FAQS

student accommodation frequently asked questions

We are here to answer your student accommodation frequently asked questions and hope you find what you’re looking for on this page. If you have a question that’s not answered below why not ask us?
 
We’re here to help and would love to hear from you so get in touch. 

student accommodation frequently asked questions

BOOKING YOUR ACCOMMODATION

If you are a first year you can book your accommodation when you have accepted your offer from your first-choice university, if you are returning to university for a later year then you can book your accommodation at any time.

Booking is a fully online process. Click ‘book now’ on your chosen location page to book your accommodation. Click ‘what’s next’ to see a full step-by-step guide on the booking process.

We will release you from the tenancy agreement only if you have failed to obtain the required qualifications to get into your first University of choice, in any other circumstance the student and guarantor (if applicable) will be held to tenancy.

Once the tenancy has been accepted the tenancy cannot be cancelled and both tenant and guarantor (if applicable) will remain fully responsible for any payments due under the tenancy and rent will continue to be payable up to the end of the tenancy agreement.

u-student may consider releasing your from the obligations of the tenancy in the situation that you find an alternative student to take over your room. In this instance you must inform u-student Head Office as soon as possible and we reserve the right not to accept any nominated replacement. (A release charge will apply).

Any cancellation requests must be received in writing to U Student, Oakvale House, Thomas Lane, Burgh Road Industrial Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 7ND.

Of course you can. To arrange a viewing please click ‘book a tour’ on your chosen location page.

No. U-student don’t take damage deposits or any additional fees. Any residents choosing the full payment option are required to pay a £500 reservation deposit when booking.

Please get in touch via phone or email before choosing your room type and we will let you know if its available. Please refer to ‘what’s next’ to see a full step-by-step guide on the booking process.

Yes. Please get in touch via ohone or email and we will allocate you in the same flat (subject to availability) We will need to know everyone’s full name in the group.

No – every student is welcome! Accommodation with u-student is available to university and college students of all years. Many residents choose u-student in their first year and say with us for the duration of their academic studies.

All flats are mixed gender but you can select same gender on the ‘choose a room’ page of the online booking process. Once you have booked your accommodation u-student will contact you to discuss your same-gender request.

Yes, we will do our best to accommodate any requests. To discuss early arrivals and/or tenancy extensions, please contact u-student Head Office on 01228 592594 or email admin@u-student.com.

No. Your room is yours for the entire duration of your tenancy. We advise any resident to hand in their key at reception if away from the accommodation for a length of time.

A guarantor is a nominated person who accepts the tenancy alongside the tenant and guarantees to pay rent or any other monies owing on behalf of the tenant.

Students choosing to pay rent in installments must provide a guarantor. A guarantor must be a permanent UK resident, employed and have no record of CCJs or Court Orders.

u-student reserves the right to decline a guarantor if they are not deemed suitable. In this situation the resident will be requested to provide an alternative guarantor or pay all of their rent in full prior to the tenancy start date.

If you do not have a guarantor and you would like to pay your rent in installments, we recommend contacting UKGuarantor, who can provide a guarantor service for UK and International students. To find our more visit http://www.ukguarantor.com

To make things easier on moving in day, please ensure that you have completed all requested processes held in your portal (you will receive log-in details when you make your booking), including accepting your tenancy, sending in your photograph and paying relevant fees such as your booking fee and rent payment (rent is due before arrival if paying in one installment).
Completing everything in advance will reduce unnecessary delays when you move in, failure to do so could result in you not gaining access to your accommodation.

Please note that cars can only be parked for a short time to allow unloading. You will be sent more information in advance of the arrival date; some sites will work with arrival time slots if a time slot is arranged please ensure you stick to this timeslot and arrive on time.

LIVING WITH U-STUDENT

Your tenancy starts on Saturday 9th of September 2023 (Carlisle) 16th September 2023 (Sunderland) or 2nd September 2023 (Aberdeen), you can move in on or after this date (the majority of people arrive either the Saturday or Sunday).

