Perfect location--specially for KCL students--safe, clean and a fantastic management team.
I stayed at Chapter South Bank from September 2019 to October 2020. l researched/visited several accommodations and went with Chapter South Bank because of the clean rooms, facilities (including an on-site gym), 24/7 security and proximity to KCL's Strand Campus and the Southwark tube station (Jubilee line). The only thing that could make it more perfect is a resident cat or dog!! :)
Chapter's 5/5 rating though is really thanks to their superb and professional management team. Geanne and Ibrahim were my first new friends in London and they go above and beyond to make sure everything is running smoothly. Any maintenance issues, which were rare, were sorted out within 24 hours. Ellie, Robin and Tiago are immensely kind and helpful, and made me feel very at home at Chapter. They gave me lots of great LDN advice and helped me through some very stressful dissertation months. Leo and Dino were managers during my first and second term respectively, and are super invested the well-being and safety of the residents.
I particularly applaud Chapter South Bank's response to the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. They had been keeping us posted on the situation since December, and maintained strict SOPs and cleaning schedules to ensure everyone's safety. There were a lot of online events too, including yoga classes, quiz nights and music performances which really helped with any lockdown blues.
**Location
The Southwark station is three minutes away and Waterloo station about 10 minutes walking. There's a sainsburys and tesco just ten feet from the gate, and a co-op, 24/7 convenience store, Starbucks and M&S Food a five-minute walk away. The Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge are around the corner and Borough Market is ten minutes away. Borough market was a great place to shop for eggs and vegetables when supermarket supplies were limited during lockdown. There are lots of restaurants on the Cut ten minutes away. I won't say more because it's a super fun area to explore on your own.
The KCL Strand Campus is a 25 minute scenic walk away and 10-15 via bike. The Waterloo and Guy's Campuses are 10-15 minutes away on foot. It's not worth taking the tube to any of them, so you definitely save money on transport.
**Rooms and Facilities
I had a silver studio (with a double bed, small TV, stove, oven microwave and toaster) on the 8th floor in Block B. I did prefer it to block A because you're not right next to the street, it's cooler in the summer because the other block cuts the sun till the ninth floor, has a great view and you don't need to leave the building to go to the gym or laundry room. I booked early and Vicky from the online team helped me pick out a great room. The rooms are pretty soundproof and have huge windows. Unfortunately, only a small part opens, but you still get good ventilation. The radiators kept me very comfortable during the winter and there was only one week in the summer where it was super hot. A tower fan was more than enough for the summer.
The gym is a huge plus--clean, floor mats that make HIIT easier, several machines and free weights. There's also a membership gym around the corner for fitness lovers who need even more equipment. On-site laundry is convenient and a bit cheaper than prices I've seen in the city. There's also secure bike parking and a garden.
The study room and sky lounge (with a pool table, foosball , and TV) are great places to hang or study. Chapter South Bank is big enough for people who like to be social and it's also easy to find space and time for yourself if you prefer to be in your own.
I would highly recommend Chapter South Bank. It's value for money, especially if you’re doing a one year programme. Far more secure and clean compared to other places-- based on what I heard from friends in other private accommodations and university residences. My year in London wouldn't have been half as amazing without my Chapter South experience :)
