accommodation - University of Roehampton

Transcription

accommodation - University of Roehampton
Accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 1
Southlands College halls of residence
Introduction
Contents
The aim of this booklet is to provide you with information
about accommodation both on the University campus and
off campus in the local area. London is one of the world’s
most exciting and cosmopolitan cities, and as a Roehampton
student you will be well placed to enjoy everything the city
has to offer. You will be joining a community of eight million
people where over 300 languages are spoken. We hope that
by the end of your studies you will feel as much a Londoner
as those who have spent all their lives here!
On-campus accommodation....................... 2.
Pre-sessional English courses................... 8
Campus map............................................ 10
Digby Stuart College halls of residence... 12
Froebel College halls of residence........... 14
Southlands College halls of residence..... 16
Whitelands College halls of residence..... 17
Applying................................................... 19
Paying...................................................... 20
Arriving/vacating...................................... 22
2 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
2
Off-campus accommodation..................... 23
Types......................................................... 24..
Where to find off-campus
accommodation................................................ 28
Postcode map........................................... 32..
Tips for finding suitable properties............ 33
Council Tax.................................................... 36
Insurance....................................................... 36
Temporary accommodation.......................... 36
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 1
On-campus
accommodation
Roehampton was ranked first among London universities for
the environment on and around campus
— Times Higher Education 2009 Student Experience Survey
• Make new friends easily
• Live in a safe and secure environment
• Feel part of a collegiate community
• Live near classes and facilities
• Know your accommodation costs in advance,
and therefore budget effectively
Roehampton University comprises four Colleges, on which the
accommodation is centred: Digby Stuart, Froebel, Southlands and
Whitelands. Roehampton has Student Welfare Officers, Residential
Wardens and a student-appointed Deputy President, so in
comparison to other universities of the same size you have
much more access to student support services.
Studying at a collegiate university gives students a sense of
community – you are not only part of the University, but will also
have an instant identity within the smaller world of the College.
Most students can choose their College, but some will only be
eligible to go into certain halls and therefore certain Colleges.
Students who are non-resident (living off-campus) are automatically
assigned to the College associated with their degree. Most students
opt to live on the part of the campus where their course is based.
Living on campus is a sociable experience. You’ll have the
opportunity to meet and mix with students from all over the world.
You should be prepared to be tolerant of other people and cultures,
and understand that you’re living in a community environment. Most
students who live on campus are aged 18–22 and the atmosphere is
often lively and noisy. However, accommodation in a quieter
environment is available for postgraduate and mature students.
2 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 3
Room and location options
You have a choice of room types and locations
(subject to availability), which are detailed on the
following pages. All rooms are single occupation
and the average room size is 10–12 square
metres. Smoking is not permitted in University
accommodation.
There is no on-campus accommodation available
for families but our Accommodation Office can
help families find off-campus accommodation.
We will consider all requests (such as single-sex
accommodation or ground floor location) but
these are subject to availability and cannot be
guaranteed.
Students with disabilities
30 rooms across campus have adapted facilities
for disabled students and those with long-term
medical conditions. If you have any requirements
relating to a disability or long-term medical
condition, please contact the Accommodation
Office as soon as possible to ensure that these
are fully in place before arrival.
4 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Eating and shopping
During the day there are numerous cafes and restaurants on
campus where you can buy sandwiches, salads and hot lunches.
In the evening, most students cook for themselves using their shared
kitchen facilities. There is a small shop on campus that sells basic
provisions, but most students buy their weekly provisions at one of
the local shops in Roehampton, at the nearby Asda supermarket or on
the High Street in Putney, which is just 10 minutes away by bus.
How long will I stay on campus?
Generally on-campus accommodation is only available for the entire
academic year. However, it is possible to apply to live on campus
if you are only studying for one semester or one term (if this is the
case, you will need to make the Accommodation Office aware of your
requirements when you apply). A small number of rooms are offered
to students on short courses; however, this is dependent on availability. If you require accommodation for the full academic year then your
contract will include the Christmas and Easter vacations.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 5
Security
The Roehampton campus is a safe place to live, but you should take all the
usual precautions to safeguard your belongings and person. Make sure you
lock your door when away from your room, do not leave personal possessions
unsecured and remember to keep your room key unlabelled and in a safe place.