Carlisle
En-suite 12.5m sq

Sunderland
Standard 10m sq
Premium 10 m sq
En-suite 16m sq
Accessible- 17m sq
Apartments- 42m sq

Aberdeen
En-suite – 15 m sq
Studio – 23 m sq

All sizes above are approximate

All u-student accommodation is fully furnished and fully equipped with crockery, cutlery, pans and utensils. A list of items provided is available on the ‘downloads’ page of each location.

You can use the ‘talk to us’ function in your portal to report any maintenance issues or repairs.

Guests can visit but they must sign in and out on each visit so that accommodation management has an accurate record of all on-site visitors in case of an emergency. While on site you are responsible for the behaviour of your guest(s) and any damage or disruption caused. You must also inform your flat mates if you have a guest staying as the living area is shared.

All accommodation, including bedrooms and communal areas, will be checked every term. Accommodation management will notify residents of this at least 24 hours prior to the inspection taking place.All accommodation, including bedrooms and communal areas, will be checked every term. Accommodation management will notify residents of this at least 24 hours prior to the inspection taking place.

You are responsible for ensuring that you leave your room and flat in the same condition that it was given to you. You will be asked to fill in and return an inventory to record the condition of your room and must do so within 48-hours of moving in. Generally speaking, blue tack, white tack or pins put into walls will require re-painting after you have left and you may be charged in line with our standard schedule of charges. Noticeboards are provided in each bedroom and communal area for any decoration.

For safety reasons, candles are not permitted in u-student accommodation due to safety reasons.

For safety reasons, items such as woks or deep-fat fryers are not permitted in u-student accommodation.

For safety reasons, electric heaters are not permitted in u-student accommodation.

No. Smoking is not permitted in any u-student accommodation. This policy includes all bedrooms, communal areas, lounges, hallways, corridors and stairwells and also extends to external areas.

Any complaint relating to u-student accommodation should, in the first instance, be directed to your site accommodation manager. Contact details can be found on each u-student location page.

Following that all formal complaints should be directed to head office in writing (via e-mail) to admin@u-student.com. All complaints will be responded to within 48 hours (2 working days).

In the instance that you are unhappy with the response / resolution you can then submit your complaint to (ANUK) national code of standards for larger developments, further details can be found at NationalCodes@unipol.org.uk

 

FACILITIES ON SITE

Our sites, include a reception area which is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Accommodation management is based in the main reception area and can be contacted within office hours. Outside office hours we have trained security staff based in reception to assist residents with any problems or issues.

Accommodation management can help with a number of issues and provide guidance and support. u-student Carlisle, does not have a reception but does have an off-site accommodation manager who is contactable around the clock.

All of our accommodation is privately managed and secure, including swipe or PIN access and CCTV. Appropriate emergency signage is displayed, fire evacuation drills are undertaken throughout the academic year and fire alarms are tested weekly.

Personal belongings insurance is provided by Endsleigh Insurance and included in your rent. An insurance certificate will be sent to you before arrival and a copy will be available on the ‘downloads’ page of the website. Residents have the option to purchase upgraded insurance cover from Endsleigh if required.

Bike storage is available on all sites and is free to use. You will need to provide your own lock to keep your bike secure.

Carlisle: Car parking spaces are not available on site. A small number of parking permits can be issued if you contact the local council.

Sunderland: Parking permits can be purchased by contacting u-student Head Office on 01228 592594 or by e-mailing admin@u-student.com. After moving in permits can be arranged with the accommodation manager.

Aberdeen:
We have a limited number of parking spaces available on this site. Parking permits can be purchased by contacting u-student Head Office on 01228 592594 or by e-mailing admin@u-student.com. After moving in permits can be arranged with the accommodation manager.

All u-student accommodation has on-site coin-operated laundry facilities including washing machines and tumble dryers.

