STUDENT ACCOMMODATIOn
Queen Alexandra’s House
Queen Alexandra’s House is female-only accommodation for students of Royal College of Art, Royal College 0f Music and Imperial College London. With 108 rooms and 140 years of all female accommodation.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
History
QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S HOUSE
Queen Alexandra’s House is an historic, purpose built hostel for female students, constructed in 1884. It has a wonderful vibrant atmosphere and engaging community, of 108 female residents. The property includes music practice rooms & creative spaces, social spaces and a thriving community of musicians. Personal safety is extremely important at QAH, with an on-site team available 24/7, dedicated to residents. Construction was funded by the principle benefactor Sir Francis Cook, a City of London cloth merchant. Henry Doulton the pottery manufacturer provided the decorative ceramic faience in the Entrance Hall, the fire place in the Drawing Room and the tiled wall panels illustration the arts of music and pottery, in the Dining Room. Coalbrookdale & Co provided the open iron staircase with its slender decorative supports and Chubb & Sons the door furniture. The building is Grade II listed and is part of London’s heritage.
Accommodation
Current available rooms at Queen Alexandra’s House.
Room Description
As this is a Grade II listed building, rooms come in different shapes and sizes, but a small room is up to 8m2, has high ceilings and large windows. Compact rooms come with a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, mirror plus a desk and chair.*
Securing your room
To secure your room, all you need to do is click the “Reserve Now” button above and complete the application form and include a signed copy of the licence agreement, photo and letter of offer from your university. Once we receive your completed application, we will be in touch to allocate you a room and draft your acceptance letter.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
The above rates are for academic year 2025/26 only. There is an additional fee of £300 per academic year for Music Students.
*Rooms vary in size, style and furniture, some of the small rooms have restricted light due to facing the inner courtyard.
Room Description
As this is a Grade II listed building, rooms come in different shapes and sizes but a small room is up to 8m2, has high ceilings and large windows. All rooms come with a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, chest of drawers, mirror plus a desk and chair.*
Please note that some rooms come with original furniture from the 1890’s which adds to the character of the room.
Securing your room
To secure your room for, all you need to do is click the “Reserve Now” button above and complete the application form and include a signed copy of the licence agreement, photo and letter of offer from your university. Once we receive your completed application, we will be in touch to allocate you a room and draft your acceptance letter.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
The above rates are for academic year 2023/24 only. There is an additional fee of £150 per academic year for Music Students. *Rooms vary in size, style and furniture, some of the small rooms have restricted light due to facing the inner courtyard.
Room Description
As this is a Grade II listed building, rooms come in different shapes and sizes but a medium room is up to 8.75m2, has high ceilings and large windows which brings in lots of natural light. All rooms come with a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, chest of drawers, mirror plus a desk and chair.*
Please note that some rooms come with original furniture from the 1890’s which adds to the character of the room.
Securing your room
To secure your room, all you need to do is click the “Reserve Now” button above and complete the application form and include a signed copy of the licence agreement, photo and letter of offer from your university. Once we receive your completed application, we will be in touch to allocate you a room and draft your acceptance letter.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
Room Description
As this is a Grade II listed building, rooms come in different shapes and sizes but a large room is up to 9.4m2, has high ceilings and large windows which brings in lots of natural light. All rooms come with a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, chest of drawers, mirror plus a desk and chair.*
Please note that some rooms come with original furniture from the 1890’s which adds to the character of the room.
Securing your room
To secure your room, all you need to do is click the “Reserve Now” button above and complete the application form and include a signed copy of the licence agreement, photo and letter of offer from your university. Once we receive your completed application, we will be in touch to allocate you a room and draft your acceptance letter.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
Room Description
As this is a Grade II listed building, rooms come in different shapes and sizes, but a large room is up to 14m2, has high ceilings and large windows which brings in lots of natural light. All rooms come with a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, chest of drawers, mirror plus a desk and chair.*
Please note that some rooms come with original furniture from the 1890’s which adds to the character of the room.
