Welcome to Keele
Living away from home guide
Spreading your wings?
Living away from home
Thank you for choosing Keele. It’s a great place to live and study.
We know that moving away from home can be daunting. Maybe you have shared a room before and maybe not. Either way, moving into Halls of Residence or off campus with other students is probably going to be a new experience for you. You’ll be amazed by how much you can learn by living in close proximity to other people of different ages, cultures, nationalities, interests and backgrounds. Keele has a fantastic mixture of people. This guide provides a whole range of advice from moving in to how to use the laundrette. It isn’t exhaustive but it should help answer the questions that are worrying you most.
Short stay accommodation If you are bringing your family with you, you may need to look in the local area for accommodation as there is limited family housing on campus. If you need somewhere to stay whilst you are looking, we have a couple of options – bed & breakfast at Keele Management Centre or self catering in Lindsay Lodge Both are available for short visits – to book them, contact accommodation@keele.ac.uk The team in the Student Accommodation Office can provide help and advice on looking for properties in the local area.
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Living at University With so many people living in the Halls of Residence or off campus, there can be differing views on the ‘best’ way to live together. Try to be understanding about other people’s space, possessions and feelings. If you do have a problem, there are lots of people at Keele who can help (see Key Contacts on pages 36-37). Talk to each other: The best way to prevent and fix issues with those around you is to talk about it openly and calmly. Things don’t go away if you ignore them – in fact they usually get harder to sort out. Living away from home brings a lot of freedom but with this comes responsibility. Not just for looking after yourself but for looking after where you live. Communal living can be great fun, but when there is a problem and no one takes responsibility, it’s up to everyone to sort it out.
Living off campus? If you didn’t get a copy of our ‘Looking to Live Off Campus’ guide in the summer, you can either pick up a copy from the Student Accommodation Office in Darwin Building or download a copy from the Accommodation web pages. It contains loads of information on surviving off campus. If you do have any problems with your neighbours or landlord, contact the Student Accommodation Office.
Top tip!
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Moving into Halls of Residence?
What’s communal living like? Unless you’ve shared with others before, you probably aren’t sure what to expect from living in a block with lots of other students. The good thing is that there is nearly always someone around who wants to go out and will share some of your interests. The downside can come if people don’t tidy up after themselves and there’s no room for you to cook in the kitchen. You can get to know the other students you will be living with by joining the Keele forum on The Student Room or Keele Facebook group. When you’ve moved in, try and agree some basic house rules so that everyone can feel comfortable in their new home.
Travelling from abroad?
When travelling abroad most airlines have weight limits on how much luggage you can bring. You must check with your airline before you travel. This should however, be enough for everything you need to bring from home. When you arrive at Keele, you will be able to buy: • Cooking utensils, crockery & cutlery • Electrical equipment – everything from hairdryers to rice cookers • Food • Posters to decorate your room
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Everything but the kitchen sink?
Moving into Halls? What’s in the room...
Top tip!
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All University bedrooms have the following as standard: • A bed (all beds are single except the premier en suite rooms which have 4ft beds with a duvet and a pillow) • Bedside cabinet • Wardrobe • Shelves • Desk and chair Some rooms also have a washbasin or shower room. The kitchens have: •
Cooker and microwave (kitchens in The Oaks and Lindsay Court have induction hobs – make sure your saucepans can be used on these. The easiest way is to hold a magnet on them. If it sticks to the bottom of your saucepans, they are OK for induction hobs)
• Fridge and freezer • Sink with hot and cold water (the cold water is suitable for drinking) • Worktop space and cupboards • Kettle Some kitchens also have an iron and ironing board and a toaster. More information about University accommodation is available on our accommodation web pages www.keele.ac.uk/accommodation/
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Whilst the bedrooms on campus are a good size, they can soon become packed with things. Storage is minimal, so be realistic about what you are going to be able to bring.
