive. It's 5 pounds for 1 load, wash and dry. There are only 4 machines for the entire 2 buildings of Iris and Orchard. If you live in Iris, you'll have to walk your laundry out in the courtyard. Pubs and seagulls are extremely loud, at all times.

Pros: Located right by a major tube and rail station, and across the street from a wonderful market. A 20 minute walk to Waterloo campus, a 35 minute walk to Strand campus and Maughan Library. The med library at Guy's campus is located just behind the residence halls. Iris Brook is older than Orchard Lisle, but they look similar. Overall, living in halls is nice to meet friends; most are international students. Cons: The reception desk is only a M-F 9-6 gig with a lunch break in between. Meaning, if you get an Amazon Prime package for next day delivery, you'll likely not get a notification with a reference #, until the day after it actually arrived. You're screwed on the weekends, as no one is there. Laundry has never been more expensive. It's 5 pounds for 1 load, wash and dry. There are only 4 machines for the entire 2 buildings of Iris and Orchard. If you live in Iris, you'll have to walk your laundry out in the courtyard. Pubs and seagulls are extremely loud, at all times.

It is a great location in terms of having an enjoyable life in London. You have the Borough Market in the opposite, the Shard next to you, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, National Theatre, Southbank Centre all within 10 to 40 minutes walk. But in terms of travelling to school, it depends on your campus. It is right next to Guy's campus and the New Hunts library. Though I have class at Strand, I still love this location. In terms of management, you better learn to take care of yourself. There were mice here and small common area. Maintenance improved and quick after they have the new guy doing it, but the managers are so so. The rooms are fine if everything works. It's clean overall if you live with helpful flatmates. No cleaning service for your room. Overall, great location, a bit expensive and get used to see mice occasionally.