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WELCOME A warm welcome to you and thank you for choosing Cedars Hall. We hope you will have an amazing time here. We realise this is a time of your life when big changes happen and everything might feel a bit strange. It could be your first time moving into a new place, living in a new city or a whole new country. We have created this guide to help you settle in. Carmelo Cangeri Residence Manager cedarhall@roomsandstudios.com Tel: (+44) 0208 772 75 75
Anett Salyik Bookings Manager admin@finddigs.co.uk Tel: (+44) 0207 3816280
Sophia Papageorgiou Contracts and Sales Manager sales@finddigs.co.uk Tel: (+44) 0207 3816280
CONTENTS Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 The Residence ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Your new address ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Travel information.......................................................................................................................................... 4 Airport Transfers ............................................................................................................................................ 4 What to bring? ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Cleaning and maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 5 Internet .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Reporting Faults & Repairs ............................................................................................................................. 7 Paying your rent on time - Late fees and charges ........................................................................................... 7 Tenant Portal ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Fire safety information ................................................................................................................................... 8 Emergency contact numbers.......................................................................................................................... 8 Medical information ....................................................................................................................................... 9 Complaints Procedure .................................................................................................................................... 9 Energy saving tips ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Local area information ................................................................................................................................. 10 Pubs & restaurants ........................................................................................................................................11 Find the nearest ............................................................................................................................................11 Social Programme ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Mobile phones.............................................................................................................................................. 12 Top 5 London apps ....................................................................................................................................... 12
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THE RESIDENCE Cedars Hall is located in the residential area of Tooting, a leafy suburb within the popular Borough of Wandsworth. Recently refurbished to a high specification the residence offers single standard rooms as well as single or double occupancy studios, all with upgraded facilities. Each room comes with a single bed with base storage, wardrobe, study desk, side table, under-counter fridge and direct telephone connection for incoming calls. Shared kitchens are located on every floor with modern induction hob cookers (ratio of 1 cooker per 4 students) and additional fridge/freezers and breakfast areas. Further shared facilities include a large common room with a flat screen TV, fast broadband internet (wired and wireless), laundry room on every floor. Additionally, there is a secure bike storage area. All public areas have CCTV cameras and there is a member of staff or security personnel at reception 24hrs a day. The main gate and entrance to the Hall is operated by a swipe card system. The halls of residence are close to a number of local shops, restaurants and supermarkets, while the larger shops, bars and markets of Clapham are only a short journey away by tube or bus.
Nearest tube: Tooting Broadway (15-minute walk or 8-minute bus ride with our shuttle bus service) Nearest National Rail station: Tooting Bus routes: 57, 127, 333 Travel zone: 3 Free shuttle bus to Tooting Broadway: • Runs every 20 mins during term time • Monday – Friday 7.30am to 9.30am and 4.30pm-7.30pm
YOUR NEW ADDRESS Name: Room number: Cedars Hall 141 Welham Road, Tooting London, SW17 9BU All students are provided with a key for a personal mailbox located at reception.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION London is divided into 6 zones. Zone 1 covers the centre of London. As you move away from zone 1, the fare for your journey will increase. Furzedown Student Village is situated in Tooting (zone 3). Tooting is well connected with two underground stations (Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway -both are on the Northern Line). There is also a National Rail station and a great network of buses. The tube closes between midnight and 1 am, after that night buses are available (N155, 57, 264 or N44). The London travel card is called the Oyster card. You can top up regularly or buy a monthly or annual pass. Student discounts are available. Plan your journey and see how long it takes using the following websites: Transport for London Journey planner National Rail Journey planner
AIRPORT TRANSFERS FROM HEATHROW AIRPORT
FROM GATWICK AIRPORT
About 1hour and 20 minutes
About 1 hour If you wish to book a taxi service, contact us with your flight details and we will make sure we book an affordable service for you.
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WHAT TO BRING? The residence has a number of facilities for you to access including an inexpensive laundry room on each floor. You can also request to purchase a bedding pack from the Find Digs team, which includes a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillow case and fitted sheet for £20. For this reason, it is not necessary for you to travel with a lot of clothes and bed linen. There are, however, some essentials to remember. If you are travelling from abroad and are carrying electrical appliances with you, make sure to get a UK power adapter. Remember to check your flight luggage allowance before travelling and make sure you know what items can and can’t be taken on a flight. Visit: Hand Luggage restrictions UK Don’t forget to bring: • • • •
Towels and toiletries Dishes and induction hob pot and pans Cutlery and crockery Clothes hangers
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
We provide a cleaning service during the week for the communal areas of all our accommodation. Our housekeepers clean surfaces and cooking facilities, such as cookers and microwaves, but they do not clean or wash up personal items including cutlery and cooking pans. You are expected to keep your room and en-suite bathroom clean and tidy and to wash your dishes after using the kitchen. This is especially important when living with other people. Cleaning equipment is available from the cleaning cupboard next to reception. Please contact the staff for keys. Once you finished, do not forget to return the items as soon as possible.