Checklist What to bring: • • • • • • •
Toiletries - though there is a pack when you arrive Clothes Crockery/cutlery/cooking equipment Some photos/small personal items to make your room feel homely A clock Bed linen, towels/tea towels Adaptor if you are bringing electrical items from abroad
• • • • •
Extension cables – These must be PAT tested before they are used or you can buy one from our Campus store. Items that need hanging up with nails or hooks. Any damage caused by using these items will be charged for. Fairy lights Weapons, knives, imitation guns Pets or animals (even fish)
Any electrical equipment that you do bring (hairdryer, straighteners, lamps etc) MUST be PAT tested. If you can’t do this before you come to Keele, don’t worry – we provide a FREE testing service in each Hall. Look out for notices telling you when it is coming to your Hall.
What NOT to bring: • • • •
Candles and other items that have a naked flame Mini fridge - unless you have a medical reason and have received prior permission from the University. Microwave Heaters
Top tip!
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Packing to move in
Enrolment weekend
Use containers
As you arrive on campus, follow the signs to the enrolment car park – this is next to the Chancellor’s Building. When you have enrolled, go to your off campus accommodation or collect your key for your Hall.
Pack loose items in boxes. It will save making lots of trips to and from the car. It will also keep everything dry if it rains. Avoid bringing bulky or heavy items – you will probably be using the stairs.
Shop locally You don’t need to buy everything before you get here. Shop on campus or in the local town, when you have a better idea of what you actually need. It’s a great way of discovering Newcastle and the surrounding area.
You will need to hand in your signed Accommodation Contract to the Residence Support Assistants from your Hall. It is a good time to meet them and say hello. When you arrive in your Hall, Freshers Guides will help you to your room and can give you advice on things to do.
Stop and drop After you stop and drop off your belongings, please ask your family to move their car, so that others can park close to the blocks to unload. Then come back to your room and unpack. You do not need to buy a parking ticket but please remember to not park on the footpaths or grass, as it stops others from moving their things in.
Deadline for moving in If you haven’t moved in by 12th October and you haven’t told us you will be arriving after this date, we will cancel your contract and re-let your room.
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Peas in a pod?
Making friends Before you even get to Keele, you can start to make friends. The Keele Facebook group is a great way to find out who is in your block or is living near you off campus. There’s no need to rush. Take time to meet everyone in your immediate surroundings and lasting friendships will develop naturally. Go to as many Fresher events as you can, everyone else is nervous, even if they don’t say so. There will also be events in your Hall and for those living off campus, so that you can get to know other Freshers. If you live in Halls, look out for posters in your blocks advertising information sessions or ‘block talks’ and make sure that you attend these. They give really useful information and advice. Don’t drink alcohol? You don’t have to drink alcohol to fit in. Just be yourself and remember there are people from all different parts of the world, backgrounds and cultures so you may find you are not the only one who doesn’t drink. If you have an interest or hobby, go along to the Athletic Union or Freshers Fairs - you may find a club or a society that matches your interests.
Top tip!
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Your room on campus Sharing a room At the start of the year we try to provide as much accommodation as possible for first year students, so a number of rooms are set aside for students to share on a temporary basis. If you are allocated a shared room you will only pay 50% of the total cost of the room whilst sharing. When you move out, or the student you are sharing with moves out, the remaining student become liable for the full cost of the room from that date. Shared rooms are a single room with bunk beds. There will be one wardrobe and desk. We will try and move you to your own single room as quickly as possible. Talk to your roommate before you take over the whole room with your belongings and agree who gets what space and some ground rules like noise and tidiness.
Inventory/room condition survey When you arrive, whether you are living on campus or in private rented accommodation, you will need to check your inventory. It is Important that you check this as you will be charged for any damage or missing items. If you have any queries, or if anything is missing, contact your Accommodation Services Manager or Landlord. If you are in a Campus bedroom. If you are in a Campus bedroom any damage found at the end of your tenancy and not noted by you on your inventory will be charged for.
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Your room on campus
Pictures and posters
Room cleaning
Whilst these brighten up your room, if you fix them to the wall you will be charged for any damage that they cause when they are taken down. Stick them on notice boards or doors with white tac and you should be fine.
