Marylebone Borough & Student Living

Having arrived at the University of Westminster’s Marylebone Hall last evening, we Bruins are beginning to get settled in and venture into the surrounding neighborhood.  It doesn’t take long to realize that this borough of London is rather upscale.  Our housing is situated within a five minutes walk to Regent’s Park.  The perimeter of the park is lined with colossal homes.  Bentleys, Maseratis, and Ferraris are about as common as the double-decker bus in these parts!  We’re familiar with the sight of extravagance, with UCLA nestled in the thick of the Los Angeles high society, but I’d contend that this London wealth is not quite so LA flashy as it is elegant.  Perhaps the difference is what I recently heard a Londoner refer to as ‘old money,’ which she indicated as wealth maintained for 400+ years.  Perhaps there is a noticeable distinction between 'old money' verses our oftentimes, ‘new’ Californian wealth.  Nevertheless,  walking in and around the Marylebone Borough reminds me that I am neither of ‘new money,’ nor ‘old money,’ but of 'little money.'  Rich in life!  Take that, Hollywood!

The perimeter of Regent's Park

Regent's Park Gardens

Now that my rant about London swank is over, it seems appropriate to discuss the UCLA swank at Marylebone Hall.  We have our own room & bathroom.  This is considerably privileged in college housing.  The rooms are small, indeed, but perfectly sufficient for the stay.  Furthermore, the building is in a very safe area, just a few steps from an Underground station, and down the street from coffee, restaurants, markets, etc.  Only students with current ID can enter and exit the building.

Oh, and my view is worth a million... pounds

Each six rooms share a communal kitchen.  This feature is essential for a student’s budget.  Having spent my first three days in London without a kitchen, I’ve eaten every meal out.  Each meal ranges from £6 to £12 ($10-$20) per meal.  Three meals a day + coffee + sight-seeing + transportation gets really expensive.  After acquiring access to a kitchen, I was able to buy several days of groceries for about £30.

Class started today!  Dr. Makdisi's lecture was really intriguing.  We go on our first walking tour tomorrow, where literature meets actual location.  More on that soon!