Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for accommodation? An Accommodation Application form will be sent out with your offer letter.

When will I find out if I have been allocated accommodation? Allocating rooms to 1000 students can be a lengthy process. Notification of whether you have gained a room can take up to 2 months after your application form is received.

Do I need a TV licence? Yes, if you bring a TV or laptop which you can use to watch TV programmes you must purchase a TV licence.

Can I have guests to stay? If you are under 18, or living in an under 18 block, guests are not allowed to stay overnight. If you are over 18 and living in an designated over 18 area guests are entitled to stay for a night. Please be aware that all guests must sign in and abide by College rules and regulations.

Can I bring a car? Car parking is available on campus. A parking permit must be purchased from the Transport Office.

Can I leave my accommodation early? If you wish to leave your accommodation early you will need to advise the Residential Bookings Coordinator of your intention to leave in writing and you will be responsible for the rent for the entire licence agreement, unless a suitable replacement is found.

Will I have internet access in my room? All rooms have internet access. In some areas this is wireless and so service may be impeded by demand.

What do I need to bring? Bedding, towels and your personal belongings. If you are in catered halls breakfast and dinner can be provided in the dining halls. There is a common room in each block which will have a microwave, fridge, kettle and ironing board. If you are in self-catered halls make sure you bring items such as crockery, cutlery, saucepans, cooking utensils etc – all the basic equipment to get you started for your first time living away from home. These can be purchased from the college online shop if you wish.

When are the accommodation fees due? You will receive one invoice, payable either in full or by instalments at the start of each term. Alternatively you can set up an 8 month direct debit starting in October. Please be aware payment of the first term’s instalment will need to be made or the direct debit set up on or before enrolment to ensure you can collect the key to your room.

Can I stay in accommodation during the vacation periods (i.e half term, end of term)?
FE under 18s – no, rooms on campus are for term time only. Outside of term time the College is used for conferences and events. These benefit you directly as they help us keep hall fees as low as possible. You will therefore be asked to vacate your room for all holiday periods including the half terms and at the end of each term. You will be given at least four weeks notice if the College needs to use your room for commercial activities. It is important that when you vacate your room it is completely cleared.

FE over 18s – if you have been allocated to an FE over 18 block you will be able to occupy your room from enrolment to the end of the academic year. Please be aware though, that the College reserves the right to utilise an over 18 FE students room for 12 days in the licence agreement period during holiday periods. You will be provided with four weeks notice should this be necessary.

HE – Yes, rooms can be occupied from enrolment to the end of the academic year. Please be aware that at certain times of the year parts of the College may be closed, such as during the Christmas bank holiday period.

Will I be charged if I cancel my accommodation before I arrive? If you cancel your accommodation before you arrive you will need to let the Residential Bookings Co-ordinator know either in writing or by email. If you do so before 31 July you will be given a full refund of your deposit, before 31 August 2011 you will be refunded £120, before enrolment £75 and if you do not arrive and give no notification the deposit will not be refunded.

Is there a launderette available? Yes, there are two launderettes on campus, one located in the Rudgeley complex, and one by Catsbury.

What is expected of me? Students are required to pay promptly and adhere to the terms of their tenancy/licence agreement (available to view on the Accommodation page of the College website).

What if I damage the room/equipment? You will be charged to repair any damage caused maliciously and possibly accidentally, including an administration fee. In addition you could face disciplinary procedures.

Are staff available 24 hours a day? Yes, Student Services is open during the day and out of hours the Duty Warden Team is contactable on the Duty Warden mobile. This number is displayed in all the blocks.

Are there recycling facilities? Yes there are recycling bins located in each block.