There is a cleaner who looks after your block. You will need to leave your room when they come to clean it (don’t worry; they will leave you a note the day before to remind you that they will be coming). Their job is to do the superficial cleaning rather than peeling T-shirts off the floor. Get to know them – they can be a great source of information and advice.
Connectivity If you live in Campus Halls, you will be able to access Halls Net, the University’s intranet. Check the University’s IT web pages for further information. You will get a leaflet on how to connect when you move in.
Radiator operation Most bedrooms are fitted with a radiator that has a thermostat to control your room temperature. Find a suitable temperature for your room by adjusting the control on your radiator. It will have settings on it from * to 5. Start with it at 3. To lower the temperature, turn it to 2 or lower. To increase the temperature, turn it to 4 or higher. Sunlight, electrical appliances etc can all give off heat and raise the temperature of your room. The radiator thermostat registers this and will automatically close down. We recommend that you open your room window for 30 minutes a day, to prevent condensation and mould growth. When you do this, turn your radiator to *. When you close your window, you can then turn it back to your normal setting.
Planning to watch TV? Get your television licence sorted as soon as possible to avoid a fine. It doesn’t matter whether you watch television on your laptop or TV; you will still need a licence. You can get one at www.tvlicensing.co.uk Please note that TV reception on campus can be poor in some areas. The digital switchover happened in Keele in 2011, so make sure you have a digital TV or Freeview box.
No smoking The inside of all buildings (including kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms) in the Halls of Residence are No Smoking. This is for the comfort and safety of all students. Anyone found smoking, or where there is evidence that someone has smoked in the building, could be disciplined under the University’s Regulations.
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Your room on campus Fire evacuation Instructions for what to do in the event of a fire are on the back of your bedroom door. Make sure you read them and know what to do in an emergency. If you feel that you might not hear the alarm (you may be on medication or be a heavy sleeper), contact your Residence Support Manager for advice.
• Category 3: Non-urgent repairs – within 14 working days. In the event of faults/maintenance requests not being carried out within the above periods, please ask your Accommodation Services Manager for further information.
Visitors
Fire evacuation exercises have to be carried out twice a year. Remember these exercises are a legal requirement and are to ensure your safety in the event of a real emergency.
You’ll probably have family and friends who will want to visit you. They can either stay in Keele Management Centre or, if there’s only 1 person, you can have someone to stay in your room for a maximum of 3 nights. Keele Management Centre can accommodate couples and families, and has many of the facilities you’d find in a hotel. Information on how to book a room at the Keele Management Centre or book a guest into your room is available on the ‘Accommodation’ tab on the KLE.
Maintenance in the Halls
Out of hours contacts
To report a fault or maintenance problem, please click on the ‘Accommodation’ tab on the KLE.
There are some key numbers to add to your mobile so they’re always to hand.
• The location (Room number if available) • Your contact details • Nature of fault or problem
• Keele Security – for general assistance and for emergencies
If the matter is urgent, ring your Accommodation Services Manager (see Key Contact on page 37). If you have an emergency electrical, water or heating fault after 5pm, at the weekend and on bank holidays, contact Security on ext 33004. We will then make sure the repair is carried out.
• Local Police
It is your responsibility to leave the building on hearing the alarm. We do not need to discuss personal details, only any difficulties in responding to alarms, that could prejudice your safety. The Residence Support Manager will work with you to develop an emergency plan.
We have three categories of faults and repairs: • Category 1: Emergencies – 2 hour response. • Category 2: Urgent attention – within 2 working days.
• Nightline • Your Residence Support Assistant (if you live on campus) You’ll find these numbers in the Residence magazine, on your Room Information Card, on the Campus Watch sticker on your Hall bedroom window and on the back of your Keele Card.
Top tip!
