Our home in London
South Kensington Hostel
Located at the heart of London, the Home of the Religious of Mary Immaculate welcomes up to 70 girls aged 18 to 27, single and from all walks of life, they live away from home to study or for work.
As in all our homes, the RMI Home in London offers a friendly family atmosphere conducive to studying, in a spirit that draws on Catholic ideals, and which relies on active participation and awareness of the common good, allowing each one to experience responsibility, friendship and collaboration, through the activities on offer and the involvement of each in daily life.
Through their discreet presence, their listening and their respect, the sisters collaborate in the integral development of each young person, also offering the possibility of maturing in the Christian faith, through personal guidance, for those who so wish.
For more information, visit the South Kensington Hostel website
WHERE ARE WE ?
15 Southwell Gardens
London, SW7 4RN, UK
HOW TO FIND US ?
By tube :
- Gloucester Road (3 min)
- S. Kensington (12 min)
- Earls Court (12 min)
OPENING HOURS
– From MONDAY to THURSDAY & SUNDAY : 7am – 11pm
– FRIDAY and SATURDAY : 7am – midnight
(Before 8am and after 8.30pm = for our residents only)
What's included
Single/double
bedroom
bathrooms
ensuite or not
Wifi
Central heating
Laundry room with
washing machine and dryer
Breakfast
Drinks dispenser
Chapel and oratory
Study room
Library
Garden
TV rooms, small
living rooms
Party/games room
Kitchen
Bed linen is not provided.
Each girl is responsible for the upkeep of her room.
What's nearby?
HANDY
Tube, bus, supermarket, pharmacy, post office, bank, pubs, bars, restaurants, libraries, etc…
SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES
- London School of Dramatic Art
- Imperial College London
- Royal College of Music
- Lycée Français Charles De Gaulle School
- Kensington & Chelsea College
- Frances King English School
- Oxford House College
- Richmond – The American International University in London
- London College Of Fashion
- Royal College of Art
- University of Westminster
MUSEUMS & PLACES OF INTEREST
- Natural History Museum (Cromwell Road)
- Science Museum
- Royal Albert Hall
- London Oratory
- Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
- Kensington Palace
- Baden-Powell House
- The Albert Memorial
- Harrods
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
- Imperial College Sports Centre
PARCS & GARDENS
- Hyde Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Thurloe Square Garden
- Holland Park
- St Luke’s Gardens
Activities
Culture / Courses
Film club, English courses, conferences and workshops, human formation / personal development…
Spiritual activities / human formation
Taizé prayer, faith sharing group, Sunday Mass in Spanish (6pm), retreats, participation in the “Flame Congress” (large gathering of Catholic youth in the UK)
Entertainment / sport
Music club, parties and celebrations, barbecue in the garden…
Social / volunteering
Helping with simple domestic tasks, occasional actions with Caritas or other charities, volunteering in the house or internationally…
OFFERS
Testimonials
Dear Sisters
Thank you very much for hosting me, it has been a great experience for me. My first job, the first time that I travelled alone, living in a foreign country. I met lovely people who have now become my friends. Thank you for being a part of my experience, it was a great opportunity for my personal growth.
Love
Dear Sisters
Thank you so much for making a wonderful home for me the past year. It has given me a place with so much warmth and comfort.
Much love
Dear Sisters
Thank you so much for accepting me into the hostel. I will never forget when entering through the door, a little bit scared in a foreign country. I was welcomed and felt very relieved. You cannot imagine how much my life has changed since I was here. Thank you to all of the Sisters who have taken a piece of my heart. Thank you for letting me grow through this experience. Thank you for showing me the values of God’s Kingdom, thank you for your generosity kindness and love through this years.
Thank you
Dear Sisters
These six month have been amazing with you. I met really affectionate people. I had a super time with the girls at the RMI hostel. Thank you for all your love and your patience.
Dear Sisters
I just would like to say thank you for being a lovely family. Your hostel gave me the opportunity to meet other girls. The experience in London would never be as amazing without the RMI.
Dear Sisters
I just want to express how grateful I am for having spent this month at RMI hostel. The moment I came in I immediately felt like I was at home with people who cared for me, I was miles away from my home however, the people in the RMI hostel became a second family to me. The girls I shared with became my friends and I will keep in contact with them. We had great talks together and the loveliest times spent was in the mornings down in the kitchen over breakfast. I will always keep in mind that I have a second home at RMI hostel.
Love
Booking Enquiry
SOCIAL CENTRE
If you are an employer and need home help (babysitter, nanny, cleaner or housekeeper) contact us on 020 7373 3869 (international: 0044 20 7373 3869)
- Monday to Friday
- from 10.00 to 12.00 am
Mail: socialservices@rmilondonhostel.com
If you wish, you may support us through donations as they are much needed for the upkeep of the convent and pastoral youth activities.
If you are looking for a job, come and see us at the convent with your passport and a passport photo from Monday to Friday from 9.45 to 11.45 am (or from 5.30 to 6.30 pm for those who cannot come in the morning because of their work or studies – only with appointment).
Every Sunday at 5.30 pm (or 6.00 pm, depending on the time of the year – ask the sisters): Mass in Spanish is celebrated in our chapel.
We also offer different activities such as:
- listening / guidance
- English classes
- psychological assistance
- prayer groups
- youth group
- retreats…
Address: 15 Southwell Gardens SW7 4RN
Tel: 020 7373 3869
- From Monday to Thursday
- 10:00 to 12:00 am
OUR SOCIAL SERVICES
Our SOCIAL CENTRE since 1945 is open to the socio-economic needs of the young domestic workers, especially those who migrate from their countries to big cities like London hoping to find work. We listen to their needs – with the eyes and heart of Saint Vicenta, Maria our founder, who started this work in Madrid in 1876 with her aunt Eulalia.
We welcome them in our place providing them the opportunity to develop themselves with adequate training, help them discover their talents, create in them attitudes of reflection, critical sense and responsibility towards their work and help them grow in their Christian identity.
We have Sunday Mass in Spanish at 5:30pm (or 6:00pm, depending on the time of year – don’t hesitate to ask the sisters).
Different events and activities are also organised, especially on Saturday (English classes, catechesis, prayer groups…).
Do not hesitate to ask the sisters for information if you are interested.
We are not an employment agency but we are happy to help young adults to introduce some employers (or vice versa) who know us and ask for help about nannies or housekeepers.