Security staff are present on campus 24 hours a day and have a special
emergency extension (3333) should you need to reach them urgently.
Included in the accommodation fee:
• The accommodation fee includes:
o all heating, lighting, water and internet connection
o electrical testing for your appliances
o contents insurance.
• Room furniture varies but all rooms include a single bed, mattress,
wardrobe, desk, chair, shelving and sink.
Other facilities on campus
• Cash machines at the University Library and
Froebel cafeteria
• Gym, sports hall, and an outdoor games
area for basketball, football etc
• Laundry facilities
• Flat/Hall Representatives in each flat/hall to
help you settle in
• Medical Centre
• Students’ Union, which stages social events
and offers welfare advice
• 24-hour security
• Cafeterias, diners and coffee bars
• Kitchen equipment includes cooker/stove, microwave, fridge, freezer, kettle,
toaster and food storage space. Cooking utensils, cutlery, and crockery are
not provided but can be purchased at a local supermarket. Alternatively you
can arrange to buy before you arrive and have these items delivered to the
university by All-Unied (www.all-unied.com).
• Common areas of accommodation will be cleaned by domestic staff,
but students are expected to clean their own rooms and do their
own washing up of kitchen utensils, cutlery and crockery.
• An internal phone is available in each flat or corridor.
• Laundry facilities are available at all Colleges.
Although not included in the cost of your accommodation you will receive a
bedding bundle at an additional cost of only £20. A bedding bundle includes a
duvet, sheet, duvet cover and pillow slip. A mattress cover and a pillow will also
be provided. International students will also receive a University-approved fused
electrical adaptor.
6 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 7
Pre-Sessional Students
For the summer of 2011, pre-sessional students will be accommodated
at New Court in Froebel College. The cost per week will be £91.
Students need to be aware that they will have to provide a £250
deposit, which is refundable when they leave their accommodation,
on condition that the room is still in a good state of repair.
To apply for a room for your pre-sessional course, please visit the
website below and download the accommodation application form.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-andpreparation-courses/pre-sessional-english
Facilities
• For an extra £60 only we can also supply you with a kitchen and
bedding pack to help you get settle. This includes the following:
Five piece bedding set; international plug adaptor; dinner & side
plates, bowl, mug, cutlery set, glass, saucepan; frying pan; multi
peeler; can opener; bottle opener; kitchen towel; wooden spoon;
vegetable knife.
• Coin-operated laundrette
• Full access to the University Library and computer suites
• A range of on-campus cafes and dining areas
8 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 9
Campus map
Roehampton University comprises four Colleges.
Three of them – Digby Stuart, Froebel and
Southlands – are on the main site, while Whitelands
is a 15-minute walk away. You may prefer to live
in a hall of residence that is closest to where your
classes are taught; however, there is no requirement
to do so, and all parts of the University are within
easy walking distance of each other.
Grove House and Froebel Lake, Froebel College
Mount Clare Site
Main site
(Digby, Froebel and
Southlands)
Mount Clare
Site
Parkstead House, Whitelands College
Duchesne Building, Digby Stuart College
10 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
All Roehampton
facilities are within
a 15-minute walk of
each other.