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Your room on campus
Insurance Insurance cover in the Halls of Residence is by Endsleigh and is included in the accommodation fee. The policy gives you a core level of protection for some of your belongings, whilst they are in your University accommodation. If you are living in private, rented accommodation or would like to increase your level of insurance, Endsleigh will be in Chancellor’s Building during Enrolment Day.
Keys If you lose your campus room keys, you’ll need to check the following places in case they have been found and handed in: • University Reception (Chancellor’s Building) • Students’ Union Reception • Sports Centre Reception • Library • Security Lodge (Darwin Building) If they have not been found, you can buy a new set from the Student Accommodation Office. The cost is £10 per key, up to a maximum of £20. Out of office hours, you can ask to be let in to your room by Security. If it is after midnight, there is a charge of £10 for this service.
Post Make sure you give your family and friends your new address. Even with loads of social media choices, everyone loves getting a card or letter – or even a parcel of treats. If you are living on campus, your Hall address is on the accommodation web pages. Post delivered to campus is held in the central Post
Room. It is open between 9am – 8pm on Monday – Friday and 2pm – 5pm at the weekend.
Help with using appliances in the kitchens The appliances in your house or Hall kitchen may vary from those you are used to. If you’re living off campus, make sure your landlord shows you how everything works. In the Halls, you’ll find instructions in the kitchens. If they are missing from the frames, contact your Accommodation Services Manager for another copy.
Damage If you damage anything in your house or Hall, let your landlord or Accommodation Services Manager know. You will incur a charge for repairing the damage – a list of indicative costs for damage in the Halls is available on the Accommodation web pages. If you don’t report it, the damage will be identified either during a routine room inspection (in the Halls) or when you vacate the property. The cost will then be deducted from your deposit.
Changing rooms on campus If you would like to change to a different room on campus from the one you have been allocated, you can put your name on the waiting list. To do this check the accommodation web pages on the University website. The waiting list opens on 30th September on the Accommodation tab via KLE.
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Cooking up a storm
Top tip!
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Most of the Halls and off campus housing are self catering. You’ll have a communal kitchen so keep it tidy or it will get messy and dirty very quickly.
• It is usually cheaper to make meals rather than buy ready-made ones.
Make sure everyone pulls their weight and does their own washing up. If you’re storing things in the fridge, buy a big marker pen to write your name on your food, so it won’t get used by others by mistake. And there’s no need for 5 lots of the same type of milk in the fridge – you can save money by buying larger amounts and sharing.
• If you’ve got food left over, try and use it for another meal rather than throw it away.
Living in a Catered Block? Breakfast and dinner are available in the Hawthorns Restaurant 7 days a week (except for Christmas vacation).
• When you cook a meal make extra and freeze some for another time.
• Shop together online and get it delivered – you’ll save on the bus fare.
Online supermarket deliveries You can arrange for online groceries to be delivered. Please make sure that you are available to let them into your block to deliver your order.
Cooking for yourself? Try to have a diet that gives you your essential vitamins, with enough fruit and vegetables to balance the junk food and snacks. Money doesn’t go far, but these ideas may help. •
Shopping in discount stores like Lidl and Aldi saves money. Look out for special offers and reduced prices. Stores often reduce goods around 5pm and then really slash the price of what is left between 7-8pm.
• Pasta and rice are cheap to buy. • Buy fresh fruit and vegetables as you need them, this will stop them going off before you’re ready to use them.
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Catering Outlets At Keele you will always be able to eat well. Comus Situated in the heart of the campus, this stylish refectory offers a wide range of dishes from around the world as well as lighter meals and snack items. You can relax with friends and enjoy a variety of offers in this informal environment. Le Café Located in the Chancellor’s Building and the Medical School, these trendy coffee shops offer cakes, sandwiches and refreshments that will leave you revitalised and ready for the day ahead. ST5 Takeaway On the concourse opposite the Library, this takeaway is ideal for those on the move! Choose from a wide variety of subs, pastas, curries and meal deals. Lindsay’s (in Lindsay Hall of Residence) This popular bar combines socialising with casual cuisine. You can enjoy daily specials such as chilli or lasagne with a drink. During the year a number of events are organised. Vite & Eat Situated in the Chancellor’s Building. For those with a limited amount of time, this one stop shop offers a range of tasty sandwiches, confectionery and drinks.
