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Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Brits left gobsmacked by lavish student accommodation that comes with room service, private club memberships and a cinema - but it costs a steep fee!
When thinking about student accommodation in the UK, tiny box-shaped rooms with little natural light might first spring to mind. However, a new London-based residence, Fifty One London, is challenging that stereotype, and its long list of amenities might just make it one of the most luxurious student accommodations in the country. Fifty One, located in the ultra-exclusive South Kensington, goes beyond a typical home and offers its lucky residents referrals to some of the most sought-after private members' clubs, including Annabel's and Soho House. In addition to helping its occupants access some of London's most upscale venues, frequented by celebrities and royalty, students can also enjoy a daily cleaning service, security and concierge services. It's for that reason that the accommodation has caused a storm on social media, with clips showing life in the luxurious settings racking up thousands of views. One said, 'Crying because where was this when I was a student.' A second added, 'I love that students have this option now.' Another wrote, 'Recent graduate here but niche idea, congrats to you guys.' A fourth user was shocked with the offerings, questioning, 'Sorry, student accommodation?' While the average weekly cost of student accommodation is £166, according to Complete University Guide, residences at Fifty One can cost up to a staggering £1,440 a week. The most expensive room, dubbed the Superior Mezzanine, boasts a split-level design, elevated bedrooms, and views of the Natural History Museum. The room option appears so popular that there are only a few remaining for next year, according to the website. Other options include a Deluxe Mezzanine for £1,380 per week, Bespoke Editions for £1,325 per week, and Superior Studios, which cost £1,200 per week and are currently sold out. Most rooms come with air conditioning, a gym membership, a study room, a double bed, 24-hour security, and are pet-friendly. Cleaning and cooking won't be a concern for students since there is a weekly cleaning service and room service options that hungry students can order via the ultra-fast WiFi. Elsewhere in the building, there's a cinema room, co-working space decked out with velour sofas, and smart room services, which provide feedback on air quality, temperature, and energy usage. In addition to the home itself, residents can access free therapy sessions, members' events with CEOs and venture capitalists, career and mentorship services, and airport transfers. One TikTok reads, 'When you live in Fifty One London and end up landing your dream internship. Thanks to their career advice and networking.' Fifty One's success on social media comes after a study by Knight Frank/UCAS Student Accommodation Survey found that, by the end of the decade, second and third year students will mostly be selecting to live in, purpose-built student accommodation (known as PBSA) - or 'private halls'. But they aren't cheap, with some of the purpose-built accommodations costing more than the average UK annual wage, per year. Parents can expect to fork out more than £34,963 per year for their children to live in expansive complexes that come fully equipped with coffee bars, bean bag filled study areas, cinema rooms and onsite gyms. The average accommodation cost for a student in the UK is currently £166 a week, while in London, the average is even steeper £212 for university accommodation and £259 for rooms in the private sector. Students hoping to escape the grim dwellings today have to spend roughly £7,356 per year to live in private halls. According to the Student Accommodation Survey by SaveTheStudent, private halls are the most expensive student accommodation in the UK. However, accommodation costing less than £200 will become a thing of past, according the the study, as young people increasingly choose well-located homes with gyms, cinemas, and fully kitted amenities. According to students who answered the survey, the biggest selling point in an accommodation now is one that supports their 'wellbeing' and 'mental health', which they put down as being important or very important. One example of the opulent new student housing market is at St Mary's in Bristol, where university goers can expect to pay £417 a week for access to work rooms with trendy industrial exposed walls and boardroom style tables. And the 'expensive room' costs an even more eye-watering £513. Viewers have taken to the comment section to share their thoughts on the luxurious student housing Rooms at St Mary's boast fully kitted kitchens - a faraway dream for most 