Whitelands Site
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 11
Digby Stuart College
halls of residence
Newman House
• Four corridors of single rooms
• Older style but slightly larger rooms
• 61 places
Bede House
• 53 semi en-suite rooms (private shower)
• Four corridors of single rooms
• 8 standard rooms (shared bathroom)
• 108 places
• Standard rooms (shared bathroom)
• Self-catering
• Communal kitchens
• 38-week rental period
•Self-catering
• Communal kitchens
• 38-week rental period
• Semi en-suite room: £112.70 per week
(£4,266.50 per annum)
• Standard room: £98.00 per week
(£3,710 per annum)
• £93.10 per week (£3,524.50 per annum)
Shaw House
• Rooms grouped in units of 6 (some rooms have
en-suite facilities for disabled students)
Lee House
• 143 places
• New style residence grouped in units of 6 to 9
(some rooms suitable for students with disabilities)
• 47 en-suite rooms (private bathroom)
• 140 places
• Self-catering
• All en-suite rooms (private bathroom)
• Communal kitchens and lounges
• Self-catering
• 38-week rental period
• Communal kitchens
• En-suite room: £119.70 per week
(£4,531.50 per annum)
• 38-week rental period
• £119.70 per week (£4,531.50 per annum)
12 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
• 96 standard rooms (shared bathroom)
• Standard room: £105.00 per week
(£3,975 per annum)
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 13
Froebel College
halls of residence
Southlands College
halls of residence
Aspen, Linden and Willow
Epworth/Aldergate Court
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Residences grouped in units of 5 to 8
New style residences grouped in units of 6
Aspen: 56 places
Linden: 42 places, exclusively for PGCE students
Willow: 59 places
All en-suite rooms (private bathroom)
Self-catering
Communal kitchens
Aspen and Linden: 38-week rental period
Willow: 40-week rental period
En-suite room: £119.70 per week
(£4,531.50 per annum for 38 weeks)
• 216 places
• Standard rooms (shared bathroom)
• Self-catering
• Communal kitchens
• 38-week rental period
• £105.00 per week (£3,975 per annum)
Wesley Hall
• Residences grouped in units of 5 to 8
• 66 places
• En-suite rooms (private bathroom)
• Self-catering
14 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Old Court, New Court, Garden Court
and Lawrence
• Communal kitchens
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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• £119.70 per week (£4,531.50 per annum)
Older style residences
Old Court: 16 places
New Court: 24 places
Garden Court: 40 places
Lawrence: 34 places
Standard rooms (shared bathroom)
Self-catering
Communal kitchens
38-week rental period
£105.00 per week (£3,975 per annum)
• 38-week rental period
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 15
advertisement
Whitelands College
halls of residence
The most popular packs that
international students buy:
Most Essential Pack
Beverley, Cheltenham, Durham,
and Gilesgate
• Residences grouped in units of 6 to 10
• 257 places
• En-suite rooms (private bathroom)
• Some rooms suitable for disabled students
• Self-catering
• Communal kitchens and lounges
• 38-week rental period
• £119.70 per week (£4,531.50 per annum)
Sutherland, Walpole, Kings and Melrose
• Residences grouped in units of 5 to 8
• 47 places
• En-suite rooms (private bathroom)
• Self-catering
• Communal kitchens and lounges
• 48-week rental period (postgraduate and
mature students)
• £119.70 per week (£5,728.50 per annum)
One thing you might not have considered is the individual
‘essentials’ you will need when you arrive. In your
accommodation room you will find a bed, cupboard and
desk – you will need to provide your own towels and
clothes-hangers. And each communal kitchen contains a
cooker, refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven, toaster and
kettle – so you will also need to provide your own individual
crockery, cutlery, glasses, saucepans, frying pans and
cooking utensils.
Cooking and Eating Pack
You could waste valuable luggage capacity by hauling
everything over with you. Or you could wait until you arrive
on campus before going to the shops, however it may prove
challenging to carry everything back including a food shop!
An easier way however is to purchase your essential items –
before you even leave home!
Single Semester Pack
We provide a variety of ‘Essentials’ Packs, which will help
you to effortlessly set up your student accommodation.
For full information on our service, essential living packs
and costs visit www.all-unied.com
Roehampton University is not responsible for any transactions
made to All-Unied.
16 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 17
Contracts
You are required to sign a licence agreement for
your accommodation. This is a legally binding
document that commits you to the room financially
for the period stated. You will only be released from
your contract if you withdraw from the University or
you find another suitable student to fill your room.
Self-catered
All student accommodation at Roehampton is
self-catered. A kitchen will be available for you
to use in your flat or hall. You can also purchase
meals from the dining halls and cafes located
across the four Colleges.
Rental periods
We offer a variety of accommodation contracts:
Applying for on-campus accommodation
When should I apply?
As a new or prospective student, you are able to apply online for
oncampus accommodation from the beginning of April to 30 July 2011.
You will still be allowed to apply for accommodation after the deadline
of Saturday 30 July – we will put your application on a waiting list.
We are aiming to accommodate all international students that
apply before Saturday 30 July; anyone who applies after that date
cannot be guaranteed a place. In order to apply you must meet the
following criteria:
• Roehampton must be your firm choice of university.
• You must hold an offer to study from Roehampton University.
