Commonwealth Hall is one of eight University of London intercollegiate halls of residence. It stands at the end of a triplet of these halls, to the right of Canterbury Hall and Hughes Parry Hall where there is great rivalry. All three halls make use of the tennis courts opposite in Cartwright Gardens. Commonwealth Hall is a fully catered hall without a bar, without a gym, two TV rooms and small library on site. The hall is filled with students from across the University of London. Students are mainly undergraduate first years, although some are postgraduate and doctoral students.

Previously Commmonwealth Hall had a pub in its basement, open nightly to students and registered visitors. However, recently the pub is operated only on weekends and closed entirely during the summer.

Recent fears about vistors to the hall not paying an overnight allowance of £1.50; in total leading to financial losses of approximatley £40, has led the staff at commonwealth to erect barriers in the main reception area (costing hundreds of pounds), forcing individuals entering he hall to walk very close to the reception desk before entry. This has been dubbed "passport control" by some residents.

These staff are, however, misguided. Although set in seemingly dangerous and notorious city, the Hall is based in the affluent russel square area, and only 250 metres (800 yards) from Kings Cross, an up and coming area due to the development of the eurostar terminal. Thorough entry procedures are accordingly enforced as further efforts to oppress the freedom of its residents.

There have been recent sightings within the hall of a feline species named as 'Big Cat'. Sightings have been frequent in the ground floor toilets and other evidence includes fur in the showers and clogged up toilets. It is unknown to which species Big Cat belongs but it can be assumed that because of his incontinence he is derived from the domestic cat. By order of the deputy bursar a tally was established but this was later abandoned due to both the frequency of sightings and the incompetence of the hall staff.

Value for Money

Included in your fees you will have a wide range of insects such as cockroaches and silverfish totally free of charge. These can be found mostly in your bedroom and nearest bathrooms.

The cleaners also provide a wonderful "drop hair" policy.

Furthermore, if Commonwealth Hall makes you too tired of life, you can simply commit suicide and never pay any more fees.


Not entirely true, since 2003 great improvements were seen at the halls of residence, the rooms were refurbished and the JCR commitees introduced many social events (chrismas, halloween and end of term parties as well as the annual ball). The basement bar was also refurbished thanks to John Simpson and Yousef Zoubi of the JCR committee of 2003 to 2004, with wide screen plasma tv and subsription to SKY, and fortnightly pub quizes. There is also a video club were you can borrow the latest DVD free of charge as well as weekly film night with a state of the art projector screen. The music room has new instruments and the small gym was also refurbished. And for the football fans, weekly football matches are organised at the astro pitches near russell square also free of charge.

Entertainment

The two main staircases of the Hall are perfect for "The Drop" - an activity enjoyed by many who endeavour to let go of numerous liquids, fruits, puddings and other baked goods down the 10 floors of the Commonwealth Building creating a merry mess down below.
This is celebrated with the "Meringue drop" - only members of the JCR may do this, and it is rumoured that the former secretary of the useless JCR performed this stunt earlier in the year.

In addition to "The Drop" students may find infinate entertainment in tormenting the dogs, guinea fowl and llamas kept in the basement (behind the kitchen) and the "apple swing" whereby unwary passers-by and contractual workers are happy-slapped with rotten apples.

Catering

The recent down grading of Commonwealth’s Michelin 2 star rating to a single star has left the kitchen staff on a real downer at the end of term. However hope is not lost, with a brand new menu being designed by head chef Hilda Catering and a new broccoflower mix rumoured, regaining that lost star will be no bother. Go team Commonwealth!

External Links

Info page on Univ of London website