Ian Baker House, London – 32 Verified Student Reviews 🏠

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infoImage credit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

infoImage credit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

infoImage credit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

Ian Baker House -

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Based on 32 user ratings

Ian Baker House, c/o Ramsay Hall, 20 Maple Street, London W1T 5HB

💬 What Students Say

Ian Baker House is a welcoming accommodation option for students attending University College London (UCL). Located at 20 Maple Street, London, this residence provides a blend of comfort and convenience, making it an excellent choice for those in their first year or beyond. With an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, students have praised various aspects of their living experience here, particularly the room quality, location, and community atmosphere. This self-catered accommodation features 85 single bedrooms, with the option of ensuite facilities for those seeking a bit more privacy. Each room is equipped with a wash basin, and residents have access to shared kitchen facilities, which fosters a communal cooking experience that many students appreciate. The presence of a launderette, music room, and TV room enhances the living experience, providing spaces for leisure and relaxation after a long day of studying. The WiFi is also highly rated, ensuring that students can stay connected for their academic needs.

The location of Ian Baker House is another significant advantage. Just a short 0.3 miles from the main UCL campus, students find it incredibly convenient to walk to classes, taking roughly six minutes to reach the university. This proximity allows students to enjoy the vibrant life of Bloomsbury while also having easy access to a variety of food options and local amenities. The area is well-connected, making it easy to explore other parts of London, whether for social outings or cultural experiences.

When it comes to the overall student experience, Ian Baker House is noted for its strong sense of community. Many reviews highlight the friendly and supportive atmosphere, with residents often describing it as a place that feels like home. The mix of personalities and backgrounds creates a lively environment where students can easily make friends and participate in social activities. The communal areas, including the shared kitchens and lounges, contribute to this sense of belonging, allowing for gatherings and group meals that enhance the social experience. Students frequently mention that there’s always something happening, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and not overly noisy, making it conducive for both studying and socializing.

In terms of value for money, Ian Baker House stands out with a rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many students feel that the affordability coupled with the quality of living makes it a solid choice. The practical amenities, such as laundry facilities and bike storage, add to the appeal, making daily life easier and more convenient. Students appreciate the balance of cost and comfort, often stating that living here exceeds their expectations.

While Ian Baker House has many strengths, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Some students noted that settling in can take a little time, but once they do, it feels like home. This initial adjustment period is common in student accommodations. Additionally, while the atmosphere is generally calm, some students may find that the buzz of activity can occasionally be overwhelming, especially during busier times of the academic year. However, the majority agree that the positives far outweigh any minor drawbacks.

In summary, Ian Baker House is an excellent choice for students looking for a comfortable and sociable living environment close to UCL. Its combination of good facilities, strong community spirit, and a prime location makes it a standout option. Whether you’re a first-year student or someone looking for a vibrant place to call home during your studies, Ian Baker House provides a solid foundation for a fulfilling university experience. With its high ratings for room quality and value, it’s easy to see why many students would recommend this accommodation to their peers.

Overall, Ian Baker House is best suited for students who thrive in a community-oriented environment and value both comfort and convenience in their living arrangements. The blend of modern facilities and a supportive atmosphere makes it an appealing choice for anyone looking to make the most of their time at UCL.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for its welcoming and friendly community atmosphere.
  • Convenient location just a short walk from UCL's main campus.
  • Good quality rooms with essential amenities like wash basins.
  • Reliable WiFi, which is crucial for academic work and staying connected.
  • Affordable living options compared to other accommodations in London.
  • Accessible communal areas that encourage social interaction and group activities.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Some students may find the initial adjustment period a bit challenging.
  • The lively atmosphere might be overwhelming for those seeking complete quiet.
  • Limited ensuite options, with most rooms featuring shared facilities.
  • Occasional noise from communal activities, though generally manageable.
  • Food/catering options are not specified, which may require students to cook for themselves.

🎯 Best For

Students who appreciate a strong sense of community and convenience near UCL.

💡 Things to Know

  • Ian Baker House is self-catered, so be prepared to cook your own meals.
  • The accommodation features a mix of single bedrooms, some with ensuites.
  • Laundry facilities are available on-site for student convenience.
  • Bike storage is provided, making it easier for cycling students.
  • A key fob system ensures secure access to the building.

❓ Common Questions

Is Ian Baker House good value for money?

Yes, it has a high value rating, and students appreciate the affordability given the quality of living.

How is the location?

The location is excellent, being just a short walk from UCL's main campus and close to various food options.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, with a good rating for quality and essential amenities.

What is the social life like at Ian Baker House?

The social life is vibrant, with a strong community feel and plenty of opportunities to make friends.

Are there any communal areas?

Yes, there are shared kitchen facilities and lounges that encourage social interaction among residents.