If you are under 18 and want to apply for on-campus accommodation,
please contact the Accommodation Office on +44 (0)20 8392 3166 or
email [email protected]
• 38 weeks for undergraduate students
How do I apply?
• 48 weeks for postgraduate students and mature
students.
You can apply online from the beginning of April on the
accommodation website:
All contract lengths include the Christmas and
Easter vacations, so it is possible for you to remain
in the room or store your belongings there during
these times.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/admissions/accommodation/oncampus
If you are studying for a single term/semester,
accommodation is subject to availability.
18 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Or via this shortened link: http://bit.ly/5jpeDB
If you are an international exchange student on a short programme
then please make a note, on the online application form, of the length
of stay. You can do this under ‘Other information’.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 19
Arriving at and vacating your
accommodation
What to do when you arrive
Paying for on-campus accommodation
When do I pay?
Fees for accommodation for the academic year are payable, in advance, in
three instalments. The first instalment is payable a week after the beginning of
the first term, the second instalment is due in January 2012 and the third
in April 2012.
Deposit
When you are sent an offer of accommodation, you will also be required to
pay a £250 deposit. This deposit will be refunded to you, in full, at the end
of your contract, providing there are no damages or charges incurred during
your stay. Fees for students on one semester/term programmes are payable
in full on arrival.
How do I pay?
You will be requested to set up a payment plan and to pay your accommodation
fees online using a credit or debit card. If you have a difficulty with this, you
can contact Accommodation Finance on +44 (0)20 8392 3110, or email
[email protected]
Other costs
£20 will be charged for a bedding bundle, which will be added to your
accommodation fees. A bedding bundle includes a duvet, sheet, duvet cover
and pillow slip. A mattress cover and a pillow will also be provided. International
students will also receive a University-approved fused electrical adaptor.
20 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
You will be asked to arrive on a specified day, referred
to as International Arrival Day. On arrival you should
check in at the designated arrival office and pay your
first instalment (or full accommodation fee if you are
here for one term or semester). You will be given your
room key after this payment is made. Details of the
designated arrival office will be made available
to you before you arrive. If you are not arriving on
International Arrival Day, please let us know what
date you plan to arrive and also your estimated time
of arrival on the campus. Your room key will be left
at the appropriate Security Gatehouse if you arrive
outside office hours and you will be asked to visit the
Information Centre at Digby Stuart College as soon
as possible to organise payment. Security staff will be
able to help you access your room.
Problems
If a problem arises with your room, please contact the
Accommodation Office in the first instance.
Vacating your accommodation
At the end of your contract period you must vacate
your accommodation by the time stated and leave
your room clean and tidy. Your room will be inspected
by the Accommodation Office before your deposit
can be refunded. Remember that all damages and
losses incurred will be deducted from the deposit.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 21
Off-campus
accommodation
Living off campus gives you greater flexibility. The University is in southwest London, which is considered to be one of the better areas to live
in the city. Some students prefer to be nearer to the city centre and they
use the extensive public transport network to travel to the University for
their lectures.
Roehampton University has an online service – Studentpad – dedicated
to helping you find off-campus accommodation. This can be found at
www.studentpad.co.uk/roehampton
All properties advertised on the Studentpad site are in the Roehampton
area, have been vetted and meet a minimum standard. The information
and advice on this website can be accessed in six different languages
(Chinese, English, French, Italian, German and Spanish).
You are able to contact landlords before arriving in the UK, and set up
viewings and interviews through the site, which will cut down the time
you spend searching for somewhere to live when you get here.
Our Accommodation Office also holds details of letting agencies
advertising available properties. You will be expected to view the
properties yourself, so this is something you are advised to organise
once you have settled in London and know your way around the local
areas. It is impossible to do this without being able to actually meet the
landlords and see the properties.
22 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Please note, the Accommodation Office cannot
arrange off-campus accommodation for you
in advance – they provide information via the
Studentpad website but you will have to contact
the landlords yourself.
Please remember that looking for off-campus
accommodation is time-consuming, and we
recommend that you allow yourself time before
the start of your programme to find the right
accommodation for you. Do not turn up in
London without having first arranged some
accommodation, even if it is in a hotel,
bed-and-breakfast establishment or hostel.
