Nobody in this series knows Beaumont House better than Fatimah, who has lived here for almost four years while studying biomedical engineering at UCL. That makes her the closest thing we have to a long term reviewer, so we asked her what still holds up, what surprised her about London, and what she tells students packing for the journey she once made.
“I love the kitchen, where I can meet and socialise with my friends as well as cooking, and I also like the free laundry room!”
At a glance
Home country: Malaysia
Studying: Biomedical Engineering
University: University College London (UCL)
Room: 6-bed room at Beaumont House
Time at Beaumont when we spoke: almost 4 years
The interview
What are you studying and where?
I’m studying Biomedical Engineering at University College London - and I’ve been at Beaumont House for almost 4 years now!
Does London live up to your expectations?
I had visited London once before with my family, but the biggest difference I’ve noticed now that I live here is that things can be expensive! It’s important to keep track of a budget.
Fatimah’s point about budgeting is well made. Our guide to living in central London as a student breaks down what the city really costs.
What’s your favourite thing to do in London when you have some spare time?
Dessert shop-hopping!
Did you find it difficult to settle into a new house in a new country?
To be honest, I found it much easier than I thought. In my classes, there are friends who I know from my college back home, and in Beaumont House there are lots of Malaysian roommates to make friends with. All my housemates are nice and open-minded, so I made friends easily.
What’s your favourite thing about living at Beaumont House?
I love the kitchen, where I can meet and socialise with my friends as well as cooking, and I also like the free laundry room!
What’s your number one tip for students moving to London?
Bring as many of your favourite foods as you can! You can buy clothes later if you need to, but bring your favourite foods from home with you.
From the team
Four years in one building is its own review, and Fatimah’s highlights are tellingly everyday: the kitchen where friends gather, the free laundry, housemates from home who made settling in easier than she feared. Her packing advice deserves to be famous: clothes can be bought later, but bring your favourite foods with you.
This conversation, like all our student interviews, is with a real Beaumont House resident, and her answers are published in her own words. We ask the questions, our students say what they think. And if you live at Beaumont House and want to share your story, let us know and we’ll put the kettle on.