How to do your laundry The laundrette should become a regular part of your weekly routine. Otherwise, when your room starts to smell, you’ll know the reason why. There is a laundrette in each hall and you can find advice on caring for your clothes under the facilities section of your hall page on the Accommodation webpages.
Top tip!
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What is the KeeleCard? The KeeleCard is the one card you’ll need during your stay at Keele University. It is Keele’s official photo ID and campus smart card. As a Keele student, the KeeleCard will be your key to services such as the library, eating out, meal plans, events, student discounts, and much more. You can load up your KeeleCard with money and use it as a debit card at participating locations across campus. Using your KeeleCard for purchases is fast and convenient – perfect for students on the go!
How do I add money to my KeeleCard? Adding money to your KeeleCard is simple! There are a number of KeeleCard loading machines across campus. All you need to do is select which method of payment you wish to use either bank, debit card or cash and the amount you wish to add. This can range from £5, £10, £20 or £50 when topping up using your debit/credit card or select from a variety of cash options when topping up using notes or coins. Just confirm your amount and the funds will be automatically loaded to your card. KeeleCard loading machines are located at Chancellor’s Building, Sports Centre, Library, Lindsays Bar, Hawthorns, Medical School.
Your KeeleCard can be used for a range of services on campus LIVING AT KEELE • It’s your ID card for Students’ Union events • Allows you to use the Sport Centre facilities and sign up for gym membership • Provides door access in some Halls of Residence and teaching buildings • Gives you access to Halls Common Rooms (Horwood & Lindsay only if you live off campus) • Allows access to 24hr Campus Laundrettes STUDYING AT KEELE • Use it for printing and photocopying in the library, student computing areas and some other locations • Use it in the library to borrow books • It’s your ID card for a number of academic courses • A dedicated support team will help you with any aspect of the card
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An apple a day...
Your health The campus has a doctors and dentist. It is free to register with them and this means you have someone to go to if you need to. They’re in the Health Centre in Horwood Hall. Ring ext 37550 or 01782 737550 You can also get advice from the Midway Medical Walk In Centre at: Morston House The Midway Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1QG
• You might be entitled to free prescriptions – ask your doctor. •
Cigarettes and alcohol are really expensive. It’s worth working out how much you spend on these, and see if you can cut back. They only make you feel better in the short-term, and long-term can lead to you feeling down.
•
Sleep – everyone needs different amounts of sleep but if you have too little, it will start to affect you. It is best to have regular sleeping hours.
Phone: 01782 663757 OR NHS direct 0845 46 47 OR a pharmacist (there’s one in Morrison’s or in Silverdale). Try and avoid going to A&E (Accident and Emergency) for minor matters, as this usually means a very long wait for you.
Top tips for healthy living on a budget •
Get some exercise – it’s a great way to meet people. The Sports Centre has special rates for students, that includes discounted rates at the local swimming pool.
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Money, money, money Most people don’t have an endless supply of money, so if that’s you, you will need to manage it carefully to get the most out of it. Make yourself a budget planner to help you – there are plenty available online. Getting part time work can keep your funds from disappearing too quickly. Visit the Job Shop in the Students’ Union for ideas and advice. If you are getting worried about having enough money to survive, contact ASK in the Students’ Union.
Check out www.moneysavingexpert.com for top money tips and discount vouchers. Also, www.studentbeans.com provides discounts and advice just for students
Top tip!
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Paying for your accommodation Whether you are living on campus or in private rented accommodation, you will be asked to pay a deposit and first instalment of your rent. The amounts for both of these vary. •
Private rented accommodation – make sure that the landlord or agent is using one of the 3 approved TDP schemes. Details are available in our Looking to Live Off Campus guide (available on the Accommodation web pages or from the Student Accommodation Office). The amount they will ask for will vary. The first instalment usually starts from the equivalent of one month’s rent.