Off-campus Accommodation Office
Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 4451
Email: [email protected]
Prices
On average rents are around £350–£400 per
person per calendar month. This will not include
your household bills such as gas, electricity,
water rates and television licence, and you
should allow around £30–£40 per person per
month for these additional bills. Warning – if you
live in a house with one or more non-students,
you may be liable for Council Tax.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 23
OFF-CAMPUS: SHORT-TERM
Hostels
Hostels are a good choice if you are looking for temporary
accommodation. They provide an opportunity to familiarise yourself
with London and you will meet other students from all over the world.
If you want to move to private accommodation at a later date, hostel
accommodation is a good starting point.
Some hostels are run by charities or religious organisations,
but this does not normally mean that you need to be practising that
particular religion.
Bed and breakfast accommodation/
hotels/guest houses
These are useful options for short-term accommodation while you are
looking for more permanent living arrangements. You should allow a
minimum of £30 per person per night – expect to pay more in central
London. The cost may include some meals, and linen, towels and
cleaning services are provided. You can book this type of
accommodation from your home country and our Accommodation
Office (email: [email protected]) can provide a list
of options close to the University.
OFF-CAMPUS: LONG-TERM
Flat-shares and house-shares
An average-sized property in south-west London accommodates
three or four people, although some properties can be
slightly bigger.
Renting in the private sector is often the preferred choice for
students who are in their second or third year of study. By this
time, students are used to living in London and will have friends
to share accommodation with. Our Studentpad website
(www.studentpad.co.uk/roehampton) features a message board
where advertisements are placed by students with vacant rooms
or looking to flat-share.
One-/two-bedroom flats
Some students like the idea of having their own privacy by
occupying a one- or two-bedroom flat; however, this is
expensive. To rent a one-bedroom flat is likely to cost from
around £800 a month upwards; a two-bedroom flat will cost
from around £950 a month upwards. This will not include bills!
Consider sharing a three- or four-bedroom property (as above),
which is normally a cheaper option.
Lodgings
Lodgings are rented rooms in private houses where the householder (landlord) also lives in the property. It could be with a
family, a couple or someone living on their own. Bills are typically
included in the rent, although often not the telephone bill. Most
lodgings will be self-catering, but some may include meals at
extra cost. Householders often advertise their rooms online via
Studentpad – www.studentpad.co.uk/roehampton. This option is
often popular for students who want a quieter type of
accommodation.
24 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Prices are around £70–£95 per person per week, including bills
but not food. Expect to pay anything from £110 to include food.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 25
OFF-CAMPUS: short-TERM
Homestay
Homestay accommodation means that you live in a private
house within a family setting. This type of accommodation is
booked through an agent who will match your requirements to
a host family. This is a good option if you want to improve your
English language skills and would like the support of living in
the home of a British family. Many students choose this type of
accommodation to start off their time in London.
International students with families
Students who wish to bring their families with them may have
difficulty finding affordable accommodation in London and we
would advise you to make plans for accommodation as soon as
you have secured a place at the University. The University does
not manage any accommodation on campus that is suitable for
couples or families, so flats and houses in the private rented
sector or accommodation run through charities are the main
options. If you are going to bring your family, we suggest that
you arrive before them in order to begin the search for
accommodation.
Under 18s
There are legal restrictions in the UK for students who are
under 18 in terms of signing contracts. If you are starting at the
University before your 18th birthday, you should contact the
Accommodation Office and they will advise you.
26 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 27
Where to find off-campus accommodation
Most of the accommodation advertised through the Accommodation Office is
reasonably close to the University – generally within a four-mile radius. Our students
often live in ex-local authority housing around Roehampton, Putney Heath or
Southfields. Sometimes vacancies will appear in converted flats in Victorian houses,
although this option is likely to be more expensive.
Studentpad (www.studentpad.co.uk/roehampton) provide a comprehensive and
constantly updated database of private property close to the University. This gives you
the opportunity to search for properties online even before you leave your
home country.