18-year-olds - a concierge service, and the building is perched side-by-side with some of the best shops, restaurants, and even a nature reserve. And well-to-do students won't need to worry about their MacBooks and designer regalia as the cost of the room even includes contents insurance. A slightly cheaper alternative is on offer for students in Edinburgh, with studios costing £347 to £387 a week for the luxury of their chic interior including a slatted timber roof terrace with a shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Another is Hayloft Point in London, offered to students at Kings College London and Queen Mary University of London, that provides a gym, outdoor social space and even a cinema, for those willing to pay from £395 for a bed. The central London accommodation, located just outside Aldgate Tube Station, comes with a posh outdoor area from students to socialise, as well with an 'exhibition area' and self-described 'stylish common areas'. Another luxury home offering is in Aberdeen, where students can get access to an onsite gym, common area and communal study spaces. A fraction of the price of bedrooms in England, the Scottish dwelling offers en-suite rooms for just £138, with studio rooms costing £221. The former school offers chic loft-style studios with mezzanine floors, and a communal rooftop terrace for students to gather at the end of a long day of studying. While most universities promise to house all of their first year students in halls, recent years have seen instances of students struggling to find beds. Attempting to remedy the problem is the UWE Bristol, who built a 900-bedroom student village at their Frenchay campus. Though young people will have to cough up far more than the average price of £166 a week, with rooms starting from £187.91 a week for an eight-bedroom shared flat - with one bathroom to be shared between two students. Those hoping for some peace and quiet should look no further than a self-contained studio or four-bed premium en suite flat - costing a nail-biting £274.80. One reason for the increased demand in posh property, is that young people are increasingly using social media to search for their future student digs. According to research from eWord, students have increasingly turned to their favourite apps to find housing with 80 per cent of them saying they used Instagram for housing research. A significant 60 per said had used TikTok while 45 per cent had used YouTube, a far cry from the former days spent flicking through the accommodation pages of prospectus leaflets. The chief investment officer at ESP, Will Atkinson, told The Times that there are broadening gaps between what different calibers of students need in their homes. He said: 'There is a deep pool of demand from domestic and international students for well-located accommodation at higher price points in the UK's leading university towns and cities, provided PBSA operators can provide value for money through exceptional amenity spaces, customer service and an extensive student experience package.'
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas' intimate date nights at exclusive London club as romance heats up
and Ana de Armas have reportedly enjoyed date nights at an exclusive club in London on multiple occasions amid ongoing romance rumors. The pair taken their date nights to London and spent a number evenings together 'a couple of times over the past two months' at the ultra-exclusive, members-only club, Annabel's. The insider told Page Six that the two actors seemed enamored by each other during their date nights at the swanky, luxe locale as their romance heats up. 'Tom looks enchanted by her,' the source claimed. 'And she looks very happy with him.' The ritzy club is known to have two private dining rooms and has seen the likes of royalty as well as A-lister stars such as Kate Moss, Lady Gaga and Harry Styles. The celebrity hotspot features two private dining rooms, one decorated with flowers and another called the Silver Room. Cruise and de Armas are said to have dined in one of the private rooms on more than one occasion in the past weeks. This comes shortly after the Ballerina star sang high praises over his rave review of her new movie — despite the John Wick spin-off underperforming at the box office. This comes shortly after de Armas revealed that she and Cruise have been collaborating and working closely together. 'We're definitely working on a lot of things,' she said on Good Morning America back in May. 