Living in Ashwell House: Francesca’s Perspective
Photo Courtesy: Ashwell House
“Inside the London Student Halls Owned by Opus Dei” (5 December 2024), painted a picture of Ashwell House and Opus Dei that felt distant from my lived experience. As the resident identified as “Francesca” in the piece, I’d like to share my personal journey, one that reflects the warmth, community, and practicality of living at Ashwell House.
This is actually my second time living in Ashwell, each time for slightly different reasons.
The first was during my second year at UCL, when I was searching for more than just a typical student residence. What I found at Ashwell was a community: a place where comfort and practicality met support and camaraderie among residents.
In my third year, I opted for a different residence closer to campus. While convenient, it lacked the sense of belonging I had come to appreciate at Ashwell. So, when I needed housing during my work placement year, I applied to return to Ashwell. Fortunately, they found me a room.
Community, not conformity
Photo Courtesy: Ashwell House
One of Ashwell House’s most defining qualities is its strong sense of community. The house’s ethos is rooted in Opus Dei’s values, but not in the dramatic way portrayed in fictional works like The Da Vinci Code. Religion is very present, but it is not imposed. For me and many others, the focus is on mutual respect, support, and creating an environment conducive to study and personal growth.
The house’s policies, which some might label as restrictive, contribute to its safe and welcoming atmosphere. For instance, male friends are welcome to visit in common areas but not in private rooms. This rule is straightforward, clearly communicated to all residents upfront, and is a feature shared by other all-girls accommodations in the city.
A rare find in London’s housing market
London’s student housing landscape can be daunting, with high rents and inconsistent quality. Ashwell House is a rare gem, offering affordable, spacious accommodation that has all the touches of home (replete with a large teddy bear living its best life in the living room). Residents look out for each other, and apart from individual study and work, there are many fun-filled moments including shared meals and karaoke nights.
Ashwell’s openness will be evident to anyone who engages with its community. It’s a place where residents come together to support each other, embracing common values and individual journeys. Everyone is welcome. The Ashwell team meets with anyone interested in lodging, sharing all the details to help them make an informed and confident decision about becoming part of the community.
Personal choice and growth
Photo Courtesy: Ashwell House
Mischaracterisations may overshadow Ashwell’s genuine benefits. The suggestion in the recent article, published in Pi Media, that residents live in “blissful, bills-included ignorance”, overlooks the agency that every resident possesses, and the thoughtful decisions behind choosing Ashwell. Having experienced a variety of housing options, my choice to return was an informed one. This decision was anything but passive; it was a choice based on real and positive experience.
I hope this perspective, reflecting the true spirit of life at Ashwell, is helpful.