International Students House (ISH) has fostered global friendships, cultural exchange, and support for students from around the world for 60 years. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we take a journey through time, reflecting on the lives touched, the friendships forged, and the futures shaped within these walls.
Since ISH first opened its doors at 229 Great Portland Street in 1965, to today’s vibrant international community, our mission has remained the same—to create a ‘home from home’ for students far from their own. This 60th-anniversary is a celebration of our past and a call to action for our future. We invite you to be part of this journey—by sharing your memories, reconnecting with fellow alumni, and helping us build a sustainable future for generations of students to come.
Over the years, ISH expanded both physically and in spirit, welcoming students from over 160 countries and building a global alumni network of individuals who have gone on to make a difference worldwide.
The impact of ISH extends far beyond accommodation. It is a place where ideas are exchanged, lifelong friendships are formed, and global leaders take their first steps toward changing the world. Our alumni, affectionately known as ‘Goats,’ remain connected across continents, carrying with them the values of inclusivity, community, and international cooperation.
Honouring Our Legacy and Building Our Future
To mark our Diamond Anniversary, we are launching a multi-faceted campaign designed to celebrate our history while ensuring a strong future. Our key goals include:
Memory Collection
We are inviting alumni and current residents to share their ISH stories—whether in written form, through photos, videos, or audio recordings. These memories will be part of a living digital archive that preserves the essence of our global community. Please join ISH Global Connect and share your stories and photos with us.
Fundraising for Future Students
Our goal is to raise £60,000 through JustGiving to support our hardship fund, ensuring that students in need continue to have a safe and welcoming place to stay in London. At Christmas, we raised £35,000 so are already over halfway to our target.
Engaging the ISH Network
Through digital storytelling, social media campaigns, and special events, we aim to bring together past and present members of the ISH family, strengthening our global community.
Celebrating in Style
Key events include our 60th Birthday as well as country celebrations hosted by our Goats ambassadors around the world.
Get Involved: Your Story Matters
Everyone who has passed through ISH has contributed to its legacy. Now, we ask you to help shape its future. Whether you were here in the 1960s or just last year, your experience is part of a greater story of international friendship and shared understanding.
Here’s how you can be part of this milestone celebration:
Share Your ISH Story: Submit your photos, memories, and reflections to our ISH Global Connect platform.
Support the Future: Make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter to ensure ISH continues to be a home for international students in need.
Spread the Word: Engage with our campaign on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to help us reach more alumni and supporters.
Join Our Events: Reconnect with old friends and make new connections at our anniversary celebrations.
60 Years, Countless Lives Changed
The story of ISH is one of resilience, generosity, and community. It is a story written by every student who has ever called ISH home. As we step into this next chapter, we do so with gratitude for the past and a commitment to ensuring that ISH continues to be a place of opportunity, belonging, and friendship for the next 60 years and beyond.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable journey. Share your story, support the cause, and help us honour the past while shaping the future of ISH.
Here’s to 60 years of global connections—and many more to come!