'Not just one but a few projects with Doug Liman and Christopher McQuarrie.' On the daytime talk show, she gushed that she was 'so excited' to collaborate with the Top Gun star as well as the aforementioned, acclaimed director and filmmaker, respectively. Cruise and the Blonde star were first romantically linked earlier this year in February when they were spotted for what was reportedly a professional dinner in London. The following month, they were pictured with cheeky smiles on both of their faces after their flight landed at the London Heliport. That alleged work meeting as well as many others fueled rumors that the pair were more than just coworkers. In April, the pair were spotted arriving together in London again to spend de Armas' 37th birthday together before fans spotted them on a romantic stroll through the park that same week. In mid-May, an insider spoke about how Cruise is 'super smitten' with de Armas even though it is still early into their romance. 'It's low-key, still new and in the early stages,' a source told Us Weekly. 'Their romance is definitely on the down low.' The insider also mentioned that one of Cruise's exes 'raved' about de Armas, and the source also explained how the Cuban-born actress' romance with him came to be. 'Penelope [Cruz] put in a good word for her both personally and professionally.' Cruz and Cruise previously dated for three years after starring together in Vanilla Sky in 2001. Their relationship ended in early 2004, but the pair have remained friends, per the source. Meanwhile, Cruz and de Armas became friends after working on the 2019 film Wasp Network together. The source also revealed how the romance between de Armas and Cruise came to be. The insider said they originally met up to discuss work-related matters in February before their 'relationship developed.' Cruise was reportedly 'super smitten' with de Armas immediately and it quickly 'developed into feelings' for her; pictured May in Seoul Cruise was reportedly 'super smitten' with de Armas immediately and it quickly 'developed into feelings' for her. 'They've gone out on some dates, and it's very low-key,' the insider added about the couple who have been romantically linked since February. 'It's in the early stages and he's been courting her.' The source added that Cruise is 'really into her' before adding that the feeling is mutual, though de Armas is being 'more cautious' and is taking things slow. 'She isn't looking for anything to move too fast,' the source said. 'She's taking it really slow. It's very private. They are protecting themselves from the intense media scrutiny.' Friends believe the relationship could last, a source told — with our insider pointing to the fact that de Armas does 'not like to party,' preferring quiet nights at home like her decades-older boyfriend. Though another source stressed that the pair are 'taking it day-by-day' and that de Armas 'does not give her heart away easy.' 'Ana has a thing for older men, and Tom fits the bill of her type. The proof is in the pudding. Being affectionate with someone is not something that Ana would do for a role,' the second source added.
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ideale Men's Style According To Members' Club Curator Nikole Powers
Nikole Powers, a seasoned private members' club and culture consultant with over a decade of experience at elite venues like Soho House and Annabel's [The Birley Clubs] and her impressive resume extends to the world's most renowned private clubs and hospitality brands, including Paris Society, NeueHouse, Fotografiska, Mila, and The Collins Club. Courtesy of Nikole Powers Private members' clubs, or members-only clubs, have become an omnipresent occurrence in major cities worldwide. These stylish venues that breed luxury and networking, where remote workers and entrepreneurs come to congregate, and where presentation is everything, are the latest aspirational and tangible must-have experience. Nikole Powers, who is a seasoned private members' club and culture consultant with over a decade of experience at elite venues like Soho House and Annabel's [The Birley Clubs], where she worked with British business mogul Richard Caring, knows exactly what makes a man stand out for the right reasons. Her resume extends to the world's most renowned private clubs and hospitality brands, including The Moore, Paris Society, NeueHouse, Fotografiska, Mila, and The Collins Club. Soho House during Views Of Soho House - London in London, Great Britain. (Photo by David Lodge/FilmMagic) FilmMagic Powers now splits her time between Miami, and Los Angeles, curating the aesthetics of members' clubs within her vicinity. 'Working in private clubs for the last 10-plus years, I've seen a lot of good fashion - and bad,' she notes. 