South Kensington - my favourite area!

Moving to London from Manchester, where I grew up (and lived a pretty sheltered life) was a challenge to say the least.

I clearly remember the first time I made the drive to London. I saw the most beautiful buildings and I felt so small and insignificant in comparison with all history that surrounded them.

As I arrived at the student halls, were I was to spend the next few years of my life, I was blown away. It was located in the heart of South Kensington, just five minutes walk from Harrods and barely five minutes in the other direction was High Street Kensington.

During my first year while I was studying at Imperial College London, I lived on campus. During this time, I fell in love with South Kensington and the surrounding areas of Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. These were all the places I have heard so much about and now I was living amongst them, walking to places became a pleasure as I got to soak up the atmosphere of the busy streets and be around the most diverse range of people.

At the end of my first year, we had a leaving dinner compliments of our student halls. It was to be held at the Rembrandt Hotel, which we knew was only a short walk from where we lived. So the girls and I spent the afternoon getting ready and after our group photo, we all made the short walk to the Rembrandt. We had a lovely dinner and the service was fantastic, with a great atmosphere.

After the dinner, we all walked to a local Irish pub called Kavanagh’s, where we danced the night away.

Now, nearly four years later, with a degree proudly behind me (and having matured into a worldlier person), I’ve moved out from the student halls at Imperial College and I am working for the Rembrandt Hotel. I am so lucky to find a job in the career I enjoy, in my favourite area. I walk home at night through the streets of London, savouring every moment and continuing to have a smile on my face which has lasted since the first time I drove into London.

Written by Carmella Rubenchik, Revenue Co-ordinator at The Rembrandt