Founded 1917 Area served Worldwide | Founder Mary Trevelyan Phone +44 20 7631 8300 | |
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Focus Education and International Collaboration Location Park Crescent, London, United Kingdom Members Current 700 residents, 70,000 non-resident Address 229 Great Portland St, Marylebone, London W1W 5PN, UK Hours Open today · Open 24 hoursTuesdayOpen 24 hoursWednesdayOpen 24 hoursThursdayOpen 24 hoursFridayOpen 24 hoursSaturdayOpen 24 hoursSundayOpen 24 hoursMondayOpen 24 hours | ||
International Students House, London (Colloquially shortened to ISH said as one word, "ish") is a residence for 700 British and overseas students, interns and trainees whilst staying in London. It is located in Central London close to London's West End at the south side of Regent's Park and operates as a financially self-supporting charity under a board of trustees. There are approximately ten applicants for every place and the selection process is distinct from that of the individual colleges and universities with students being selected on the basis of their "demonstrated willingness to participate and become involved in the life of the House." Each year the House admits Fulbright scholars and students attending schools including King's College London, LSE, Imperial College London, UCL, SOAS, London Business School, The Royal Academy of Music, RADA, Goldsmiths, The Architectural Association School of Architecture and BPP Law School among others. Annually the House, together with its partners, awards residential scholarships of over £800,000. ISH also has 70,000 non resident members which makes up a large proportion of the international students in London.
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Russell Square
The origins of International Students House date back to 1917, when Student Movement House, a social centre, was founded in London in memory of students who died in the First World War. Its objectives were to provide companionship and social facilities for some of the overseas students who came to London each year, with a view to increasing international understanding and friendship. The hostel was founded and administered by the Student Christian Movement (SCM). The House and Club became well known as a place where African students would not experience discrimination.
Gower Street
The House, in Russell Square was relocated to Gower Street WC1B 5BA in 1938 and Mary Trevelyan became warden. The Gower Street building was left intact but "leaning" following bombing during the London Blitz.
Park Crescent
The first building at 1-6 Park Crescent, W1, was acquired and rebuilt and was opened in May 1965 by the Trust's Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (known as GPS because of its entrance at 229 Great Portland Street). In 1968, a series of Nash buildings on York Terrace East in Regent's Park (seven minutes walk from GPS) were acquired and rebuilt and subsequently named Mary Trevelyan Hall, which opened in 1971. The House also built an underground garage in York Terrace East as part of the development.
These four buildings combine to make up International Students House, providing over 700 beds (including 56 flats for students with families), three bars, a restaurant, internet access points, a fitness centre and public meeting rooms.
In 1985 the original Trust was separated into two sister charities, operating in parallel, with the International Students Trust managing the investment portfolios and International Students House owning and operating the residences and the activities.
As of 2009/10 ISH students represent over 110 nations and ISH has over 70,000 non-resident student members.
ISH accept UK students as well as international students to live or participate. The four main areas of operation are housing, provision of social facilities and activities, welfare and advice support and the provision of residential scholarships which together with the House's partners represents a £800,000 plus annual programme which received a Commendation in The Charity Awards 2002.
The House operates as a financially self-supporting charity with a diverse number of self generated income streams. The House employs a total of around 130 staff who between them can speak at least 20 languages. ISH has been a recognised 'Investor in People' since 1997, achieved 'Customer First' recognition in 2009 and most recently obtained the Investor in People Gold Award in December 2011.