'Over all your attitude and charm will take you a long way. It's never about the brand, and good tailoring is important. Dressing for success is about effortlessness and knowing your vibe. If you look relaxed and natural in a suit, wear the suit. But if it doesn't feel like you, don't force it.' Nikole Powers, a seasoned private members' club and culture consultant knows exactly what makes a man stand out for the right reasons at renowned private clubs and hospitality brands, including Paris Society, NeueHouse, Fotografiska, Mila, and The Collins Club. Courtesy of Nikole Powers From grooming to wardrobe choices, her expert advice on how men can refine their appearance and exude confidence in any setting is warranted as a private members' club becomes a go-to experience. Powers describes it, 'I spent about three years in London working at Annabel's, which is one of the most iconic clubs there. I've also worked with NeueHouse, and did projects for Capital Records, Netflix, and BuzzFeed, mainly handling large corporate clients. I've had the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of what membership and hospitality look like, from the traditional London scene to New York and Miami.' Men who desire entry to these lavish locations are recommended to elevate their style from what they already know, meeting the suggested standards of each club. "There's a low-key swagger about men's fashion,' Powers emphasizes attitude is everything. 'You can be wearing anything, but if you have the right charisma and right attitude, it takes you a long way in life." A well-dressed man who lacks confidence will still fall short, while someone with self-assurance can make even a simple outfit look compelling. Craig the Barber during the Lab Series Skincare For Men First Ever New York Pop-Up Store launch at Lab Series Skincare For Men Pop-Up Store on November 12, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage) WireImage The private members' club curator pays close attention to grooming habits when evaluating someone's overall presentation. Powers details what she looks for. "Are you getting your haircut on a regular basis? Did you shave today? Are your teeth white? There are things that let me know you're taking care of yourself. Personal upkeep plays a role in whether someone fits the club's vibe.' Key grooming essentials are standard for Powers including haircuts from trending barbers like Blind Barber [fragrance product pictured], and skincare from baby care brands like Dr. Roberta Del Campo in Miami, or Jade Haifa Studio in Manhattan. blvnco Key grooming essentials are standard for Powers including haircuts from trending barbers like Blind Barber, and skincare from baby care brands like Dr. Roberta Del Campo in Miami, or Jade Haifa Studio in Manhattan. There are also products from Yelle, Marlowe, Narcyss, Nature Spell, Humanrace, Burke Williams, Babor, Khiel's, Natura Brasil, and Osea, that are effective and easy skincare options for guys. Hygiene makes the ideal man more acceptable for that private members' club aura, keeping things fresh and well-maintained, while moisturizing and avoiding looking overly oily or dry. While Powers emphasizes oral hygiene, utilizing products like Lumify Eye Drops, teeth whitening strips, and fragrances are simpler upgrades. "Fragrance goes a long way,' she details. 'Being able to pick out a fragrance that nobody has smelled before can draw and seduce someone." Fragrances that stand out are in any guy's best interest, reaching for brands like Veronica Gabai, Initio, Mind Games, Parfum De Marley, Clive Christian, Parfum Cirque Du Soleil, Aroma360, Killian, and Infiniment Coty Paris, to name a few. A bottle of Clive Christian's No. 1 Perfume is seen on display as Clive celebrates the Guinness World record for the world's most expensive perfume at Harrods, London. (Photo by Anthony Devlin - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images 'Trying too hard is the biggest faux pas,' Powers adds. 'Over spraying cologne, mixing too many trendy pieces, clothes that don't fit like they're supposed to. Too tight, too loose. And square-toe shoes? Just - no. Presentation matters. Treat yourself like a brand,' Powers says lightheartedly. Staying true to yourself when finding that perfect outfit stands prominent for Powers once you get past daily hygiene. While some men gravitate toward bold logos or avant-garde streetwear, Powers advises balance. "Keep it simple, but also stay true to yourself. If you're into streetwear like Gallery Dept. or Bottega, I love that look. But you can also wear jeans and a T-shirt. If you pull it off and that's your personality, it works too." A model walks the runway during the Bottega Veneta collection show at Milan's Fashion Week Womenswear Spring / Summer 2025, on September 21, 2024 in Milan. