Commonwealth Hall

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The Commonwealth Hall

Commonwealth Hall is one of eight University of London intercollegiate halls of residence. It stands at the end of a triplet of these halls, to the right of Canterbury Hall and Hughes Parry Hall where there is great rivalry. All three halls make use of the tennis courts opposite in Cartwright Gardens. Commonwealth Hall is a fully catered hall with a bar, gym, two TV rooms and small library on site. The hall is filled with students from across the University of London. Students are mainly undergraduate first years, although some are postgraduate and doctoral students.

Previously Commmonwealth Hall had a pub in its basement, open nightly to students and registered visitors. However, recently the pub is operated only on weekends and closed entirely during the summer.

Recent fears about vistors to the hall not paying an overnight allowance of £1.50; in total leading to financial losses of approximatley £40, has led the staff at commonwealth to erect barriers in the main reception area (costing hundreds of pounds), forcing individuals entering he hall to walk very close to the reception desk before entry. This has been dubbed "passport control" by some residents.

These staff are, however, misguided. Although set in seemingly dangerous and notorious city, the Hall is based in the affluent russel square area, and only 250 metres (800 yards) from Kings Cross, an up and coming area due to the development of the eurostar terminal. Thorough entry procedures are accordingly enforced as further efforts to oppress the freedom of its residents.

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The halls is also the current home of Joseph Chavasse, revolutionary artist, who has opened a gallery in his ground floor room (G22). The exhibition includes several three dimensional pieces, including a mobile and several 'dada' objects constructed from recycled art. The art reflects the resistance to expression and passive aggressive approach to reuse and recycling from the hall staff. The gallery is called 'Strange Fruits' and is open to the public at £3.00 [£2.00 concessions and students]. Entry times are subject to change.