So, you’ve booked your room at Chapter Kings Cross and chances are, it’s your first time staying in the area. Kings Cross is an amazing location, with a whole lot going on for a new student in London – here’s our insider tips for the best spots in the area to unwind, indulge and party.

For a Caffeine Fix - Frequency Coffee

Whatever your poison – Double expresso to Flat white – Frequency coffee is great across the board. With a great selection of pastries and sandwiches, and being only 4 minutes’ walk from Chapter Kings Cross, this is perfect for a quick stop on the way to that 9AM Monday lecture.

For Sweet Treats – Crosstown Doughnuts

Outside Kings Cross station on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, a bunch of amazing food producers come together to bring their delicacies to market. Our favourite has to be the Crosstown Doughnuts stand. All of their offerings are all incredible, but their Glazed Cinnamon Scroll has us coming back way more often than we should.

For a Photo Op – Platform 9 ¾

Unfortunately, you didn’t get into Hogwarts, which we assume was your first-choice school. However, with Chapter Kings Cross being so close to the station, you can live out your dreams by posing for a snap while pushing your trolley into the departure point of the Hogwarts express. Bonus points for representing your house colours. Unless it’s Slytherin.

For a Tasty Beverage – Big Chill House

Pretty much opposite Chapter, this is many of our residents’ go to for a drink in the area. With a great outdoor terrace, it’s the perfect spot when it’s nice and sunny out. For the ultimate in refreshment, we recommend their frozen Passion Fruit Margarita – preferably drank on the rooftop in blazing sunshine. 

 For a Chance to Dance – Drink Shop Do

You wouldn’t think it, but this quaint little café has a booming dance floor in the basement. It’s a buzzing place to come on a Friday evening for a night out with friends, with all sorts of themed nights going on. You can also channel your inner Beyoncé by taking a part in one of their scheduled dance classes.

For the Culture Vultures – House Of Illustration

For those with artistic tendencies, this gallery is dedicated to bringing fresh visuals to Kings Cross. They consistently rotate what’s on display, with 10 new exhibitions coming through this gallery a year. If you’re into illustration, graphic design or just fancy taking in a bit of culture, this is definitely one to add to your list.

For Live Music – Scala

This historic venue is 3 minutes from Chapter Kings Cross, and really does have something for everyone. Anyone who’s anyone has played here – Coldplay, the Chemical Brothers and Foo Fighters to name a handful. The venue also hosts regular club nights on a Friday and Saturday, for you to party close to home.

For Food on the Go – Pizza Union

This place is a Chapter Kings Cross institution – it’s rare a day goes by when you don’t see someone entering the student accommodation clutching one of these iconic boxes. Fire-baked pizza, super cheap and super quick, there’s a reason it’s so popular. We normally go for the Vesuvio, with a drizzle of chilli oil on top and the garlic dip for the crusts.

This is just a tiny selection of what Kings Cross has to offer students in the area – get out there and explore. Just remember to share any recommendations you have in our 2017/18 residents Facebook group, which you can join here.