Journeywoman's - Best Places to Stay

London...

The United Kingdom is the mother lode of all residential accommodation. The best value ones are probably in London, if only because this is the city of exorbitant hotel rates.The Urban Learning Foundation's Bede House, situated at 56 East India Dock Road in colorful East London, offers quick access to the tony Docklands and Canary Wharf. While not strictly a university, Bede House is a quintessential student residence offering private lockable single rooms in shared suites and a garden courtyard. Prices range from $47 per night for two or more nights to $228 per week, less for longer stays. Tel: 011 44 20 7987 0033
Website: www.accomodata.co.uk/280295.htm

woman in robe, dancing

Another interesting area a smidgeon off the tourist track is Islington, once home to Tony Blair. The City University of London offers a variety of residences near this area with Finsbury Hall, at 15 Bastwick Street, $37 per night. Open from June 7 to Sept 12. Tel: 011 44 20 7040 8037
Website: www.city.ac.uk/ems/accomm/accomm.html

For central stays the London School of Economics has a number of residences available during Christmas, summer and the month-long Easter vacation. Prices run from $47 per single or $80 per twin. Tel: 011 44 20 7955 7575
Website: www.lse.ac.uk/collections/vacations

A Journeywoman reader adds:
When I studied in London a few years back, a number of travellers, young and old, would show up in my dorm at the end of the term. Ifor Evans Hall in Camden Town provides basic, clean rooms. Bathrooms are shared, but several rooms have a sink. Offbeat, trendy Camden Town is known for its great nightlife and the famous Camden Lock Market (which for young folks is definitely worth a visit). The dorm is about a half-hour walk from Central London and is a 10-minute walk from the Camden Town tube stop on the Northern Line. The 29 and 24 buses also stop a few steps from the entrance. Single rooms start from £21.50 per night self-catered or £26.50 per night bed and breakfast. Visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/residences/halls/catered/ifor-evans/ for more information, or send an e-mail to s.bustin@ucl.ac.uk.
Katy, West Hollywood, USA

Scotland...

But why limit yourself to London? Last year, 20,000 visitors stayed at Edinburgh First, part of the University of Edinburgh. With their main grounds nestled at the base of Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano within Holyrood Park, scenic walks and city sites are both within reach. Singles start at $49, doubles $63, including breakfast. Tel: 011 44 131 651 2189. Website: www.edinburghfirst.com/

If you're up in Scotland anyway, keep going. Northeast of Edinburgh is St. Andrew's, a historic town famous for two things: Prince William and golf. As well as educating Britain's most eligible bachelor, the university, founded in 1413, is the oldest in Scotland. Golf has an equally ancient history also dating back to the 1400's, and Mary Queen of Scots is believed to have played here in 1567. Whether you want to check out the famous Old Course or follow in the footsteps of Britain's future king, the university has nine residences open to travelers. Prices vary. Rooms at Hamilton Hall start at $49 for one night or $42 for stays of more than two nights per person. For other prices Tel: 011 44 133 446 2000
Website: www.escapetotranquillity.com/holidays.html

A Journeywoman reader adds:

The University of Glasgow also provide summer accomodation. The one I stayed in is called Queen Margaret Residence: Tel: 141 330 4116. There are three other dorms available on the same website. If you are a student, you get a discounted rate. The rooms are clean, in a safe, quiet location and I highly recommend it.
Stella, St Albans, England

Ireland...

But you don't need to stick to Scotland to find a pedigree campus. Trinity College in Dublin opens its doors from mid June to the end of September.

This venerable institution has educated a host of greats, like Samuel Beckett and Ireland's first female president, Mary Robinson. Its convenient location in the heart of the action can't be beat. While you're there do not miss seeing the Book of Kells, also housed at Trinity. Prices from $80 for a double or $94 single, including continental breakfast. Tel: 011 353 1 608 1177
Website:www.tcd.ie/Conferences/visitor2.htm

Northern Ireland...

For something a little more off the beaten track try the University of Ulster. It offers rooms around Northern Ireland at three different residential campuses: Jordanstown, a 46-hectare campus north of Belfast city centre in the borough of Newtownabbey; Coleraine, in the market town of Coleraine with area attractions the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Distillery; and Magee Campus, originally a neo-Gothic building on the outskirts of Derry. Room rates start at a bargain $32. Tel: 011 44 28 9036 6942 Website: www.ulster.ac.uk/accommodation/vacaccomm.html

Wales...

When you're done with Ireland, head to Wales. Cardiff University offers residential accommodation at a number of halls just a short distance from the city centre from June 16 to Sept 18. Self-catering in a single en-suite bedroom runs from $33 per night to $204 per week. Tel: 011 44 29 2087 6365
Website: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/schoolsanddivisions/divisions/resid/conf/p1761/inde x.html

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