How to earn your seat at Island Haven
100 seats in two halls, and always more applications than seats. So every rule is here, in public: who the space is for, how each application is scored, and how a seat is given once you apply.
Who we are looking for
University students
Still studying, and needing a steady place to work and learn outside the home.
Proof of enrolment or a valid university card.
Graduates
Done with study, building a first professional track.
A graduation certificate. If you cannot obtain one: a letter or transcript from the university, or any document you do have plus a written explanation, or a CV with a link to your work.
Freelancers
Working for themselves, needing quiet, power and internet they can rely on.
A portfolio link or a freelancing-platform profile.
Other
Cases the categories above do not cover; each is read on its own.
Any document that shows why you need the space.
Seat patterns and hours
The space is open 09:00 to 17:00 and splits at 12:30 with no gap: the first period is 09:00 — 12:30, the second 12:30 — 17:00. One desk is shared by a morning member and an afternoon member, so the hall seats twice its desk count.
Morning · every day
09:00 — 12:30
Six days a week, Saturday to Thursday.
Afternoon · every day
12:30 — 17:00
Six days a week, Saturday to Thursday.
Three days · full day
09:00 — 17:00
Sat · Mon · Wed, or Sun · Tue · Thu.
Full week · full day
09:00 — 17:00
Six days a week, Saturday to Thursday.
The form asks for a first pattern and an alternative. If the first one fills up we offer you the alternative — nobody is turned away because their first choice was taken.
How applications are scored
Every application is read against one sheet worth a hundred points, by two assessors rather than one. Sixty or more passes; seats then go to the highest scores until the hall is full.
The journey, step by step
- 1Applications openWe announce the window and how long it stays open
- 2You fill in the form15 — 30 minutes
- 3Initial screening3 working days
- 4Interviews20 minutes · two assessors · within 5 working days
- 5Selection and seat patternsScored out of 100
- 6Applicants are notified3 working days
- 7You confirm your placeWithin 3 days of being told
- 8Orientation sessionWithin a week — the membership starts here
A membership runs four months from the orientation session. If you are not accepted this round your application stays on the list and you are told when the door opens again.
Ready to apply?
Set aside 15 — 30 minutes, and have your proof document ready.
Registration closed — book a guest seat