•
University accommodation – if you are living in the Halls on campus, you will be asked for £150 deposit. This is refundable at the end of your tenancy unless you have been charged for any damage or have an accommodation debt.
You will also be asked for £300 which is part payment towards your first instalment. Therefore you will be asked for a total of £450 before you move into your room.
•
If you are living in Liberty Court, you will be asked to pay a booking fee deposit of £200 upon booking. You will then need to pay your first instalment by 1st September. 33
No more slip ups
Your safety The campus is relatively safe but there are some things you can do to keep it that way. Stay safe by using common sense and following these top tips on safety: Do: • Watch your drink to avoid spiking.
Don’t: • Let anyone else in to your block or room if you don’t know them and without seeing some ID, all Keele staff have a KeeleCard. •
Leave your room or block unsecured, this can invalidate your insurance. When you leave your room, close the window and don’t leave laptops etc on display.
• Avoid leaving valuables so they can be seen from outside. Make sure you keep important documents, like passports, locked away.
• Walk around on your own at night, walk with a group, get a cab, or sleep on your friend’s couch.
• Take care when cooking – more than half the fires in the home start in the kitchen.
• Drink so much that you are not in control of yourself or your actions.
• Avoid blocking hallways and stairs, they are your emergency exit.
• Leave valuables in sight of the window in your bedroom whether you live on or off campus.
• Check out www.personalsafetyadvice.co.uk for top tips for when you’re out and about.
• Leave anything that you are cooking unattended. It can easily catch fire. If it does, you may be charged for the damage caused.
• Keep your passport and travel documents locked away.
• Use candles as they are a fire risk.
• Make sure your room door is locked when you leave even if you are just going to the kitchen or communal bathroom. • Make sure you turn off all gas and electrical appliances (except the refrigerator) when you go out. • When you arrive at your accommodation, familiarise yourself with the fire exits, assembly points and the location of fire extinguishers. • Make yourself familiar with the procedures for emergency evacuation. 35
Key Contacts There are people on hand day and night to help with any problems you might have, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Student Accommodation Office Based in the Darwin Building, the Student Accommodation Office can help with any problems or questions you may have about your accommodation. They can give advice on both on and off campus housing, and also offer accommodation for vacation periods and Graduation. The office is open from 9.00am – 4.45pm, Monday - Friday. Tel: Ext 34152 Email: accommodation@keele.ac.uk
Residence Support Managers This team have offices in the Halls of Residence and are there to look after your welfare. If you need advice or someone to talk to, give them a ring, pop in or email them. If they don’t know the answer to your questions, they will certainly know who to put you in touch with. You can contact them any time between 8.30am and 5pm Monday - Friday. Barnes Bungalow (near A block) ext 34913 Horwood Bungalow (at end of E block) ext 34914
Lindsay, Holly Cross & The Oaks Holly Cross foyer, ext 34912 Hawthorns In House 5 (Near M Block) ext 34915
Residence Support Team If you can’t resolve a problem on your own, and you live in the Halls of Residence, talk to one of your Residence Support Assistants. This team of postgraduate students live in the Halls and you can contact them between 5pm and 8.30am Monday Friday and any time at weekends. They are here to help with any issue that you have out of hours, so please don’t be afraid to contact them. If you are feeling unwell, homesick, having trouble with your studies or are being disturbed by another resident – the list of what they will help you with is endless. You will be introduced to them at the beginning of term, and remember – they are students themselves and know what it is like to live on campus. Barnes internal number 33782 Horwood internal number 33784 Lindsay internal number 33785 Holly Cross & The Oaks internal number 33786 Hawthorns internal number 33783
Accommodation Services Managers
Nightline
This team look after the cleaning and maintenance of the Halls.
The student run listening and information service that is just at the end of the phone between 9pm and 3am.