Securing your room
To secure your room, all you need to do is click the “Reserve Now” button above and complete the application form and include a signed copy of the licence agreement, photo and letter of offer from your university. Once we receive your completed application, we will be in touch to allocate you a room and draft your acceptance letter.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
Room Description
As this is a Grade II listed building, rooms come in different shapes and sizes but a premium double room is up to 14m2, has high ceilings and large windows which brings in lots of natural light. All rooms come with a ¾ double bed, bedside table, wardrobe, chest of drawers, mirror plus a desk and chair.*
Please note that some rooms come with original furniture from the 1890’s which adds to the character of the room.
Securing your room
To secure your room, all you need to do is click the “Reserve Now” button above and complete the application form and include a signed copy of the licence agreement, photo and letter of offer from your university. Once we receive your completed application, we will be in touch to allocate you a room and draft your acceptance letter.
Please note: QAH grants preference to first year undergraduates and those who will be applying to reside at Queen Alexandra’s House for the first time.
FACILITIES
COMMUNAL LIVING
All our residents have access to a communal kitchen, drawing room, dining room, TV room and music practice rooms.
Plus all accommodation is catered too!
What's included
Reception
We have staff here to help 24/7.
Utility Bills
Your fees are all-inclusive of utility bills (subject to a fair usage allowance).
TV Room
For those who like to curl up on the sofa and watch a movie or catch up on your favourite programmes then this is a great space for you. You can host movie nights, game nights or just have a catch up with your friends whenever you wish.
Internet and Wi-Fi
You will have access to our WiFi service provided by Glide, offering 125MB speeds throughout the entire building and communal areas.
The Drawing Room
The drawing room is a very traditional room which you can use to study individually or in a group, practice on the Grand piano, relax with your friends, host a dinner party or concert. The space can also be used for movie nights in addition to the TV Room.
The Dining Room
As a catered facility your meals will be held in the Dining Room, however you can use this area to study, as a social place, to work out or to use the 2 Grand Pianos outside of meal service times.
The Ring
For our musical residents we have practice rooms with pianos and music stands for you to use 24/7. These are shared with other residents.
The Studio
A creative space for those studying arts or fashion or if you wish to showcase any pieces.
Garden
QAH has a small garden for all resident to relax and enjoy.
Communal Kitchens
There are communal kitchens on each floor, which contains a fridge / freezer, induction hob, microwaves, toaster, kettle, air fryer, rice cooker and smoothie maker.
Residents are required to provide their own cutlery / crockery, utensils, and non-electrical cooking equipment.
Shower & toilet facilities
QAH has shared shower & toilet facilities on each floor, as well as separate bathrooms for those who like to sit back and relax. We do not have en-suite rooms.
Catering
QAH is a catered residence and our in house catering team provide you with a delicious range of nutritious fresh meals. We also work to educate residents on how to make healthier food choices and regularly consult with them to tailor menus to suit their tastes and preferences. Meals include:
Breakfast^ (may include toast, cereal, yoghurt and fruit)
- Monday – Friday – 7:30am- 9:00am
- Saturday & Sunday – 7:30am – 9:00am
Supper+* (may include a main meal and side, salad bar and dessert)
- Monday – Friday – 5:45pm – 7:15pm (Kitchen closes at 7pm)
The kitchen closes 15 minutes before end of each meal service. QAH are unable to alter these times and are unable to accommodate take away meal services.
^ Items provided are subject to change at all times and limited to 3-5 options per person at breakfast
+ Items provieded are subject ot change at all times and limited to 3-5 options per person from the salad bar
* The last week of the Summer Term is Bed and Breakfast only.
Themed Nights
Throughout the year QAH works with our catering team to put on different theme nights and pop ups for you to enjoy. These can include:
- Steak Night
- Tapas Evening
- Asian Fusion
- Chinese New Year
- Australia Day
- Great British Tea Party
Bike Storage
Residents are welcome to bring bicycles, however we have limited bike racks at QAH, on occasions you may need to lock your bike up / store your bike at the public bike racks in the surrounding area.
On-site Laundry
We have washing machines and tumble dryers for residents to use (additional charge) as well as irons and clothes rack for residents to use.
24-hour On-Site Team
Members of the team are on site 24 hours a day and are always available to answer questions and help out.
Always Secure
There is a secure door entry system access into the building and full 24-hour CCTV is in operation in all lobby areas and throughout the site.
Places of Interest
Nearby Universities and Local Attractions
By Foot
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By Bicycle
7 mins
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By Bus/Tube
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FAQs
Where can I find your terms & policies?