The useful Help and Advice section on Studentpad is translated into Chinese, French,
German, Italian and Spanish. The Roehampton Studentpad zone can also be
accessed via the University’s accommodation webpages:
www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Some local areas
Roehampton, Roehampton Vale (postcode: SW15)
Most of the properties available in Roehampton are ex-social housing flats. Living in
Roehampton is handy because:
• you are within walking distance of the University and its facilities
• there are good bus links to Barnes and Putney overground train services, enabling
you to reach Waterloo station in central London in under 30 minutes
• buses connect with Hammersmith and Putney Bridge underground stations, enabling you to reach London’s West End in under 45 minutes
Putney, Putney Heath, Putney Vale (SW15)
Putney is only 10 minutes by bus from the
University. It has:
• great shopping facilities, a cinema, leisure
centre, and numerous bars and restaurants
• branches of most major banks
• excellent links to central London via overground
and underground trains (Putney has two tube
stations)
• theatre productions at the Putney Arts Theatre.
East Sheen (SW14)
With a good selection of shops and access to
beautiful Richmond Park for nice walks, East Sheen
(and neighbouring Mortlake) can be reached by bus
from the University in only 15 minutes. It also offers:
• additional buses to Richmond (for plenty of bars,
pubs, restaurants and sports centres)
• banks, building societies and coffee bars
• a train link (from Mortlake) that will take you to
Waterloo station in central London in around
30 minutes.
• there are a few local shops in Roehampton, while buses enable you to travel to
Kingston for bigger shopping trips
• a number of pubs and takeaway restaurants are within walking distance.
28 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 29
Barnes (SW13)
Located by the river Thames, Barnes is one of London’s most
expensive areas. It has a small selection of local shops, traditional
pubs and some expensive places to eat. With all this in mind,
property prices are high and there is not much accommodation
within the average student’s price range. Barnes does have good
transport links with buses going to Hammersmith and an overground train station that links with Waterloo station in
central London.
Wimbledon (SW19)
Wimbledon is roughly three miles from the University and it can be
an expensive area to live in. It offers:
• plenty of shops, entertainment and the beautiful parkland of
Wimbledon Common
• excellent transport links, including a District Line underground
station, overground train station, a bus that goes direct to
Roehampton University, and trams.
Southfields (SW18, SW19)
Southfields is another popular residential area and like nearby
Wimbledon it has a District Line underground station and a bus
that goes directly to Roehampton University. Property is generally
a mixture of ex-social housing flats and houses. You will find that
rents may be slightly cheaper than in areas such as Putney.
30 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 31
Guide to housing terminology
Tips for finding suitable properties
If you have never rented property in London, the following information
should be useful when you start looking for somewhere to live.
Area
• Is the property in a convenient location for the University, shops and pubs?
• Are there good public transport links?
D/G
double-glazed windows
Ex-local authority property
former social housing that has been bought and then
let to tenants
GCH
gas central heating
Landlord/Homeowner
person that owns the property
Lodgers
you live in a property and share the facilities with the
landlord
Maisonette
an extended flat (apartment) that usually has a second
floor upstairs
OSP
off-street parking
PCM
per calendar month
PP
per person
PRS
private rented sector
Tenancy agreement
a legally binding contract you sign when you rent a
whole property. Most contracts are for a fixed-term
period, often 12 months, and do not offer the chance
for you to cancel if you wish to move out.
Tenants
live in a property without the landlord also living there
• Can you get home safely?
• Is the area near to the property well lit by street lighting?
Most vacancies are usually advertised using postcodes to
indicate the location. This can be confusing for British people as well
as international students as the codes do not appear in a logical order;
therefore, it is a good idea to use the postcode map above.
32 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 33
YOUR CONTRACT: QUESTIONS TO ASK
Viewing properties
Once you have found some properties that you want to view, you have to contact the
landlords yourself. From a personal safety point of view, we advise that you take a
friend with you when you visit properties. This also means that you have someone to
compare notes with afterwards, which is always useful. There is a very good house
hunting advice on the National Union of Students (NUS) website: www.nus.org.uk/
en/student-life/housing-advice
The property itself
• Are there enough facilities for the number of people sharing?
• You should be looking for one toilet per five residents and one kitchen per seven
residents.
Does the property have adequate heating?
• Does the property have central heating? There is no requirement that all homes
should have central heating, and electric heating can be just as efficient (although
not always as cost effective).
• Is the property well maintained?
• Are there enough plug sockets in each room?
• Are the rooms well decorated, with reasonable wall coverings?
• Is the carpet or flooring in good condition?
Safety
• Do all gas appliances have an up-to-date CORGI Inspection Certificate?
