Loring Hall was perfect for what you need. It is a five minute walk to the main campus, library etc, there is an on site laundry and all the rooms have an en-suite as well as a communal area in each flat. The rooms are mostly tiny (there are a couple of massive ones) with in built desks etc. The ensuites are wet rooms and mena that you don't have to share a bathroom with anyone - excellent news when you live with students! The flats are regularly cleaned and have large communal kitchens. Each room has a yale lock and the halls are in a secure community behind a locked gate with a security guard. They are opposite New Cross Gate station. New Cross is a pretty horrible area but the university are doing their best to make improvements, and although it's not an ideal place to live long term, it is the perfect location for a first year student because of proximity to the university and other amenities. I had a great time at Loring Hall.