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Student living in style

Student Living In StyleA new type of student living has come to London. QS Top Universities speaks with Emanuela Carbani of Nido to find out what all the fuss is about.

If you think student living is all about dirty flats, second hand furniture, broken heaters and left over food, then think again. Student living in London just got a whole lot better. Think café, games room, fitness centre, movie screenings - it's all part of the latest student accommodation.

Nido, or “nest" in Italian, is a stylish home situated in the heart of London. Run by private equity firm Blackstone Group, Nido offers a new quality student accommodation - they call it Nidology.

Based in Kings Cross, Nido has purpose built accommodation for over 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the latest bits of technology, and loads of hassle-free extras. In the summer of 2010, Nido will open another building in Spitalfields with 1,200 beds, and a third building in Barcelona in 2011.

Emanuela Carbani, Nido's marketing coordinator, says the strength of Nido lies in its difference to other types of student accommodation.

“We offer a central location in Zone 1 of London, universities are close by so students are in walking distance to class and we offer quality accommodation."

There are two types of accommodation within Nido: single rooms set up like studios with private kitchen and bathroom, or twin share rooms with common facilities. There is 24-hour security on the complex, and 14 residential assistants who are available for student support and advice.

“We've had Wii nights, football matches, international movie nights and even henna nights," Emanuela says. "We're hoping to have different cultural festivals as well because we have 70 different nationalities within Nido."

Prices range from $220 - $280 per week for accommodation within Nido, but Emanuela says, the whole package is not too expensive. All students have access to the fitness centre, there is bike storage available and an exciting residents' life associated with it.

“Students can have that independence knowing they've got 1,000 friends next door," she says.

Students interested in applying for Nido accommodation should complete a PDF application form, available online at: www.nidolondon.com