• This is a legal requirement. Check with the Students’ Union or Accommodation
Office for further information.
• Are there smoke detectors in the house?
• Are the windows lockable?
34 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
How much is the rent?
What does this include?
How and when do you have to pay?
Do you have to pay a deposit?
Legally, you can be charged a maximum of eight weeks’ rent as a deposit. Make sure you get
a receipt from the landlord/letting agent.
Deposits are kept as security against any damages to the property or any unpaid bills, as long
as you leave the property in the same good condition it was in when you began your contract
then your deposit should be refunded to you in full.
UK law states that any deposit given to a private landlord must be kept in a deposit protection
scheme, so if there are any issues relating to the amount returned to you at the end of your
contract you can negotiate with your landlord via the scheme.
Are there any repairs that need doing before you move in?
Get these agreed in writing with the landlord.
Who is responsible for the bills?
If you share a flat or house with other students, your bills are not likely to be included. Bills will
include gas, electricity, telephone and possibly water rates.
Is there an inventory of furniture and other items in the property?
This details the contents and condition of the furniture within a property when you move in and
is useful if problems occur when you are due to leave.
How long will the contract be for?
If you share a property with other students and do not live with the landlord, it is likely that you
will have a fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. Most Agreements are for at least
six months but are very often for 12 months.
Once you sign, you are committed for this period, so if you have any doubts or concerns
about the document itself, contact the Accommodation Office or Students’ Union (email: rsu@
roehampton.ac.uk) for further advice. Your Tenancy Agreement is a legal document, so please
understand your commitment, both to your housemates and your landlord before you sign it.
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 35
Council Tax
If you are a full-time student, it is unlikely that you will need to pay this extra bill – unless
you are living off-campus with one or more non-students. Council Tax is based on the
value of a property. In order to ensure that you don’t have to pay this bill, you can obtain
a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from the University’s Registry Department once you
have registered with the University.
Insurance
If you are living on campus, your possessions will be insured and the cost of this
insurance is included in your room charge. Details are available on the extent of this
insurance cover and you can add to this insurance if you wish.
If you are living off campus, then we strongly recommend that you insure your personal
possessions. Student properties can be easy targets for thieves.
The University’s nominated insurer is Endsleigh Insurance. Information can be found on
the National Union of Students’ website (www.nus.org.uk) or from Roehampton Students’
Union (www.roehamptonstudent.com).
Temporary accommodation
Never arrive in London without booking accommodation for at least the first few days.
Although there are many hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and hostels in London, their availability may be limited, especially at peak times such as the start of the academic year.
South-west London
Premier Inn
3 Putney Bridge Approach
Putney
London
SW6 3JD
Tel: +44 (0)870 238 3302
Hotel Lily
23–33 Lillie Road
Fulham
London
SW6 1UG
Tel: +44 (0)20 7381 1881
Holiday Inn Express
Smugglers Way
Wandsworth
London
SW18 1EG
Tel: +44 (0)870 720 1298
Richrmond Inn Hotel
50 Sheen Road
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 1UG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8940 0171
Lodge Hotel
52 Upper Richmond Road
Putney
London
SW15 2RN
Tel: +44 (0)20 8874 1598
Heathrow area
Hotel Ibis
112 Bath Road
Hayes
Middlesex
Tel: +44 (0)20 8759 4888
Travelodge
Phoenix Way
Heston
Middlesex
Tel: +44 (0)20 8580 2000
Other information
London Tourist Board – www.london.com
Youth Hostel Association – www.yha.org.uk
International Students House –
www.ish.org.uk
London Hostels Association –
www.london-hostels.co.uk
You should also think carefully about the time of your arrival and consider staying near to
your arrival airport in case you arrive late in the evening or early in the morning.
On the opposite page is a brief list of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts close to the University. The list is not comprehensive and is not an indication of quality but will help you with
your search. At the bottom of the list you will find useful websites and contact details for
other agencies that can provide further help.
36 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
www.roehampton.ac.uk/international 3
3
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information in this guide is accurate but no responsibility
can be accepted for any errors or omissions.
Roehampton University Accommodation Guide
4 www.roehampton.ac.uk/accommodation
2011 Edition
+44 (0)20 8392 3232
www.roehampton.ac.uk
[email protected]