Vacuum cleaner Brooms and dustpans Iron & ironing board Mop & bucket
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KEEP THE PEACE – CODE OF CONDUCT 1)
Security is very important. Please ensure that all windows and doors are locked upon leaving your room.
2)
When entering or leaving the building, do not let anyone come in behind you or hold the
door open for strangers. 3)
Please keep your room and the communal areas clean.
4)
There is a strict no drugs policy in the building – any instances where drugs are used will be reported to the authorities, followed by a fine, could result in disciplinary action and a possible eviction notice.
5)
Smoking is not permitted within the building. This means you must not smoke in your room or the communal areas or corridors of the accommodation. A designated area is provided outside the residence for you to use. Smoking within the accommodation will
result in disciplinary action. 6)
There is a strict no bullying policy in the building.
7)
Please drink responsibly.
8)
No inconsiderate noise or loud music after 11:30 pm.
9)
No pets are allowed in the building.
10) Overnight guests are allowed for a maximum of 3 nights. They have to sign the visitors book at reception, at the beginning and at the end of their stay. Please remember that you are responsible for the behaviour of any guests that stay in your room.
11) When you are leaving the building for more than 5 days please let the residence manager know. 12) We will inspect your room 3 times during your stay in November, February and May to ensure that the property has been kept clean and damage free. 24 hours notice will be given as to when the inspection will occur. 13) The cost of any damage you do to your room will be deducted from your deposit.
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INTERNET Internet access, including Wi-Fi, is provided free of charge in all of our rooms. Switch on your computer, connect to StudentCom and then follow the on-screen instructions to register. More information can be found at www.studentcom.co.uk. You can register prior to your arrival and receive a discount on premium broadband packages. If you have any difficulties accessing the network once you are registered please contact: Tel: 0333 123 0115 E-mail: support@studentcom.co.uk StudentCom are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. REPORTING FAULTS & REPAIRS • Check your room when you arrive and report anything that needs repairing. • Report any repairs that are needed during your stay. If repairs occur which are due to wear and tear we will repair or replace the item. If you report a fault that is not due to wear and tear you may be charged for the repair or replacement of the item. You may be charged for any repairs noted by staff at the end of your license period that you have not reported. • Please use our online tenant portal to log any faults or repairs to make sure your request is dealt with as soon as possible.
PAYING YOUR RENT ON TIME - LATE FEES AND CHARGES If a student fails to pay Rent on the Tenancy Payment due date, we reserve the right to take the following action: 1. A letter will be sent requesting outstanding rent. 2. A reminder letter will be sent 7 working days later. 3. A meeting will be arranged to discuss the rent arrears within the following 7 working days 4. A £50 plus VAT late fee will be charged after the third week. This will be charged weekly until Rent has been paid. All extra charges will be sent by email or letter at the end of each term and will be due one week after receipt of each charge. To contest charges, contact Admin at admin@finddigs.co.uk
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TENANT PORTAL By registering on our Tenant Portal you will be able to see and pay your balance, log maintenance issues and make enquires/complaints. Once you move in, you will receive an e-mail with instructions and your log in details. If you can ask for further assistance at the Reception Desk. To access the portal, please visit the residence’s website http://www.roomsandstudios.com, click on the tenant’s area and simply log in with the details received from the reception. FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Please make sure you are familiar with our fire safety procedures. If you discover a fire: Shout out Raise the alarm. Alert other people and activate the fire alarm by breaking the nearest glass alarm panel. Get out Follow the fire exit signs and leave the building. Go to the designated assembly points at the front of the building away from the door. Do not go back to collect personal belongings. Stay out Do not re-enter the building until a member of staff or the Fire Service inform you it is safe to do so. Fire alarms Interlinked smoke and heat detectors are fitted throughout the accommodation. Cooking or showering with the door open or using aerosols near the detectors may cause the alarms to be activated. Fire doors For your safety, doors in the residences are fitted with self-closing mechanisms. They are designed to prevent the spread of smoke and fire and must not be kept open. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS For immediate emergency assistance in the United Kingdom call 999. For fire, police, and medical emergencies When you call 999, an operator will ask you which emergency service you need. 24/7 Emergency Dental Care 020 8547 9997 St George's Hospital 020 8672 1255
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MEDICAL INFORMATION To register with a GP, contact the surgery and ask if they will take you on. If they agree, they will ask you to fill in a registration form. Some GP practices also want to see proof of your identity, like a passport, and proof of your address. Some GP practices may also ask for your NHS medical card or your NHS number. But you don't need either of these to register with a GP or get NHS treatment. If you're staying in the UK for less than three months, you can ask to be registered with a GP on a temporary basis. You can also register temporarily if you move around the country and have no permanent address.