You can access our policies and procedures here:
Policies and Procedures 2025 2026
Queen Alexandra's House Licence Agreement 2025 2026
Accommodation Bursary
Accommodation Fees Payment Policy
Complaints Procedure
Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour Policy
Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures
Information Sharing Agreement Policy
Information Sharing Agreement Consent Form
Mental Health and Escalation Policy
Release from Licence Agreement Termination Policy
Residents Disciplinary Procedure
When should I vacate my room?
You should leave your room by 10am on the last days of each term.
What date/time should I arrive at QAH?
You can arrive from 3pm on the first day of the term.
Autumn Term - Sunday 31 August - Saturday 20 December 2025 (16 weeks)
Spring Term - Sunday 4 January - Saturday 28 March 2026 (12 weeks)
Summer Term - Sunday 12 April to Saturday 11 July 2026 (13 weeks)
When will I know that I have been accepted to stay at QAH?
Once your enquiry form has been submitted this will be reviewed, if you are successful we will email you asking for a photo, Letter of Offer from your University on university headed paper your application will be reviewed and a room allocated subject to availability, you will then receive an Acceptance Letter and Licence Agreement which you will need to sign and return within 48 hours otherwise your application will be cancelled.
Please be advised that not all residents will be successful in receiving an offer to apply to stay at QAH.
Each institution is allocated an equal number of rooms, once their allocation has been reached you will be placed on a waiting list, this ensures that QAH has a diverse and inclusive household.
Who can apply?
Any female who is enrolled in full time study within the Estate of the 1851 Commission such as Royal College of Music, Royal College of Art, Imperial College.
What is included in my accommodation fees?
Your accommodation fees cover use of communal facilities, all utility bills such as heating, water, electricity, Wi-Fi and as a catered residence, meals are provided as follows:
Monday to Friday: Breakfast and Lunch.
Saturday & Sunday: Breakfast only.
How much do I need to pay to secure my booking?
Once you have been accepted into QAH we will ask for a £500 deposit, which is separate from your fees. Details can be found here. It is refundable at the end of your stay with us as long as there are no damages, your room is left clean and there is no outstanding rent.
Can I choose a certain room?
You may request an ‘Premium Double’, ‘Premium’, ‘Large’, ‘Medium’, ‘Small’ or ‘Compact’ size room. We will always try to allocate your first preference.
How do I book?
Click the 'Enquire Now' button, fill in the form, and return a signed copy of the Licence Agreement, a passport style photo, and your offer letter from the university.
ABOUT
QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S HOUSE
The property was founded in 1884 by Sir Francis Cook Bart, in order to provide accommodation for women students at the Royal College of Music, Royal College of Art and the Royal College of Science. It has kept to Sir Francis’ original attention, but the fields of study have widened to include many other activities.
The foundation stone was laid by, HRH, Alexandra Princess of Wales in June 1884, originally called Alexandra’s House, it’s present title was granted by Queen Alexandra when she visited the house in 1910.
The President of Queen Alexandra’s House is Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra, who is the great granddaughter of Queen Alexandra. HRH Princess Alexandra has been president of Queen Alexandra’s House Association since 1956 and continues to play a valuable role in the artistic and intellectual life of those who stay at Queen Alexandra’s House.
Queen Alexandra’s House is centrally located next to the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, near several arts and music colleges including the Royal College of Music, Imperial College and Royal College of Art.
Our Work In The Community
Queen Alexandra’s House is a historic house for female residents studying the arts and sciences, for over 140 years we have provided a safe space for our female residents.
Queen Alexandra’s House engages with our community through working with our local children’s early years setting allowing them to hold lessons and activities in the house and our garden which they have their own vegetable patch to grow fruit and vegetables, our residents enjoy putting on music recitals and concerts for the community throughout the academic year and we host tours to the general public who wish to know about our heritage. Queen Alexandra’s House also supports the local police, fire and ambulance services during events as well hosting veterans and the armed forces as part of the Festival of Remberance Service at the Royal Albert Hall.
Testimonials
At QAH, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional experiences for our community of students. Our reviews and testimonials reflect this dedication to excellence and are a true testament to the high standard of service we offer.