It is your responsibility to clean your room and you and your flat mates are jointly responsible for cleaning your flat. The stairs, hallways and entrances outside the flats will be cleaned on a regular basis by u-student staff and contractors. At the end of the tenancy, flats must be returned in good condition or additional charges may be levied.

An additional cleaning service to include the kitchen and lounge takes place in Carlisle.

Royal Mail, or the courier service, will always try to deliver your post directly to your flat. If you are not available a card may be left informing you of the delivery. If your site has a reception, undelivered mail will be left there for collection and ID will be required at the point of collection.

It is your responsibility to provide a TV licence if you have a television and this also applies to watching live TV on laptops, tablets or mobile phones. Flat-mates may arrange to jointly contribute to the licence cost for the TV in their shared communal areas.

You are not able to subscribe to Sky television.

Phones are not provided in bedrooms or flats.

ACCOMMODATION COSTS

Rent is paid by card using the ‘financials’ function in your portal. Payments can be made in advance of the rent date but must reach u-student by the payment date. Once you have booked your accommodation you will be provided with log-in details for your portal.

After a 14 day grace period you will be charged interest on the overdue amount from the due date 3% above the bank of England’s current interest rate. If you foresee any issues regarding paying your rent on time, it is important that you inform us at u-student Head Office on 01228 592594 or email admin@u-student.com.

As soon as you are aware of a delay with your loan please inform u-student Head Office on 01228 592594 or email admin@u-student.com. For your information, your rent payment dates are included on your tenancy and invoices are included on the financials tab in your portal.

Residents are advised to follow the checklist below to help ensure that their student loan application is processed as quickly as possible.

• Read all forms carefully and thoroughly. Follow the instructions and complete all relevant sections.
• Before you post the forms, make copies and keep them safe.
• Send any forms or letters by recorded delivery and keep a note of the tracking number. Check after a day or so to make sure the letter has been received.
• Keep a record of any calls you make. Write down the date, time, who you spoke to and what was said.
• Tell the Student Loan Company if your bank details change.
• If there is a problem, contact your university to get help.
• You may want to, make sure that you have a backup plan, such as a student account with an overdraft facility or a part-time job.

No additional charges will be applied to card payments.

Residents who are full-time students are not required to pay council tax. Any residents who are not full-time students will be liable for payment of all of the council tax for their flat.

Our reservation deposit is for students that choose to pay their rent in full (not the 3 instalment option), the reservation deposit is required to be paid within 7 working days of accepting the tenancy agreement, this then completes your booking. The deposit is deducted off your full rent balance, its also fully refunded if you do not achieve the required grades to attend university.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Covid-19 is a new illness that is caused by a virus called coronavirus. It can affect your lungs and airways. The current symptoms stated by the NHS are:

A high temperature (your chest, back or forehead is hot to touch).

A new continuous cough – this means coughing lots for more than one hour or 3 coughing episodes in the space of 24 hours.
If you have either of these symptoms you should self-isolate for 7 days and email your Accommodation Team.
For the latest advice and guidance please visit the NHS website

Our focus right now is the safety of our students and staff. We are here to help residents and staff protect themselves and others, and we are here to offer support and assistance. We are monitoring the situation closely and we are regularly in contact with our residents, providing them with updates when necessary.
We have upped our already high cleaning standards across all sites, and this is being monitored regularly.
If a case was confirmed in any of our buildings, we have processes in place to act quickly following advice and guidance from PHE and the NHS. Our student’s safety is in the forefront of our minds constantly.

Yes! All our sites are still open and will continue to be open until the end of tenancy. For many of our residents our buildings are their homes and we will not be closing, some residents also have no other option or place to go. Our staff are still on hand to provide students with support.
Our teams are available at Reception, by phone, by email or by Skype / Facetime etc. We ask that if you visit Reception that you keep a 2m distance at all times, in line with the Government guidance.