Nearest GP surgery The Greyswood Practice 66 Eastwood Street London, SW16 6PX Tel: 020 8769 0845
Dentist Pearl Dental Clinic 144 Mitcham Rd London, SW17 9NH Tel: 020 8767 5151
Optician Pearl Vision 136 Mitcham Rd London, SW17 9NH Tel: 020 8672 2158
Pharmacy Bradbury C 86 Moyser Road, Streatham London, SW16 6SQ Tel: 020 8769 4138
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE We aim to provide you with an excellent service at all times. If you have any concerns about the service you have received from us, you should raise them with a member of staff at your earliest opportunity. We will always try to resolve your complaint quickly and informally. If you do not believe your complaint has been dealt with correctly, you can ask the residence manager to look into your complaint formally. Kindly file your complaint via the online tenant portal or send it to furzedown@roomsandstudios.com . To escalate further, please e-mail admin@finddigs.co.uk. We will investigate your complaint and send you an email response within 24 hours. For critical problems, please email Alia (Managing Director) directly on alia@finddigs.co.uk .
Hospital St Georges Hospital Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT Tel: 020 8672 1255
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ENERGY SAVING TIPS All rooms and common areas are lit with led lights, activated by motion sensors to ensure minimum consumption. Laundry appliances are all A+ energy efficient and kitchens are equipped with induction hobs which are faster and more energyefficient than a traditional electrical or gas cookers. They are also much safer as they only work only with induction pots and pans. Don’t forget to buy or bring your own induction hob compatible pots and pans. An optimal result on energy efficiency can only be achieved with your thoughtful cooperation. Remember to switch your lights off and turn off all taps when you leave your room or whenever they are not essential. You are also able to control the temperature in your room by adjusting the valve on your radiator, please make sure you use a sensible and energy efficient setting. Red recycling bins are available on site, please collect recyclable rubbish separately.
LOCAL AREA INFORMATION Tooting is a district in South London, located in the London Borough of Wandsworth. This area has extremely good transport links with the City and attracts many young professionals. Upper Tooting Road, which runs between Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway station, has become a popular place for visitors at the weekends. The place has an old school London vibe as well as fantastic fast food outlets.
Tooting Broadway also has an impressive market where you can buy anything from exotic food to oriental goods.
Tooting Bec Lido is the largest open-air fresh water swimming pool in London. Open from May to August to the public.
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PUBS & RESTAURANTS
There are several pubs dotted around the Tooting area where the drinks are very reasonably priced. You can also walk or take a short bus journey into either Clapham or Brixton. We recommend: Graveney and Meadow Easygoing all-day hangout serving brunch, Britishinspired small plates and cakes baked in-house. Address: 40 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9NA
If you fancy a decent curry just get yourself to Upper Tooting Road for the best Indian restaurants and takeaway. Tooting is arguably the best place in South London for a curry. Tooting also boasts a number of other restaurants. All cuisines are represented.
FIND THE NEAREST
Police Station 251 Mitcham Road SW179JQ Main phone number: 101 Tel: 020 7230 1212
Supermarket Sainsbury’s Supermarket 71-77 Tooting High St, SW17 0SU Open: Mon-Sat 7.00 am-11.00pm (+Sun to 5pm)
Corner shop Costcutter 107 Moyser Rd, London, SW16 6SJ Tel: 020 8769 1901 Open: Mon-Sun 6.00 am-01.00 am
Sport Center Tooting Leisure Centre, Greaves Place, Tooting London, SW17 0NE Tel: 020 8333 7555
Post Office Amen Corner Post Office Southcroft Road, SW17 Open: Mon-Sun 9.00 am-5.30 pm
Cinema Odeon Cinemas 47-49 Streatham High Road London, SW16 1PW Tel: 0871 22 44 007
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SOCIAL PROGRAMME We are more than just an accommodation provider, we would like to make sure that students staying in our accommodation make friends, socialise together and have fun. We organise events throughout the year, look out for our annual Halloween Party, Curry Night or Summer BBQ. Follow our events and updates on our Facebook page! MOBILE PHONES If you only need a SIM card but you don’t want to tie yourself down with a contract, we recommend Lebara: No hidden charges, low rates for international calls Collect your free Lebara SIM at the reception!
TOP 5 LONDON APPS Citymapper Helps you find your way around London by foot, bike, bus and tube. Time Out London Gives you a weekly list of the most exciting upcoming events and reviews. Hungryhouse Don’t feel like cooking? Get great food delivered straight to your room! Vouchercloud Everybody loves a discount! Just select the voucher you're after, and flash your phone screen when you pay! Spendometer If you're trying to stick to a budget, it's a good idea to keep a record of everything you spend.
The most important thing is that you have fun and gain as much from your time with us. Enjoy London and make the most of what it has to offer!