infoImage credit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

infoImage credit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

infoImage credit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

Reviews
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Can't believe how loud the street traffic was outside, making studying nearly impossible.
By user938482 on Apr 23rd 2026
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Definitely would consider staying here again because the sense of community made my first year feel much less daunting.
By user298282 on Apr 18th 2026
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Having tried other student accommodations, i can say ian baker house really stands out. the laundry facilities are almost always available, which is such a relief compared to the constant queues at my last place. with a common room that feels like a second living room, meeting people felt genuinely easy.
By user945136 on Apr 13th 2026
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Met loads of fellow engineering students which was helpful since we all seemed to be tackling the same problem sets together.
By user971815 on Apr 9th 2026
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Walls are pretty thin at ian baker house, so you can hear everything from the rooms next door. kind of annoying when you're trying to study, but at least there's a good common room to escape to.
By user656361 on Apr 2nd 2026
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Having stayed in a couple of student accommodations before, ian baker house stands out for its decent soundproofing. you don't realize how much you appreciate less noise until you're trying to study at odd hours or sleep in on weekends. plus, being surrounded by so many nearby eateries has been a pleasant surprise, especially for someone still figuring out london life.
By user354492 on Mar 27th 2026
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Moving in was a bit hectic, but it really surprised me how quickly i settled in and found some solid mates. the place is so close to everything, you just feel integrated into the city life from day one 😮. you'd love it here, especially with all the other first years around , makes it a lot easier for a newbie like me to figure things out.
By user197658 on Mar 24th 2026
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Got to say, the common rooms here are a bit of a surprise gem. didn't expect to find such comfy sofas that make group study sessions way more enjoyable. plus, the quirky little posters and artwork scattered around just adds a homey touch that's easy to overlook at first.
By user487599 on Mar 19th 2026
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Evenings in the common room are the best when everyone's back from classes and just catching up 🤷. there's always someone who brings out a guitar and it turns into this impromptu jam session that feels impossible to replicate anywhere else.
By user881058 on Mar 19th 2026
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Living at ian baker house means you never have to sprint to early classes, which is a serious lifesaver for us nocturnal types 😅 the common areas are decent for when you need a change of scenery from your room, and the location makes squeezing in a quick trip to grab essentials super doable.
By user978206 on Mar 16th 2026
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Expected it to be decent but was surprised by how comfy and friendly it felt. 😊
By user726442 on Mar 11th 2026
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Conversations in the common area were always a highlight, where people from different majors would come together and share stories over late-night snacks.
By user401266 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Wasn't expecting to find a garden area at student accommodation, but there it was. nice way to get some air or study outside when the dorms get cramped. made meeting other students more relaxed, like you were just hanging out in your own backyard.
By user839526 on Feb 12th 2026
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Surprisingly quiet in the hallways despite the number of students living here. it’s nice to come back to a bit of calm after classes. if you're someone who appreciates peace, this place isn't too bad for that.
By user502194 on Feb 6th 2026
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Noticed little nooks where people gather for late night chats, especially around the communal kitchen areas. always found it easy to bump into someone interesting and end up talking for hours. Ian Baker House just has this sociable yet laid-back vibe that makes meeting new mates feel pretty natural.
By user374516 on Jan 30th 2026
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Rooms are quite warm, especially in the summer, but opening the window helps a bit. remember to bring a fan if you're someone who needs a cool room to sleep well
By user983859 on Jan 25th 2026
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Living at ian baker house stands out because you get a quiet vibe even though you're in the thick of london’s hustle. feels like an escape when you need it, without sacrificing easy access to everything.
By user441025 on Jan 20th 2026
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Walls are a bit thin, so you can hear your neighbours sometimes, especially when you're trying to catch up on sleep after early morning training sessions.
By user592098 on Jan 15th 2026
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Felt right at home from day one here. having decent common areas meant we all ended up hanging out and that really made settling in feel easy
By user121229 on Jan 12th 2026
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Definitely would go back to ian baker house. the location is unbeatable, just a quick walk from the uni, and met some of the best people here. rooms were cozy, and the communal areas had everything you need without feeling crowded.
By user946426 on Jan 7th 2026
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Met a great group of people there, which is what really made the stay enjoyable. shared so many nights just chatting in the common room, it felt really homey. hard to imagine getting that kind of connection elsewhere.
By user249264 on Jan 3rd 2026
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My friend was right, it’s a solid place to settle into uni life. everyone around seemed approachable and we ended up having long chats in the common areas with people we barely knew.
By user954777 on Dec 29th 2025
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Met some of my closest mates here and there's always someone up for a chat in the common areas. it's a lively place but decent for studying too, so you get the best of both worlds.
By user890442 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Felt more like a home than other places I've stayed, with people always down for a chat in the common areas. just had that warm, friendly vibe.
By user554684 on Dec 20th 2025
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Rooms here are a decent size compared to other student halls I've seen, which means more space for my growing book collection. being just a short walk to UCL makes those early morning lectures slightly more bearable.
By user382194 on Dec 16th 2025
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Can hear everything through the walls, and it’s a bit annoying when you’re trying to study. sometimes it feels like i’m part of the conversation next door. wish there was a bit more soundproofing for some peace and quiet.
By user572586 on Dec 10th 2025
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Ian Baker House turned out to be friendlier than I expected. Whenever I needed a study break, the common areas were filled with classmates up for a chat. It's surprising how quickly it started feeling like home, and the convenience of being close to UCL made life just easy.
By user451346 on Dec 5th 2025
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Adjusting to life at Ian Baker House was easier than I expected 😅.
By user628281 on Nov 30th 2025
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Walking in, i was genuinely surprised by how friendly everyone was right from the start. i expected a more reserved atmosphere in a big city like london, but everyone seemed eager to introduce themselves. made settling in much less daunting than i thought it would be.
By user375635 on Nov 25th 2025
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Noticed how quiet the place was, even though it's right in the middle of london. can still hear birds in the morning, which was unexpected but nice. feels like a bit of a retreat amidst the city's chaos.
By user790278 on Nov 19th 2025
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Didn't expect to find such a great communal area with plenty of space to work or hang out. it made socialising easier, especially as a new student adjusting to uni life.
By user322914 on Nov 13th 2025
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Felt instantly at ease the moment i walked through the door, like the place had been waiting for me all along.
By user773355 on Nov 4th 2025