The Government has said that everyone must now stay home unless it is for one of the following reasons:
• To shop for basic essentials when absolutely necessary.
• For one exercise session per day (e.g. running, walking or cycling) – this should be alone or with people you live with.
• For medical reasons, such as visiting the pharmacy or delivering supplies to a vulnerable person.
• To travel to and from work, but only when it is essential. You should work from home if possible.
Public gatherings of more than two people are banned, and you shouldn’t make any unnecessary journeys or social contact. If you leave site in a group of 2, you both must be from the same flat. The authorities can now enforce these rules and fine you if you are not adhering to them.
In line with advice from the NHS and PHE, we also strongly encourage you to do the following:
• If you have an immune system condition or respiratory illness that might leave you vulnerable, please notify a member of your Accommodation Team immediately.
• Avoid all social gatherings – this means you should not spend time in common areas.
• Wash your hands regularly using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterwards.
• Bin any used tissues immediately.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not share items that come into contact with your mouth.
For the most up-to-date advice, visit the NHS website.

NHS advice says that if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, you should self-isolate for seven days. Anyone you live with should also self-isolate, but for 14 days.
If you no longer have a high temperature after your period of self-isolation, you don’t need to continue self-isolating. If you still have a high temperature, you should continue to self-isolate until it returns to normal. You don’t need to continue self-isolating if you still have a cough. Regardless, please continue to stay home in line with the government advice listed above.
You do not need to contact 111 and should not visit a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy. If you are self-isolating, please follow the below advice in line with Public Health England’s recommendations:
• Stay in your flat unless told otherwise by health authorities.
• If your symptoms get worse or you can’t cope with them at home, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you can’t get help online, call 111 or, in an emergency, call 999.
• Do not go into work, university, lectures or public areas, and don’t use public transport or taxis.
• If you have someone bringing supplies or have ordered shopping online, make sure the items are left at reception or outside of your room.
• Stay away from friends or flatmates.
We would also advise the following:
• Keep in regular contact with friends and family by phone.
• Avoid using common areas in your accommodation (apart from your shared kitchen).
• In the event of a fire alarm, please evacuate the building as you would normally, but where possible, keep at least six feet away from other people.
• Please be aware that we’ll only carry out maintenance in your flat if it’s a safety risk to you or others.

Contact a member of your Accommodation Team to see how we can assist and support you whilst you are self-isolating.

Government advice now states that if you live with someone who shows symptoms, you will also need to isolate, but for 14 days. In that time, you should avoid leaving the house, even for buying food and essentials. Instead, you’ll need to get someone to drop off supplies outside of your flat for you or order shopping online.
If you still have a high temperature after your period of self-isolation, you should continue to stay home until it returns to normal.
Contact a member of your Accommodation Team to see how we can assist and support you whilst you are self-isolating.

Due to Government guidelines on social distancing our social spaces across all of our sites is now temporarily closed. Guidelines are being monitored regularly an if spaces re open we will email residents to advise.

Current Government guidelines state you should only leave your household (flat) for one of four reasons, these reasons are below;
– Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine. This should be as infrequent as possible.
– One form of exercise a day. This can be alone of with members of your household (flat).
– Any medical need – including providing care for a vulnerable person.
– Travelling to and from work – but only when you cannot work from home.
If you are leaving site to care for a vulnerable person, please speak to your Accommodation Team to make them aware

The latest advice published in a letter by Michelle Donelan MP on 26th March strongly advises that students should remain where they are now whilst restrictions are in force. We understand this may be unsettling being away from your families but our staff are here to support you in these times.

Our current cancellation policy is still in place and applicable, contact your Accommodation Team to discuss further.

Yes absolutely. We understand you may not be able to attend site for a tour right now, but drop us an email on admin@u-student.com and we can arrange a Skype / Facetime tour for you. As the situation is developing we will be reviewing bookings for September and will update this page accordingly.

student accommodation frequently asked questions