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Her definition of dressing for success is a personal battle when it comes to guys, with each individual having their own taste. "Are you relaxed? The moment someone looks like they're uptight, they don't fit in their own skin, their clothes are buckling. I feel like this person isn't going to [be] a good time." PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 18: A model walks the runway during the Bode Menswear Fall/Winter 2020-2021 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 18, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kay-) Getty Images Brands like Bode, Cherry, Rhude, Gallery Dept., PAS UNE MARQUE, Heliot Emil, and Aimé Leon Dore, offer elevated streetwear looks for the more casual guy. Designers like Saint Laurent, Prada, Tom Ford, and Jacquemus fit the more polished version of this guy, in Powers' purview. Quiet Luxury from Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, James Perse, and Nili Lotan, gives more sophistication to the aspirational elevated aesthetics. PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 21: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, fashion detail, walks the runway during the Rhude Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 presentation as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by) Getty Images 'It's never about how expensive the outfit is,' Powers points out. 'It's about your energy. Wear what makes you look relaxed and charming. The biggest giveaway that someone doesn't belong, is when they look uncomfortable in what they're wearing. Subtlety always wins in truly exclusive spaces.' Fit and fabric matter more than brand names for Powers. Luxury labels don't automatically equal style, Instead, the focus on quality is most important. "I would rather a guy who had five quality Brunello Cucinelli shirts in his closet than a guy with a closet full of fast fashion." TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN - OCTOBER 25: Models walk the runway during the Brunello Cucinelli fashion show at Hotel International Tashkent on October 25, 2013 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (Photo byfor Art Week 2013) getty Tailoring, especially for suits, and even denim, makes for attractive silhouettes. Investing in timeless pieces like a well-made blazer or leather jacket that lasts years benefits your wardrobe in the long run. "You can tell somebody quickly with a cheap button,' explains Powers. Nikole Powers, a seasoned private members' club and culture consultant with over a decade of experience at elite venues like Soho House and Annabel's [The Birley Clubs] where she worked with British business mogul Richard Caring, her impressive resume extends to the world's most renowned private clubs and hospitality brands. Courtesy of Nikole Powers 'Nothing's worse than a cheap button. Your fashion shouldn't hurt the environment. If it does, stop! You don't need to buy something new every 20 minutes," she notes, stressing a guy's capacity for sustainability. She continues, 'Invest in chic shoes, a good belt, and a personal style piece. Maybe a piece of jewelry, or cool sunglasses. I have a friend who's from Louisiana and he always finds statement pieces that are indicative of the culture. Find your thing!' Shoe brands like Santoni, Beckett Simonon, Good Man Brand, Clark's Original, or even a clean pair of sneakers from a brand like Axel Arigato, offer sophistication, but also individuality. Santoni Men's shoes. Courtesy of Santoni Accessories play a part in styling when elevating your taste for exclusivity at a private members' club. "A nice watch is always a flex, but it's old-school,' Powers notes. 'The new-age crowd - many don't even wear one. Get something that suits your personality and is the best quality you can afford. Just never buy fake. That's embarrassing." Powers doubles-down. "Don't show up with a fake watch or knockoff designer. It's embarrassing and obvious." Knowing your surroundings as a guy is key to reading a room to maximize your experience. "Think about your audience. Play into it while staying true to yourself. Look comfortable and relaxed. If you hit those three notes, you're going to be okay." "Dressing well isn't about spending the most, it's about looking like the best version of yourself," Powers affirms. "Always have clean shoes. Unless you're going for a full-black biker look, scuffed sneakers or dirty dress shoes ruin the vibe." A polished pair elevates your outfit. A vintage belt or a unique bracelet can add personality. Powers describes style as "In London, I dress smart. In LA, I'm in streetwear." Atmosphere at the Soho House in Los Angeles, California (Photo by John Sciulli/WireImage) WireImage Authenticity is magnetic, playing your hand to find your way into a private members' club. Whether it's an affordable vintage find or investing in a bespoke suit, wearing it with pride is the mission. "Look like you belong,' the members' club guru, Nikole Powers, concludes. 'If you don't, they'll know. But if you own your style - clean shoes, polished hair, confidence - you'll walk right in."