Barnes Andrew Grant, Bungalow at (rear of A block) ext 34024, halls.barnes@keele.ac.uk Horwood Cynthia Sampey, Bungalow at (end of E block) ext 34018, halls.horwood@keele.ac.uk Lindsay, Holly Cross & The Oaks Sue Parkin, Lindsay Court Foyer and Holly Cross Foyer, ext 33732, halls.hollyoaks@keele.ac.uk or halls.lindsay@keele.ac.uk Hawthorns Philip Brown, in House 5 (Near M Block) ext 34017, halls.hawthorns@keele.ac.uk
You can ring them on ext 34999 or 01782 734999.
Student Mediation Service The first of its kind in the UK, this is run by students for students. The team is trained in mediation and can offer advice and mediation in a range of disputes. Contact mediation@kusu.keele.ac.uk, or join their Facebook page and chat online. They also have drop in sessions that will be well publicised. Hopefully we have answered all your questions and queries. If not, you can get in touch with the Student Accommodation Office or your Halls team. There is more information on our web pages at www.keele.ac.uk/studyatkeele/accommodation Check out our FAQ’s page for more advice and information.
Student Support & Development Services Based in the Walter Moberley Building, this team is made up of specialist counsellors, international and home student support, disability advisor and careers advisors. Call in or ring for an appointment, if you have anything that you want to discuss with them.
ASK www.keelesu.com/ask su.ask@keele.ac.uk Emergencies 888 Security 33004
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Moving out There is no rush, but start thinking about who you might want to live with off campus in your second year. If everyone’s in agreement you can start looking early. Before your accommodation contract comes to an end, we will send you a reminder together with information on what to do including handing in your key.
Summer storage There is no storage space on campus during vacations. If you would like to leave your belongings and are returning to campus at the end of the vacation, you will need to put them into storage. You can find a list of local companies on the Accommodation web pages.
Vacation periods Most of the premier en-suite rooms are on 33 week occupancy. If you are unsure about the length of your stay, please check with Student Accommodation Office. Check out the Storage suggestions if you can’t or don’t want to take everything home with you. Your room will be checked for damage when you move out and again just before you return. If you notice any damage that you are not responsible for, let your Accommodation Services Manager know straight away.
Top tip!
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Are you helping a student settle in? Before they arrive: • Make sure they can cook the basics. Jacket potatoes, omelette, something with pasta or rice.
Understanding money • They will need a bank account, so get them to set this up before they come to Keele. Santander have a branch on campus. •
Top tips on bargain hunting – they will need to make their money work hard. Shopping for short shelf life foods can save money, as can joining forces with fellow students to buy larger quantities. Check out some of the value ranges in the supermarket, they can offer real value for money.
•
Budget planning – they’ll need to plan out what needs to be paid for and when, so they don’t spend the student loan the minute it arrives.
•
Look for part-time or casual work – there is usually work available on campus and the nearest town, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has plenty of bars and restaurants who are usually looking for staff.
Leaving them Don’t hang around once you’ve unloaded their belongings from the car and helped them buy some essential groceries. There are lots of activities
Top tipsts for paren ... s r e r a c d an
planned for them on campus (even if they are living off campus, they can join in). It’s the best way for them to meet others and make friends. That way they are less likely to feel homesick – although they will always miss your home cooking!
Keeping in touch • Talk through a communication plan – it doesn’t matter whether it’s an email, text, old fashioned letter or phone call. • Send packages – goodies from home, that they might miss, are always welcome. •
Don’t panic if you don’t hear from them straight away or regularly. They’ll be busy making friends and learning about life at University. If you haven’t heard from them and you are worried, you can ring their Residence Support Manager (numbers in the Key Contacts section on pages 36-37). Please note that we will not disclose any information about your son or daughter (Data Protection Act 1998) but we will ask them to make contact with you.
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Your role is changing – provide them with encouragement. Part of living away from home is learning to sort things out for yourself and take responsibility. Encourage them to do this and avoid stepping in to sort out problems. They’ll get a great sense of achievement if they do things on their own.
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Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG
Telephone: 01782 732000 Website: www.keele.ac.uk