Imperial's newest u­ndergraduate hall of residence in London's Southbank area, near Waterloo, was officially opened by Kate Hoey MP on 24 January.

The building’s first student occupants arrived last September, after a £9 million renovation by the charity Chapter 1, which owns and manages the property. The hall, which is close to the BFI IMAX cinema and the attractions of the Southbank, is named Xenia, which is Greek for hospitality.

The accommodation has a majority of en suite study bedrooms with some standard and twin rooms, and contains a variety of communal spaces including student lounges, games room, shared kitchens and a courtyard garden. The complex also offers a social programme and support network via its wardening team and Chapter 1 staff.

Rumy Neykova (Computing), a subwarden at the new hall, said: “As one mother recently posted on the Xenia facebook page, ‘Halls have definitely improved in recent years!’ The two lounges are comfortable places where Xenians can get together for chat and parties.”

Xenia will help the College to meet its guarantee of accommodation to first year students, following the transfer of Orient House, a 150-bed residence near Imperial Wharf Station, to the GradPad portfolio. Wilson House in Paddington is closed for extensive renovation and is anticipated to re-open in September 2013.

Rooms at Xenia range from £110 per week for a twin to £200 per week for an en suite single.

Paul Noke, Head of Residential Services, said: “It’s important that our students have access to high quality but affordable accommodation. The addition of Xenia means that there will be more choice of room types and rents available in zone one for Imperial students.”

Chapter 1 will use proceeds from the contract with Imperial to support its core aims of providing accommodation and support for vulnerable people.