Warwick University Lakeside Residences Review 2020/21: a Brilliant Choice!

We highly recommend the Warwick University Lakeside residences which are located in the Western part of the main campus. They feature 596 en-suite rooms in four blocks (ranging from Lakeside 1 to Lakeside 4) and are one of the most expensive accommodation options at the University of Warwick. For undergraduates they offer a 40-week let, for postgraduates a 50-week let – similar to Heronbank.

The official Warwick Accommodation website for Lakeside can be found here.

COVID-19 Update 2020/21: Please double-check the information on this page with the University of Warwick’s Accommodation Services directly. Especially letting periods might change due to the special circumstances.

Our Warwick University Lakeside Review

tldr; Lakeside should be your topic choice if you desire an en-suite bathroom and quiet surroundings but still want to have a social life. Lakeside’s location is also great for an active lifestyle with its close proximity to the Warwick Sports Hub. The closest alternative to the Lakeside Residences are the Heronbank Residences.

Lakeside’s one of the best options for accommodation if you want to stay on the main Warwick campus. We love the fact that it has en-suite bathrooms – no need to share your bathroom with anyone. Moreover, these are cleaned on a weekly basis so you will never be grossed out by the toilet or shower you are using like in shared accommodation.

Additionally, there are no major sources of noise in close proximity. You can study here in relative quietness, unless your neighbours are particularly disrespectful.

As with every residence at the University of Warwick, the Residential Life Team consists of volunteering tutors to help you figure out what it’s like to live in Lakeside, and to get in touch with in case you have any issues. For instance, they can help with the noisy neighbours mentioned above, and can also signpost you to a wide range of university services based on the physical, mental, or social issue you are facing.

The kitchen features a reasonably big lounge area that you can spend time in to eat or socialise. Laundrettes are either in your block or one nearby and generally work well (card-based).

What makes Lakeside really special is its location. Not only are you close to central campus (a 5-10 minute walk), you can also get to the university’s Sports Hub and nearby sports pitches within minutes. This really makes a difference for anyone wanting to go to the gym or sports classes on a regular basis.

The other main benefit of staying at Lakeside is already given away by the residence’s name: it’s next to a lake. You’ll either love or hate the geese, ducks, swans etc. that come with it, and Warwick is one of the few universities that can offer you wildlife on campus.

Overall, Warwick University’s Lakeside Residences offer a convenient place to stay during your time at Warwick. However, in case you want an active and very social Freshers experience, other halls closer to the university’s Student’s Union might be a better bet, namely Rootes, Tocil, or Whitefields.

Lastly, it is important to note that Lakeside and Heronbank rooms and location are almost identical. Heronbank is a little further out West, but closer to the Sports Hub. The rooms are of similar size, en-suite as well, and are located on the other side of the lake. If you like one accommodation, make sure to check out the other, and to apply for both during the application process!

Apart from Heronbank, the most popular alternatives students choose are Claycroft, Tocil, Bluebell, and Rootes.

That said, it is always an option to live off-campus. Especially if you like lively surroundings, living in student or private accommodation in Coventry or Leamington Spa offers you a range of entertainment values,