Responsibilities in Your New Accommodation

Cleaning

You are responsible for keeping your room clean and jointly responsible for the communal areas in your flat. The University provides mops, buckets, and brushes for you to use within your flat. While the University will clean the shared areas of the building, maintaining the shared areas within your flat and individual rooms is your responsibility.

If your flat isn't cleaned to a reasonable standard, you will be notified and given a chance to clean up. If it’s still not up to standard upon re-inspection, professional cleaners may be engaged, and the cost will be divided equally among the students.

Inspections

Inspections occur around three times a year. If you fail to comply with your licence agreement, inspections may become more frequent. You'll receive at least seven days' notice before an inspection. Ensure your room and flat are up to the required standard during these times.

Laundry

You're responsible for your own laundry. On-site laundry facilities are available, and you'll receive more information about them upon arrival.

Damages

The University is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the building. However, if you cause damage, you may be charged for it. If the responsible party cannot be identified but it is likely that a resident is at fault, the cost may be divided amongst residents.

Parties & Guests

There are obvious risks associated with having a party within your flat—damage is more likely to occur. Any costs incurred due to your party will be charged back to you, and any guests are your responsibility. It is worth checking with Halls Management about particular restrictions on parties at your residence.

We discourage advertising parties publicly — especially on the internet, as you will be responsible for everyone at your party. Don’t invite anyone you don’t know.

Occasional overnight guests are allowed, but we do not permit long-term guests. Typically, a maximum of 3 nights is allowed. Be considerate of your flatmates and let them know when you may have guests to stay. You are responsible for your guests at all times until they leave the residence.

TV Licence

If you have a TV in the communal area or your bedroom, you must obtain a valid TV licence. Watching or downloading BBC programmes on iPlayer also requires a licence. The University arranges licences for TVs in common rooms outside flats.

Making Changes to Your Room

Do not make alterations to your room. This includes redecorating, putting up shelves, fixing aerials or satellite dishes, altering wiring or plumbing, or adding locks. If you make any changes, you will be liable for the costs to restore the room to its original condition.

Feel free to use non-marking sticky stuff for posters. Removing furniture from your room or flat is not allowed and may result in replacement charges.

Confiscated Items

The University may confiscate items that are unlawful or pose a risk to health, safety, or welfare. You will typically be warned and asked to remove such items before they are confiscated.

Post

Generally, each flat has a lockable post box, and you'll receive access details on arrival. Large packages or courier deliveries will be signed for at reception and can be collected during office hours. Make sure to check at reception for any deliveries.

Noise

We all understand that students like to celebrate and enjoy themselves, but it is important to remember the impact your behaviour may have on others around you.

If you plan on having a party or gathering, be considerate of your flatmates and let them know. As a general rule, quiet hours operate from 23:00 to 07:00 Sunday to Thursday and between midnight and 08:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.

Please keep in mind that not everyone will be on the same schedule. Just because you don’t have early morning lectures, that doesn’t mean nobody else does. Please ensure you aren’t disturbing those around you who are trying to study or sleep.

Noise can cause serious distress, and in some instances, excessive and constant noise can ruin a student’s experience within halls. If you are struggling with a constant noise issue, please don’t hesitate to contact the Residence Life Team about this, or call the emergency 24-hour number at the time the noise is occurring. The Out of Hours number for your site can be found on our Safety and Security page.

Internet

Wi-Fi is provided to all flats as part of your rent. All students are bound by the University’s Policy and Procedures on the Appropriate Student Use of University Electronic Information and Communications Facilities and Services, as well as the University’s Regulations for the Use of Institutional Learning and Information Services Facilities and Institutional IT Facilities. The University may suspend internet access to your room if you contravene these policies or if you are in serious breach of the terms of your licence agreement.

Waste Disposal

Assist us in reducing landfill waste by properly disposing of trash. Use the general waste and recycling bins in your kitchen and take them to the bin store when full. Separate general waste (black bin bags) from recycling (white/clear bin bags or loose). Check with reception if you have questions.

Respecting Those Around You

Living with others can be challenging. Effective communication, consideration, and compromise are key to a harmonious living environment. If disputes arise, try to resolve them yourselves first. If needed, the Residence Life Team can mediate and offer guidance.

Insurance

Your personal possessions are insured under the Block Halls Scheme and the premium for the scheme is included in the rent. If you need to make a claim please refer to the Terms and Conditions to make sure the policy is adequate for your needs.

We recommend that you examine this insurance to ensure it covers all of your needs. If you have any items of high value (e.g. a bicycle), it may be worth considering top- up cover. Details of additional cover, and charges, are set out in the terms and conditions of insurance.